Singapore formally recognizes cat fosterers with new pilot program
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The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore approved around 40 cat fosterers under a new two-year pilot scheme, receiving approximately 90 applications in the first two months.
The program formally recognizes people who provide temporary homes for cats, allowing them to house up to six cats in public housing and ten in private residences, an increase from previous limits. While many fosterers welcomed the formal recognition and waived licensing fees for fostered cats, some raised concerns about restrictions.
Some worry the household cat limits, particularly for those living in public housing, could hinder their ability to rescue cats in urgent situations, such as mothers with litters. Organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) support the program’s framework and increased veterinary support, believing it will improve standards of care. However, SPCA also noted that fostering requires significant time and financial commitment and urged the government to involve fosterers in evaluating the pilot’s success.
The AVS, along with the Cat Welfare Society and the Housing and Development Board, will review the scheme to determine its long-term viability and gather community feedback.
