Your complete guide to adopting a dog in Singapore
BY CHANTEL LOH AND DYLAN CHENG31 MAY 2024Before any aspiring dog parent begins their adoption journey, there are 3 categories of things that would need to be considered carefully:
Singapore’s regulations around dog ownership
Costs involved in having a dog for life
Time and lifestyle changes involved
All of these will require you to make significant changes to your routine, habits, and budget, in order to give your furry best friend a wonderful life. Find out more below!
Rules & regulations on dog adoption and ownership
What dog breeds are allowed in my home?
Private property (non-HDB residential or commercial) owners are allowed to keep up to a maximum of 3 dogs at their premises. Only 1 specified dog can be licensed and kept in each private premise, subjected to additional licensing conditions.
If you are a HDB dweller, you may keep only 1 HDB-approved dog at any one time. These are usually smaller breed dogs, but special exceptions are made for Singapore Specials! Intended to give the larger, disadvantaged local mixed-breed dogs a higher chance of adoption, Project ADORE provides a legal route for HDB owners to adopt Singapore Specials up to 55cm in height.
(By the way, all our dogs at Metta Cats & Dogs Sanctuary are eligible for adoption under Project ADORE!)
Does my dog need a licence?
The short answer is: yes!
All pet dogs in Singapore must be licensed, under the Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing and Control) Rules. This helps to facilitate tracing in the event of outbreak of diseases like rabies.
You can get a licence for your dog by applying through the Dog Licensing E-Service with their SingPass. Here’s a handy step-by-step guide to licensing your dog!
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/pets/owning-a-pet/licensing-a-pet/dog-licensing-e-services
The costs of dog adoption and ownership
Potential adopters are usually worried about how much it will cost to adopt and give good quality care for a dog. Here’s a list of some common expenses:
One-time costs
Adoption fees
Adoption fees vary from shelter to shelter. At Mettacats & Dogs Sanctuary, our fee is S$100 for the adoption of a dog. The money goes towards the care of the remaining dogs at the shelter.
Microchipping
Microchipping is mandatory for all pet dogs! Owners would need to microchip and register their animals with Animal Veterinary Service (AVS). If your pet gets lost or stolen, the microchip helps to identify the dog easily. A microchip can cost about S$50-$100.
Dog licensing
Licensing your dog is required by law, and costs range from S$15 to S$460.
Sterilisation
Sterilising your dog is highly encouraged as it reduces the risk of certain diseases and behavioural issues. Which means your dog gets to live a longer, healthier & happier life!
A one-time sterilisation procedure can cost from S$350-S$850, excluding pre-surgery tests and post-surgery medications.
Training
Training for your dog is highly recommended, and is mandatory for adoptions under Project ADORE. Training reinforces good behaviour and builds confidence in both the pup and the owner. Remember to select certified trainers who use force-free methods and positive reinforcement, or ask the shelter you adopt from for recommendations. Costs can range from S$100 onwards.
Lifetime costs
Food!
Food costs vary depending on the size, age and dietary requirements of your dog. At Mettacats & Dogs Sanctuary, we spend around S$320 a month on food, supplements and treats for each dog. (Want to help sponsor one of our dogs? Click here!)
Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect our dogs from serious infectious diseases. Puppies would require booster shots more regularly, while an adult dog will typically need yearly vaccinations. Basic vaccinations can range from S$50-S$100. Read more about vaccinations here.
Healthcare costs
We strongly encourage pet owners to bring their dogs for regular vet checks, including dental examination. While once a year is usually sufficient for healthy pups, dogs with medical conditions will require more frequent visits. Basic vet consult fees range from S$30-S$80 per visit, with extra costs for medications, blood tests and procedures.
Flea, tick and heartworm prevention
These are usually given once a month and protect against harmful bacteria and life-threatening illnesses transmitted by parasites. Preventatives cost approximately S$20-S$30 a month, based on the dog’s weight.
Grooming costs
Basic grooming (includes bathing, fur trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning) costs approximately S$45-S$120 depending on the dog’s size. Dogs with long, thick fur generally require grooming every 4-6 weeks, while those with shorter fur may only need to be groomed every 8-12 weeks. Or learn to do it yourself and save costs - it’s a bonding opportunity with your dog too!
Other pet supplies
These costs really depend on how much you want to pamper your pup! Potential costs include treats, supplements, feeding bowls, beds, toys, harnesses, leashes, ID tags, etc.