Choosing to adopt a pet instead of buying one is one of the most compassionate decisions you can make. Every year, thousands of animals in Singapore are abandoned, lost, or born on the streets. Many of them end up in shelters or foster homes, waiting patiently for someone to give them a second chance. When you adopt, you’re not just getting a pet—you’re saving a life. You’re offering an animal a chance to experience love, care, and the warmth of a real home.
Adoption also helps to fight against unethical breeding practices. Many animals sold in pet shops come from puppy mills or backyard breeders where the conditions can be poor, and animals are treated as products rather than living beings. By choosing to adopt, you take a stand against this industry and support the ethical treatment of animals. You become part of a larger movement that values animal welfare and responsible ownership.
Adopting a pet is also more affordable. Most adoption fees are much lower than what you’d pay to buy from a breeder or pet shop, and they often include important essentials like vaccinations, microchipping, and sterilisation. These savings can be redirected toward giving your new pet the best life possible—quality food, toys, vet care, and, of course, your time and love.
Another reason to adopt is to help manage the issue of pet overpopulation. Singapore faces a growing number of strays and abandoned animals. When you adopt, you help reduce the burden on shelters and rescue groups, many of which are run by volunteers and rely on donations to continue their work. You also prevent another pet from being born into a world where so many already need homes.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about adoption is the bond that forms. Many adopted pets seem to understand that they’ve been given a second chance. They are loyal, grateful, and full of love. Whether you’re looking for a playful kitten, a calm senior dog, or even a rescued rabbit or hamster, there’s an animal out there that’s perfect for your family.
Pet Adoption in Singapore
In Singapore, several types of pets are commonly adopted, each offering unique personalities and companionship to suit different lifestyles. While dogs and cats remain the most popular, small animals like rabbits, hamsters, and even birds are also frequently chosen by families, singles, and elderly adopters alike. Here’s a closer look at the pets most commonly adopted across the island:
Dogs are one of the most popular adopted animals in Singapore. Many of them come from local shelters like SOSD, Voices for Animals, and SPCA. These include both local mixed breeds—affectionately known as Singapore Specials—as well as abandoned or surrendered pedigree dogs. Singapore Specials, in particular, are hardy, loyal, and full of character, although they may require a little patience and training, especially if they were rescued from difficult environments. Despite their challenges, many families find them deeply affectionate and devoted companions.
Cats are also widely adopted, especially from groups such as the Cat Welfare Society and LUNI. Community cats, strays, and kittens from hoarding cases are frequently rescued, sterilised, and rehomed. Cats are well-suited to apartment living, making them a favourite choice for urban households. They are independent but affectionate, and many adopters find their quiet presence soothing and low-maintenance compared to dogs.
Among small pets, rabbits are particularly popular, with organisations like House Rabbit Society Singapore and Bunny Wonderland actively rescuing and rehoming them. Rabbits are gentle, quiet, and intelligent animals that can be litter-trained and make wonderful indoor companions. However, they do require more care than people often realise, including proper diet, space to roam, and regular grooming.
Hamsters are another commonly adopted small pet. Groups like Hamster Society Singapore and Little Hammy Rescue often take in unwanted or neglected hamsters and rehome them to more responsible owners. Hamsters are especially popular with children and first-time pet owners due to their size and short lifespan, though proper care is still essential, including a suitable cage, clean environment, and appropriate food.
Other animals such as guinea pigs, parrots, and even terrapins are occasionally available for adoption through specialised rescues or private rehoming groups. For example, the Parrot Society (Singapore) helps rehome parrots that are no longer able to be cared for by their owners. These animals require specific environments and experienced handling, so they are best adopted by those who understand their needs.
In recent years, there has also been a rise in awareness about pet adoption over buying, thanks to the efforts of animal welfare groups and growing public education. More people are turning to adoption as a responsible and compassionate way to welcome a pet into their homes—choosing to give an animal a second chance at life.
