PETS IN SINGAPORE

Considering introducing a fourlegged companion to your brood? We recommend adopting. You’ll save a life and gain an affectionate and unique pal at the same time.

Many dogs, cats and other animals are sadly abandoned in Singapore’s construction sites, parks and roadsides. The lucky ones get rescued by pet organisations and charities who work hard to find them loving homes. By adopting, you give an animal another chance at a happy life, and reduce the number of strays roaming the island.

Before you decide to adopt, make sure you and your family members are on the same page about the financial and time commitment involved. Pet insurance is now available here, so you’ll want to factor that into the cost of keeping a cuddly companion. Once you’ve got all the details covered, check out the list of rescue organisations below to start the journey.

If you’re adopting, prepare yourself mentally for quite a bit of a screening, including interviews, house visits and bonding sessions – this isn’t a walk-in, walk-out job, and it can take weeks to sort out after you’ve found your pet, as the organisations want to make sure each animal goes to a loving home it deserves.

If you’re having second thoughts about adopting but still have time and love to spare, consider volunteering at a rescue society or fostering an animal – just get in touch with the individual organisation for details.

Here’s a list of reputable adoption agencies and non-profit rescue teams who will help you search for your perfect pet.

• Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) | sosd.org.sg

• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) | spca.org.sg

• Project Luni | project-luni.com/adoption

• Action for Singapore Dogs | asdsingapore.com

• Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS)

| causesforanimals.com

• House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) | hrss.net

• Animal Lovers League | animalloversleague.com

• Project Canine | facebook.com/projectcaninesg

• Lost Paws | lost-paws.org

• Voices For Animals Singapore

| facebook.com/VFASIN

• Hope Dog Rescue | hopedogrescue.blogspot.com

• Noah’s Ark Cares | noahsarkcares.com

• Cat Welfare Society | catwelfare.org

• Project Save our Street Kittens (SOKS)

| “Project SOKS” on Facebook

Keep an eye on Expat Living magazine for adoption opportunities; we regularly feature listings of cats and dogs looking for a new home in our Noticeboard pages.

We adopted our dog Brie last year and brought her with us from Hong Kong. I do not support pet shops or buying dogs from anywhere. There are so many pets waiting to be adopted, especially older ones that still have a long life ahead of them, but they often get overlooked for cuter puppies. When we adopted our fur baby she was already four years old, but she’s still full of energy and brings us so much joy.

Komal

We adopted a cat from the SPCA. Our friend Jonno rescued a cat that was being swept down a flood channel. She is now very happy, and her name is Bella.

Jessica

Do you have a pet here? Any tips on adoption?

I bought two Italian greyhounds here, from a pet shop and then from a breeder. We also adopted another from an unwanted home two years ago. If you have the time and energy, a dog is a great option in Singapore.

Nathan

I badly miss having a dog! We were trying to purchase a small to medium dog (West Highland Terrier or similar) but decided against it in the end. The cost more than tripled due to COVID-19 so we’re planning on purchasing a dog from a breeder when we go back to New Zealand.

Tim

WE ADOPTED A CAT HERE WITH PROJECT LUNI. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE, AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM. THERE ARE SO MANY CATS AND DOGS LOOKING FOR HOMES, SO IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT AND YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR THEIR TRAVELS WHEN YOU MOVE NEXT, PLEASE ADOPT!

Alicia

10 DOG RUNS IN SINGAPORE

There are plenty of dog-friendly outdoor spaces on the island; here are a few designated runs and other off-leash areas to keep you and your hound busy for a while!

Bishan Park Dog Run

Managed by NParks, this large, fenced dog run is located right within picturesque Bishan Park, and it gets very busy on the weekends. Along Bishan Road and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1

Tiong Bahru Sit Wah Dog Run

This one opened in 2018 on the back of a public petition for such a facility, and it has a Facebook page where you can meet fellow dog owners.

Behind 82 Tiong Poh Road

Katong Park Dog Run

A small, fenced run with some agility facilities. Gather up a few of your friends with dogs to get together and have your own little party! Junction of Fort and Meyer Road

West Coast Dog Run

Located in West Coast Park, this dog run is open to the public at all times with no defined operating hours. Car Park 1 is the closest place to park. Parallel to West Coast Highway

Jurong Lake Gardens

This area has had a makeover and the dog run is among the largest on the island, at 2,200 square metres. There are grassy hills for exploring, plus areas for washing dogs and more. 8am-10pm. Within Jurong Lake District

Potong Pasir Ave 1 Dog Run

This spot for Spot is located a few steps from Potong Pasir MRT station. It’s a sizeable run that’s perfect for a change in scenery. Block 102 Potong Pasir Avenue 1

K9 Park at NEX

This is an old favourite, featuring poles and hurdles for pooches, and separate enclosures for small and large dogs. Take the Pets Lift or outdoor escalator to the Sky Garden. Level 4R, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central

Yishun Park Dog Run

This dog run is modest in scale, consisting of two fenced enclosures, but it’s still a good place for smaller breeds to frolic. Between Yishun Central and Yishun Avenue 11

Tampines Central Park Dog Run

Looking to mingle with other dog-lovers? This is the place. Despite its humble size, this dog run gets plenty of visitors – mostly regulars and residents. Block 856, Tampines Street 82

Sunny Heights

Go all out at Sunny Heights (sunnyheights.sg), whose free swimming pool for pups is open from 1pm to 6.30pm. Paid training, grooming and day care are available, with an exclusive dog run for dogs in the day care. 110 Turf Club Road