Want to add a new furry member to the family? Save dogs, cats and other small animals at pet adoption shelters in Singapore.
We all know the joys of having a pet. In fact, studies have shown that having a four-legged friend of your own can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower your chances of depression, and even encourage exercise. However, caring for a dog, cat or rabbit is no walk in the park. It’s a real commitment. If you’ve done the research and you’re ready to welcome a new family member, consider pet adoption in Singapore! We’ve rounded up the top animal shelters to help you find your very own Marley or Garfield.
Where to adopt a dog in Singapore
1. Save Our Street Dogs
Established by a group of animal lovers, feeders and rescuers, Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) rescues, sterilises and rehomes stray dogs in Singapore. The non-profit also makes an effort to educate the public about them, and advocates against culling these homeless canines. You can help SOSD by fostering or adopting the dogs under its care, or sponsoring one if you can’t keep a pet in your home. It’s unable to accommodate drop-in visitors, so make an appointment before heading to the shelter.
Save Our Street Dogs, #01-42, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699014
2. Action For Singapore Dogs
Besides rescuing, fostering and rehoming stray dogs, Action For Singapore Dogs (ASD) is also a strong advocate of sterilisation. It’s active in campaigns that aim to increase public awareness of responsible pet ownership. All dogs within its care also receive proper medical and health care. As a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, its work is carried out by volunteers and through contributions. Help spread the love even if you’re not on the lookout for a new pet!
Action For Singapore Dogs, Lane 1, 80 Lim Chu Kang, Singapore 718911
3. Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter
OSCAS houses more than 100 Singapore Specials. These pups are saved from the streets or from being culled. There are many ways you can contribute to shelter if you can’t bring one home: donate your money or efforts to the non-profit, or help by fostering or sponsoring a furry friend.
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter, #01-33, Block R, The Animal Lodge, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699014
4. Hope Dog Rescue
Although Hope doesn’t have a physical shelter in Singapore, you can see pictures of its dogs for adoption on the website, and email them for enquiries. If you’re looking to volunteer, Hope needs extra hands for a range of duties – including bringing dogs to and from vet visits, house checks and visits for potential adoption, stray feeding, poster design, and outreach programmes.
Hope Dog Rescue, view online
5. Voices for Animals
Not just a safe haven for retired breeding dogs, VFA is also active in rescuing other animals including cats, rabbits, hamsters and domesticated pets. Viewing and adoptions can only be done during the pet adoption drive in Singapore, which happens once every month. There’s also an adoption fee of $250 that goes to helping other animals in need.
Voices for Animals, view online
Where to adopt a cat in Singapore
6. Project Luni
This non-profit foundation has been working for the good of cats in Singapore since 2016. The team works with volunteers to rehome and care for street cats, feeding them and helping to treat them for any medical issues. Prior to adoption, its cats are vaccinated, dewormed and treated for fleas and mites. They also go through one full health check so you can be sure they’re fit and healthy to come home with you. Keen to meet any of its cats? Simply fill in the enquiry form online.
Project Luni, #08-14, 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333
7. Kitten Sanctuary
This registered non-profit animal welfare group advocates for the lifelong adoption of cats in Singapore. It’s also known as the first and only neonatal kitten nursery and kindergarten. You can easily drop by to see these cute kitties at Kampong Glam. The volunteers work to rescue cats, and also supervise the adoption of these furry felines. Don’t forget to book an appointment before heading over – only six visitors are allowed in each section at a time!
Kitten Sanctuary, 737A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198705
8. Mettacats
This group of volunteers makes caring, rehabilitating and re-homing abandoned, sick and abused cats their job. Currently, there are more than 100 cats housed at Metta Cattery, all waiting to find a lovely home.
Mettacats, view online
9. The Cat Welfare Society
If you’re a cat lover in Singapore, you’ll know this amazing charity for its efforts in promoting humane, responsible and informed actions towards domestic and community felines through various campaigns, classes and workshops. Its Facebook page is also filled with heartwarming cat photos and humour, in case you need a dose of cuteness to turn around a bad day!
The Cat Welfare Society, view online
10. Animal Lovers League
Animal Lovers League is one of the largest serving animal welfare groups in Singapore. It’s also a registered no-kill animal shelter. It houses over 700 cats and dogs that wish to meet with kind and committed families.
Animal Lovers League, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699014
Where to adopt small animals in Singapore
11. House Rabbit Society of Singapore
Facing bunny problems? Turn to the House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS). This non-profit organisation aims to educate the public on rabbit welfare and care, and raise awareness surrounding abandoned bunnies. HRSS also offers rescuing, rehoming, fostering and adopting services for these cute, fluffy rabbits in Singapore.
House Rabbit Society of Singapore, Toa Payoh Central Post Office, Singapore 913104
12. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Arguably the most prominent animal welfare charity and adoption centre in Singapore, SPCA receives about 400 pets and stray animals per month. The adoption area is open for public viewing from Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday and public holidays, from 11am to 4pm.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 31 Mount Vernon Road, Singapore 368054
The pet adoption process: Things to take note of
1. Before you welcome home a new furry buddy…
- Ask yourself if you’re truly ready to handle the commitment of caring for a new pet. Are you prepared physically, mentally and financially for the long walks, clean-up tasks, medical treatments, love and attention that a pet needs?
- Do extensive research and stay informed. Visit animal shelters, talk to pet owners and look up information on the type and breed of animal online before making your decision.
2. Don’t forget the essentials
- On adoption day, bring along your NRIC/FIN card
- Take note of the required adoption fees. This generally includes vaccination, sterilisation, deworming, microchipping and registration.
- Your premises may be inspected. You may be required to mesh up your windows and front door to ensure a safe environment for your pet, and prevent them from slipping out and getting lost outside.
3. Meet your soon-to-be pet
- There’ll be a bonding session between you and your potential pet. This usually takes place either at the foster’s home or the animal shelter.
- There’ll also be a possible interaction session with existing pet(s) in your home if you have any.
Ready to give a furry friend their new forever home? Drop by these animal shelters in Singapore to adopt a pet.