If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, there’s likely a furry (or fluffy!) friend waiting for you at one of Singapore’s many dedicated shelters. Singapore is home to many passionate animal welfare groups working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Whether you’re looking to adopt a dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, or even a parrot, these organisations offer a meaningful alternative to buying pets. Here’s a look at the key players in Singapore’s pet adoption scene:
Dog Rescue & Adoption
- Action for Singapore Dogs : Aims to improve the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs. ASD runs a shelter and adoption program, and also promotes responsible dog ownership.
- Causes for Animals (Singapore) : Focuses on sustainable animal welfare solutions, including rehoming strays and public education on adoption.
- Chained Dog Awareness Singapore : Advocates against keeping dogs chained up. They rescue, rehabilitate, and educate to create a more humane environment for dogs.
- Exclusively Mongrels : Dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Singapore Specials (local mixed-breed dogs), this group champions the beauty of mongrels.
- Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary : A Christian-based non-profit that rescues dogs, providing them with love and care until they find forever homes.
- Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) : A no-kill shelter that rehomes stray and abandoned dogs rescued from industrial estates.SOSD (Save Our Street Dogs): One of Singapore’s largest dog welfare groups, SOSD rescues strays, rehabilitates them, and runs an active adoption and fostering network.
- Voices for Animals (VFA) : Specializes in rehoming retired breeding dogs and dogs from unfortunate backgrounds.
Cat Rescue & Adoption
- Cat Welfare Society : A well-known group focused on humane management of community cats. They promote sterilisation, fostering, and adoption of cats.
- Love Kuching Project : A volunteer-run group rescuing and rehabilitating cats, especially in the East of Singapore. They focus on medically needy cases.
- LUNI Singapore : A foster-based group that rescues stray kittens and cats, ensures they’re vaccinated and sterilised, and rehomes them locally.
Small Animal Welfare & Adoption
- Bunny Wonderland Singapore : An education-based rescue that promotes proper rabbit care. They rescue, foster, and rehome abandoned pet rabbits.
- House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) : Focuses on rabbit welfare through education, rescue, and adoption services.
- Hamster Society Singapore (HSS) : Offers rescue and rehoming for hamsters while educating owners on proper care and habitat needs.
- Little Hammy Rescue Singapore : A small rescue group dedicated to rehabilitating hamsters that are abused, neglected, or abandoned.
Bird Welfare
- Parrot Society (Singapore) : Supports responsible parrot ownership through education, welfare efforts, and a parrot rehoming network.
Multi-Species Animal Welfare
- Animals Lovers League : One of the largest no-kill shelters in Singapore, ALL is home to hundreds of cats and dogs waiting for adoption.
- Purely Adoptions : Rescues and rehomes both cats and dogs, offering foster care, adoption drives, and community education.
- Noah’s Ark CARES : A non-profit animal welfare group that rescues and sterilises stray animals, with a shelter in Johor that houses dogs, cats, horses, and more.
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) : Singapore’s most established animal welfare group, SPCA provides shelter, rescue services, a 24-hour animal emergency hotline, and a robust adoption program.
Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, and each of these groups provides guidance to help you choose the right animal for your lifestyle. By adopting instead of shopping, you’re giving an animal in need a second chance—and gaining a loyal companion in return.
Fees Associated with Adopting a Pet
Adopting a pet in Singapore is not free—and for good reason. While adoption is much more affordable than buying a pet from a breeder or pet shop, there are still costs involved to ensure the animal is healthy, safe, and ready for a new home. These fees help cover the medical care, food, and shelter the animal received while in rescue, and they also support the ongoing work of animal welfare organisations.
Pet Adoption Fee
When you adopt from a reputable group, you’ll typically be asked to pay an adoption fee. This can range from around $50 to $350, depending on the type of animal and the organisation. For example, adopting a cat may cost between $80 and $150, while adopting a dog may cost between $150 and $350. Small animals like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs may have lower fees, usually around $50 to $100. These adoption fees usually include important services like sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and a general vet check-up. If you were to pay for these treatments at a private vet clinic, the cost would likely be much higher.
