HDB pet complaints average 4,000 a year, with dogs accounting for nearly half

An average of approximately 4,000 pet-related complaints per year were received by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) between 2021 and 2025, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat disclosed in Parliament on 4 March 2026.

The figures were provided in a written reply to two separate questions filed by Workers' Party MP He Ting Ru, Sengkang GRC, who sought both a regulatory overview and a five-year statistical breakdown of pet-related feedback received by HDB.

In her first question, Ms He asked the Ministry to set out the current regulations governing the number of animals permitted in HDB flats, the avenues of recourse available to neighbours affected by noise, odour, or hygiene concerns, and whether more updated enforcement measures and public education were needed.

Her second question sought a year-by-year breakdown of pet complaint volumes, categorised by animal type and by cases involving an excessive number of pets, as well as the total number of cases that resulted in formal enforcement action.

Mr Chee addressed the regulatory framework first, clarifying that HDB permits residents to keep up to two cats and one dog of an approved breed per flat. Residents may also keep small pets such as birds, provided these do not cause nuisance or disturbance to neighbours and the broader living environment. The rules apply uniformly across HDB's public housing stock.

On the question of recourse for affected neighbours, the Minister outlined a graduated response framework.

Where a resident's pet is found to be causing disamenities, "HDB will advise the pet owner to take the necessary measures to reduce the inconvenience," Mr Chee stated, adding that this includes referrals to dog trainers accredited by Animal and Veterinary Services (AVS) where disruptive behaviour is identified as the underlying cause.

Where disputes arise between neighbours, HDB encourages amicable resolution and, if necessary, directs parties to community mediation. For persistently non-compliant residents, flat owners "may be asked to re-home their pets, with assistance from animal welfare groups if needed."

Turning to the statistical picture, the complaints data showed dogs to be the predominant source of feedback, accounting for 47 per cent of pet-related complaints over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025.

Cats accounted for 31 per cent, while birds made up the remaining 22 per cent. The Minister did not provide the requested annual breakdown of these figures across each of the five years, presenting instead a single aggregate average.

On the specific question of excessive pet numbers as a complaint category, the Minister did not provide the requested historical breakdown for years prior to 2025, noting that this category was not specifically tracked before that year. In 2025, approximately 20 per cent of all pet-related feedback pertained to an excessive number of pets within a single flat — marking the first year such data was formally recorded.

The Minister also did not provide the requested figures on the number of cases that resulted in enforcement action over the five-year period.

Addressing Ms He's question on whether updated enforcement and public education measures were needed, Mr Chee pointed to ongoing efforts by the National Parks Board (NParks). NParks works closely with schools, community interest groups, and animal welfare organisations to run events promoting responsible pet ownership and best practices in animal care.

As a structural measure, all first-time cat or dog licence applicants are required to complete a free online course on responsible pet ownership before a licence is issued.