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!
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
Dogs for adoption
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) has a very special calendar to help you track your days in 2020: Senior Dogs Rock. The models? OSCAS older mongrels, rescued from the streets of Singapore. All they need is to bring their music of love to your lives and let their inner puppy shine.
- Aziz Aziz is the February pinup, doing his best Rod Stewart album cover pose! He is one of the many strays that OSCAS founders fed every night when he lived on the streets. He was rescued in 2013, after he was found with a nasty cut across his paw that left him limping in pain. He has fully recovered and is a happy, friendly, affectionate and lovable boy who wags his tail when food arrives. Aziz is around nine years old.
- Tag Look at that smile! Tag is a playful and loving nine-year-old boy with lots of energy. He loves human company and will jump up for hugs when he knows you. Tag is guaranteed to put a smile on your face that’s as big as his, and he’ll give you a cuddle to go with it!
- Genghis Genghis is one of those dogs that is chilled with any other dog. She is a calm girl – sweet and friendly, with eyes that will melt your soul. She’s an easy walker, too, and has a great appetite, so leisurely walks are all the more important to keep this 11-year-old in good health!
- Tigger Tall and handsome, Tigger is three years old and has just arrived at the shelter. He once had a home as a puppy, but then was abandoned to the streets where he lived for two years. Despite this hardship, he is the most friendly and gentle boy. He knows basic commands such as sit and how to take a treat gently from your hand. Tigger walks easily on a leash and has the cutest personality and looks. He would do well in a home with company around him.
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.
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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