Some dog breeds in Singapore are classified as Part 2 Specified Dogs and have additional ownership requirements. We’ve put together this simple guide to help prospective owners understand licensing, insurance, Banker’s Guarantee, training and home requirements.
Part 2 currently includes:
Thinking about a specific breed? If you’re unsure whether your puppy falls under the Specified Dog requirements, contact Woof Loof before placing a reservation.
Who needs a licence + basic requirements
Your dog must be securely leashed and muzzled whenever it is in a public place. The muzzle must be suitable to prevent the dog from biting an individual.
Owners must have an approved insurance policy providing at least S$100,000 in coverage. This covers potential injury to people or animals, as well as damage to property caused by the dog.
A S$2,000 Banker’s Guarantee is required for Part 2 Specified Dogs. This is separate from your insurance and forms part of the licensing requirements.
Part 2 Specified Dogs must complete the applicable basic obedience training with an AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer.
S$2,000 explained simply
A Banker’s Guarantee is a financial security required by AVS for owners of Specified Dogs. It is essentially a commitment from a bank or approved financial institution to AVS that the owner will comply with the conditions attached to the dog’s licence.
For a Part 2 Specified Dog, the required guarantee amount is S$2,000.
No.
The S$2,000 is the guaranteed amount, rather than a S$2,000 payment made directly to AVS.
You arrange the guarantee through a participating financial institution, such as a bank or an insurer that provides this service. The institution issues the guarantee to AVS on your behalf.
You may, however, have to pay the financial institution a fee for issuing the guarantee. The amount of this fee depends on the institution and its terms.
The guarantee provides AVS with financial security that the owner will comply with the licensing conditions for the Specified Dog.
If the owner does not comply with the applicable conditions, the existing guarantee may be forfeited, and the owner may be required to provide a new guarantee of an amount directed by the Director-General.
The Banker’s Guarantee must be submitted to AVS within four weeks of the dog licence application or within four weeks of the dog’s arrival in Singapore, whichever is later.
It must remain valid for the period of the dog’s licence and be renewed when required. For a multi-year licence, AVS advises synchronising the guarantee’s expiry date with the dog’s licence expiry date.
No. They are two separate requirements.
| Banker’s Guarantee | Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Required for Part 2? | Yes | Yes |
| Amount | S$2,000 guarantee | At least S$100,000 coverage |
| Purpose | Financial security for licensing obligations | Covers certain liability relating to injury or property damage |
| Paid to AVS? | No | No |
AVS requires both a Banker’s Guarantee and an approved insurance policy for Part 2 Specified Dogs.
No.
The Banker’s Guarantee is an arrangement between you, the financial institution and AVS. It is not part of Woof Loof’s puppy price, sourcing fee or import charges.
Woof Loof can help you understand where this requirement fits into the overall process, but the guarantee itself must be arranged by the dog’s licence holder.
Yes. AVS currently provides two routes: an electronic guarantee through eGuarantee@Gov with participating financial institutions, or a paper guarantee submitted through PALS.
Minimum S$100,000 liability coverage
Your insurance should remain valid throughout the period of your dog’s licence. If you renew your dog licence, you should also ensure that your insurance continues to meet the required conditions.
No. They are two separate requirements.
For a Part 2 Specified Dog, you need both:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Insurance — S$100,000 minimum coverage | Provides liability protection for specified incidents involving your dog |
| Banker’s Guarantee — S$2,000 | Financial security required as part of the dog’s licensing conditions |
We recommend arranging it before or around the time you apply for your dog’s licence, rather than waiting until your puppy arrives. This gives you time to make sure the policy meets the applicable requirements.
Your insurance needs to remain valid for the period of the dog’s licence. If your policy is due to expire, make sure it is renewed so that you continue to meet the licensing requirements.
Insurance and the Banker’s Guarantee are often confused because both are required for Part 2 Specified Dogs. Insurance protects against certain liabilities; the Banker’s Guarantee is a separate licensing requirement.
Required training + Woof Loof’s training support
The course completion certificate must be submitted through PALS within 10 weeks of the applicable date, generally the dog licence application, the dog’s arrival in Singapore, or release from quarantine, whichever is later.
We recommend planning ahead. You don’t need to wait until your puppy arrives to start looking into training. Finding an ACDT trainer early gives you more time to understand the available classes and make arrangements within the required timeframe.
No. While the training is required for Specified Dogs, it is also an important part of helping your dog become a well-mannered and manageable companion.
AVS recommends science-based, humane training methods and advises against aversive techniques and devices that can cause pain, fear or distress.
Your trainer will provide a course completion certificate, which needs to be submitted through PALS within the required 10-week timeframe.
Don’t leave training until the last minute. If you’re sourcing a Part 2 Specified Dog from overseas, we recommend thinking about your training arrangements before your puppy arrives in Singapore.
Don’t leave training until the last minute. If you’re sourcing a Part 2 Specified Dog from overseas, we recommend thinking about your training arrangements before your puppy arrives in Singapore.
HDB, private property, space requirements
Potentially, but ownership limits apply. If you already have dogs or cats, we recommend checking your total number of pets and the applicable requirements before reserving a puppy.
Yes. Beyond meeting the legal requirements, you should consider whether your home and lifestyle are suitable for the breed. Factors such as space, exercise needs, family members, handling experience and your ability to provide ongoing training are important.
If you’re considering a Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepherd or Cane Corso, check your housing eligibility before placing a deposit. It is much better to understand the requirements first than to discover later that the breed isn’t permitted at your property.
Buying a Specified Dog doesn’t have to be complicated.
Woof Loof helps families understand the requirements before they commit to a puppy, including breed suitability, licensing, insurance, training and import arrangements.
Our training arm also works with an AVS-certified trainer who can provide training at your home, helping you and your puppy build the right foundation from the start.
View Upcoming German Shepherds Or See other available puppies here