Pet Licensing
In addition to the adoption fee, there are other expenses to be aware of. For dog owners in Singapore, licensing is mandatory. All dogs must be licensed with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). If the dog is sterilised, the license fee is $15 per year, with options for longer-term or lifetime licenses at a discounted rate. For unsterilised dogs, the annual fee is significantly higher at $90. Some adoption groups will assist with the licensing process, or even include it in the adoption package.
Basic Supplies
Beyond the administrative costs, adopting a pet also means preparing your home. You’ll need to invest in some basic supplies, such as food, bedding, toys, feeding bowls, leashes, and cages or litter boxes depending on the pet. The initial setup can cost anywhere between $100 to $300 or more, depending on the type and size of the animal. These are one-time costs, but they are essential to ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and well cared for from the start.
Other Pet Expenses
Then, of course, there are ongoing monthly and annual expenses. These include food, litter, grooming, routine veterinary visits, vaccinations, and possibly even pet insurance or emergency care. Depending on the pet, you might also need training or behavioural support. All of these are part of being a responsible pet owner, and it’s important to plan for them before adopting.
While adoption comes with costs, it’s important to remember that these fees go toward giving animals the care they need. You’re not just paying for a pet—you’re supporting the rescue work that made adoption possible in the first place. And in return, you receive a loyal companion who brings love, joy, and life into your home. When you adopt, you’re not only changing an animal’s life—you’re also making a difference in your own.
What to Look Out for Before Adopting a Pet
Adopting a pet is a meaningful and life-changing decision. It offers animals a second chance at love and companionship while bringing immense joy and purpose to your home. But before you bring a new pet into your life, it’s important to be fully prepared and aware of the responsibilities involved—and to be cautious about where and how you adopt.
First, make sure you’re ready for the long-term commitment. Pets are not temporary companions. Dogs and cats can live for over a decade, while rabbits, hamsters, and birds also require years of care. Ask yourself if you have the time, resources, and lifestyle to meet a pet’s needs every single day. This includes feeding, grooming, medical care, exercise, and emotional bonding. If you’re adopting as a family, ensure everyone in the household is on board.
Next, consider what type of pet suits your living environment and daily routine. A high-energy dog may not thrive in a small apartment without regular walks, while a shy cat might struggle in a noisy home. Think carefully about the animal’s personality, size, temperament, and medical needs. Don’t rush the process—take the time to find the right match for you.
It’s equally important to adopt from reputable sources. In Singapore, there are many dedicated animal welfare groups like SOSD, Cat Welfare Society, SPCA, and Animal Lovers League, who work tirelessly to rescue and rehome animals responsibly. These groups provide proper medical care, vaccinations, sterilisation, and ensure their animals are ready for adoption. They also conduct interviews or home visits to ensure that adopters are prepared and suitable.
Unfortunately, with the rise of social media, pet adoption scams—especially on Facebook—have become more common. Scammers may post photos of cute puppies, kittens, or exotic pets, claiming they are up for “urgent adoption” or “free to a good home.” They might ask for transportation fees, medical costs, or a deposit upfront—then disappear once the money is sent. These scammers often copy photos from other pages or pose as legitimate rescuers.
To protect yourself, be cautious of posts that seem too good to be true or create a sense of urgency. Avoid giving money to individuals who refuse to provide clear details about the animal’s history, health records, or refuse to let you meet the pet in person. Always ask for proof of the pet’s medical treatment, such as vaccination and sterilisation records. Genuine adoption groups will never pressure you to act quickly or transfer money without proper paperwork or communication.
Finally, take your time to ask questions. A good rescuer or adoption group will want to know more about you too—they’ll care about where their animals are going. Don’t be offended if they ask about your home, your experience with pets, or even conduct a home check. This is a good sign. It means they truly care about the welfare of the animals and want to make sure both you and the pet are a good fit.
Adoption is not just about finding a pet—it’s about changing lives, including your own. With the right mindset, preparation, and a trusted source, your decision to adopt can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
In the end, adoption is about making a difference. It’s about choosing kindness over convenience, love over looks, and responsibility over impulse. When you adopt, you don’t just change a pet’s life—you let them change yours too.
Thinking of adopting? Visit their websites or social media pages to learn more, attend adoption drives, or apply to be a foster caregiver.
