Before adopting, make sure you’re financially, emotionally, and physically ready for a lifetime commitment. Adoption costs don’t end at the adoption fee — ongoing expenses include food, grooming, training, vaccinations, and unexpected vet bills (especially for pets with special needs).

If you’re not ready for a long-term commitment but still want to help, consider fostering instead.

How adoption usually works

1. Contact the adoption group and complete a pre-adoption questionnaire or form.
2. Arrange a visit to meet potential pets. (Bring your family first; introductions to existing pets usually come later if required.)
3. Trial homestay or home assessment may be required, depending on the organisation.
4. Pay the adoption fee. This varies by organisation and typically supports sterilisation, vaccinations, microchipping, and basic care.

HDB Note: Project ADORE (for Singapore Specials)

If you live in an HDB flat and wish to adopt a local mixed-breed dog (Singapore Special), Project ADORE allows:

• Dogs up to 55cm at the shoulder
• One dog per HDB unit
• Standard ownership requirements (licensed, microchipped, vaccinated, sterilised)

Compulsory training with AVS-accredited trainers is part of the programme and is arranged by the adoption partner.

Retired K-9 Sniffer Dogs (Project ADORE K-9)

Eligible HDB residents may adopt retired sniffer dogs through official adoption drives. Allowed breeds include Labrador Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, and Pointer.

Keep a lookout for adoption drives organised by: Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Military Working Dog Unit Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) K-9 Unit Singapore Police Force (SPF) K-9 Unit

Where to Adopt

🐶 For Dogs

Voices For Animals (VFA)
Rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes retired breeding dogs and vulnerable animals.
📧 vfasin@gmail.com

Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)
Focuses on rescuing and rehoming Singapore Specials.
📧 adoptions@asdsingapore.com

SOSD (Save Our Street Dogs)
Rescues and rehomes Singapore Specials. Also welcomes fosterers and volunteers.
🔗 Applications via website (by appointment)

Exclusively Mongrels
Rehomes local mixed-breed dogs. HDB adopters must adopt ADORE-eligible dogs.
🔗 Applications via website

MercyLight Singapore
Rescues and rehomes dogs and cats. Supports fostering and volunteering.
📧 blessings@mercylight.org.sg

🐱 For Cats

LUNI Singapore Ltd
Rescues and rehomes community cats.
📧 info@lunisingapore.com

Cat Welfare Society
Advocates for cat welfare and facilitates adoption.
📧 info@catwelfare.org

🐾 Dogs, Cats & Small Animals

SPCA Singapore
Rehomes dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters.
📧 enquiries@spca.org.sg

Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS)
Rescues and rehomes dogs and cats.
📧 info@causesforanimals.com

Use PawketPlace to Track and Stay Ahead

If you’re overwhelmed juggling symptoms, routines, and reminders, PawketPlace can help. The Health Log and Behavioural Diary make it easier to track changes, spot patterns, and make vet visits more productive.

It’s all part of building a smarter, more proactive pet care journey even when life gets messy.

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