HDB‑Approved Dog Breeds & Updated Size Rules: Project ADORE 2020

In the past, only small dogs were allowed in HDB homes. But thankfully, with recent schemes and revisions, we’ve seen an increase in the number of dogs being rehomed!

Join us as we list down all the HDB approved dog breeds, and highlight the significant milestones in HDB dog ownership regulations!

HDB Approved Dog Breeds

Here’s the list of the 62 dog breeds that have been approved by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).

HDB homeowners are only allowed to have small dogs with a height of 40cm (at their shoulders) and weight of 10kg and below.

The 63rd breed on the list is Singapore Specials under Project ADORE, which will be touched on later.

Regulations and Good Practices for Owning A Dog in HDB

Only 1 dog is permitted per HDB home

On normal days, if you leave your dog at home alone, it’s best to give him the same amount of alone time now. For example, make sure that you give him some space to rest or play by himself.

Under HDB regulations, owners are only allowed to keep 1 dog (from the list of approved breeds) per home. Breaching this regulation will result in a fine of up to $4,000.

Pet licencing is compulsory

You need not get HDB’s approval to keep a dog if it’s an approved breed. However, do note that all dogs have to be licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Your pet is your responsibility

HDB’s regulations are put in place to ensure that residents can live harmoniously without uninvited disruptions. However, as a pet parent, you’re accountable for taking care of your pet and creating a comfortable home for them.

For example,

• making sure that it doesn’t bark excessively,
• picking up and disposing of their waste promptly, and
• keeping them securely in your home.

HDB Approved Dogs under Project ADORE

Any dog taller than 40cm or heavier than 10kg are typically not allowed in HDBs.

But in April 2012, Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) was put in place to allow HDB homeowners to adopt a local mixed-breed dog.

Only dogs adopted from these 5 participating dog shelters are qualified for the scheme:

• SPCA,
• Action for Singapore Dogs,
• Save Our Street Dogs,
• Exclusively Mongrels and
• Causes for Animals.

Past criteria for dogs allowed in HDBs

Under this scheme, dogs that fulfil the following criterion are allowed to be rehomed to HDB flats.

• Local medium-sized mixed breed or Singapore Special
• Shoulder height of up to 50cm and weight of up to 15kg
• Minimum age: 6 months old
• Sterilised
• Have undergone basic obedience training by AVA-accredited trainers

Straits Times has reported that this meaningful scheme has successfully rehomed 1,335 local mixed-breed dogs as of 31 December 2019.

Launch of K9 public adoption scheme

After Project ADORE, the K9 Public Adoption Scheme was launched in June 2017 to allow HDB owners to adopt retired dogs from the

• Singapore Police Force,
• Singapore Civil Defence Force K-9 units, and
• SAF Military Working Dog Unit.

This scheme has been extended for another 2 years till 1 March 2022.

New size criteria for dogs allowed in HDBs

On 1 March this year, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) announced a revised criterion for Project ADORE — shoulder height of up to 55cm with no weight limit.

These revisions are estimated to enable 20% more local mixed-breed dogs to be rehomed.

HDB residents that are keen on this scheme have to be aware of the following:

• Understand that only 1 registered dog is allowed per HDB household
• Check that your immediate neighbours are open to you having a dog
• Sign a declaration to ascertain that you’ll observe the Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB)
• Ensure that your new dog is sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped
• Apply for an AVA license

Adopting a HDB-approved dog via Project ADORE

After countless appeals and feedback, HDB’s dog ownership schemes have definitely developed over the years. This allows more dogs to be adopted into loving homes!