The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has announced that restaurants with Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) will no longer need a special "pet café" licence to allow pets in their outdoor seating areas—as long as they aren’t serving pet food. This change will benefit both pet owners and restaurant businesses, and it’s set to expand pet-friendly dining options across the island.
Currently, any restaurant that wants to accommodate pets in outdoor areas must apply for a specific pet café licence. Starting next year, this requirement will be removed for businesses that do not serve pet food. Under the new regulations, pets are still not allowed inside enclosed dining areas or at hawker centres, which are classified as communal spaces in high-traffic public areas.
For restaurants that wish to serve both pet and human food, a pet café licence will still be required. This is due to the increased food safety measures needed to prevent cross-contamination, such as having separate food preparation areas and storage for pet and human meals.
For restaurants, this change offers a big opportunity to cater to a broader audience—pet owners who want to enjoy a meal without leaving their furry family members behind. Those that choose to embrace this pet-friendly policy will have some responsibilities to ensure the dining experience is enjoyable for all patrons, with or without pets. This include requirements for clear signage indicating pet-friendly areas, and easy access to handwashing facilities or sanitisers for customers.
This policy change represents a step toward a more inclusive dining scene in Singapore, providing an opportunity for restaurants to cater to pet owners without the need for additional licensing.
If you’ve been hoping for more pet-friendly dining options, this is great news! With the ease in regulations, pet-friendly dining areas will be expanding as we expect to see more F&B outlets embracing this change. So, whether it’s brunch by the river or dinner al fresco, there’s more opportunity for your pup to be part of the action.
While this is an exciting time for pet owners, it's important to remember that dining out with pets comes with responsibilities. Always ensure that your pet is comfortable, well-behaved, and that you respect the space of other diners. Make sure your pet is on a leash and avoid allowing them to roam around freely, as not everyone may be comfortable around animals. Don't forget to bring essentials, like waste bags, to clean up after your pet. We can all do our part to help keep dining experiences pleasant for everyone and ensure that more restaurants continue to welcome pets in their outdoor areas.
The latest update from the SFA a welcome development for pet parents in Singapore, who can expect to see a wider variety of dining spots to enjoy with their furry companions. Keep an eye out for new pet-friendly dining spots popping up!
For a truly pet-friendly experience, why not dine at Toma by the River? Not only does Toma provide an beautiful alfresco setting perfect for riverside walkies, but you can also treat your dog to one of Nutrivore’s gently-cooked meals while you dine.
Click here to make a booking, or here to view @toma.bytheriver on Instagram
