Living in Singapore and want to get a pet? There are so many animals up for adoption here, it’s definitely worth considering adopting before you go to the pet shops. We’ve also got some tips from a vet about what you need know before you get your new cat or dog – or even a rabbit!
Dogs for adoption
About OSCAS
OSCAS (Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter) is a registered Singapore charity set up in 2006. All the dogs have been rescued from the streets or from being culled. About 100 dogs are currently living under OSCAS care. The shelter runs purely on the support of volunteers, sponsors and donors, while the dogs wait for a forever loving home. There are five main ways people can help: sponsor, donate, volunteer, foster and – the ultimate way to help – adopt. As much as the OSCAS team tries their best to bring joy to the animals in the shelter, they know that a loving forever home of their own is the ideal place for them to be. If you’re looking to adopt a furry family member, email rehoming@oscas.sg. You can also visit the Adoption Gallery and learn more about adoption procedures at oscas.sg/adoption-gallery. oscas.sg
Nala
Nala is around eight months old and is a playful and affectionate pup who is currently in foster care. She’s been learning how to live in a home and urban environment with another dog, too. Having a playmate (even a cat) would suit her well! While she is confident inside, outside on walks she still has some fears to overcome with urban goings-on. To learn more about her, you can also follow her on Instagram @nalaroosg, which has been set up by her fosterer.
Jak
This handsome and enthusiastic fluffball is about 10 years old, but has the playful energy of a pup and can often be seen playing by himself at the shelter with toys or a towel, until a treat comes along – then you have all his attention! He loves to get out for walks and outings where he enjoys the car ride, too. His long fluffy coat requires regular baths and brushes, and he also enjoys a good massage.
Nerf
Nerf is a quiet, affectionate and curious nine-year-old. He may look tough, but Nerf is the sweetest dog with always an observant eye watching over you. He loves to snuggle and go out for leisurely walks. He’s in no hurry, but happy to sniff around and explore in his own sweet time. He’d be a great chill-out addition to a chilled-out family!
Lucky
Lucky is not just a pretty face! He’s super smart and already knows how to respond to several commands. Lucky has a youthful, healthy energy for an eight-year-old. He would love a home where he can enjoy cuddles and take outside walks to explore Singapore with his family
Sirius
Sirius is a smart, energetic and playful three-year-old. He even knows basic tricks such as “Sit”, “Lie” and “Paw” and will perform these instantly for a treat! He likes to get out for walks but still can get spooked, so he’d do well in a family who can handle him well and help him to trust and grow more confident by learning positive behaviours. He is eager to please, especially when treats are involved.
Do these senior rock stars inspire you? Great! Help out by adopting or fostering. If you can’t do that, perhaps you can donate, volunteer or simply spread awareness. Or, buy a calendar online for just $10 to help support the shelter. Interested in adopting a pup? Just email rehoming@oscas.sg.
Rabbits for adoption
House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare group dedicated to rabbit welfare and education. HRSS does not operate a shelter. Rather, it relies on a foster parent network to care for its rescued rabbits while they await their forever homes.
Can’t commit to forever? Then how about fostering a rabbit while they await adoption? HRSS will provide the training, setup and food supplies. The minimum fostering period is six months, but ideally it will be until the fostered rabbit is adopted. And remember, you should never give an animal as a present without the recipient knowing ahead of time and wanting the pet.
If you’re interested to adopt or foster, email HRSS at betty@hrss.net
Cats for adoption
Cat Welfare Society (CWS) is a charity that advocates for the harmonious co-existence of humans and cats. At the forefront of the humane management of the community cat population, CWS educates others about the importance of responsible cat ownership and sterilisation, campaigning against the destruction of cats. The charity is run by a network of volunteers, selfless caregivers who rescue, foster and rehome cats, all dedicated to the same goal: saving lives every day. Cat Welfare Society is not funded by the government; rather, it depends on donations. Make a difference by donating or adopting a cat at catwelfare.org.
- Orange Orange is an FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus ) – positive teddy bear who was unfortunately abandoned when his owners moved. Orange is a super laidback cat and the perfect Netflix binge-watch buddy. He’s also quite the charmer, and will communicate with you if you’re keen. You’re sure to be impressed by this dose of Vitamin C! Web: catwelfare.org/wcbprofiles/orange-theteddy-bear
- Pretty This beauty is an independent spirit who was once a community cat until complaints came in to remove her. Pretty is a loving cat once she is comfortable in a new environment. All she needs is lots of TLC and food to make her a happy camper! Web: catwelfare.org/wcbprofiles/prettythe-cat-that-need-to-be-relocated
- Charlie This two-year-old sweet kitty has proven to be quite the lovebug. Gentle in nature, Charlie is eager to be cuddled and enjoys hanging out with his human friends. He’s a lap cat and a purring machine. Despite being abandoned by a hoarder family, he remains very trusting and gets along well with other cats. We think he’s a foodie, too, as he enjoys his food very much! Web: catwelfare.org/wcbprofiles/charlie-thesweetboy
- Big Ear This cutie, who is probably an Oriental Shorthair mix, had lived his whole life in a cattery. He is timid by nature, but doesn’t have a mean bone in him. He loves to play – and loves to eat! However, do note that he is not a lap cat and is shy to human touch. Given time, he will blossom into a charming boy. Web: catwelfare.org/wcbprofiles/mousebig-ear-the-oriental-shorthair-mixlooking-for-a-home
- Calypso This sweet and affectionate senior gal was rescued from a hoarder situation more than five years ago. There are some who don’t like the look of tortoiseshell coats on cats, but see beyond her fur colour and you’ll know that Calypso is like any fantastic cat looking for a home – and an absolute lap warmer! Web: catwelfare.org/wcbprofiles/calypso
Advice before you adopt
Once you’ve chosen your new furry friend, it’s worth getting it checked by a vet for a few things first. The Vets for Life team helped us put together a list:
- Any sign of tick fever might mean your dog will not be allowed into another country when the time comes to relocate.
- It also needs to be checked for heartworm, so find out what vaccinations, if any, are required, and what else needs to be done.
- Is it sterilised? Unless you want the pitter-patter of small paws, (or the wrath of the next door neighbour who’s pet has been impregnated) it’s advisable to get this done.
- Luckily, there’s no rabies here, so immigration to most countries is fairly simple, though note that some countries do still request a vaccination.
- Whether your dog is a “Singapore Special” or a pedigree, you’ll need to watch for skin irritations – they’re prevalent here because the increased humidity causes accelerated bacterial growth. Dust mites and grass are the main irritants, though some people believe irritations are linked to the type of food the dog is fed.
- Vets for Life Animal Clinic has two outlets, one in the east and one on River Valley Road. Their internationally trained staff can help you get off to the right start.
Tanjong Katong Road | 6348 8346
Valley Point Shopping Centre | 6732 0273
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