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
There is no better time to adopt a pet who can give you some much-needed love during this difficult period. Just be sure you will still want it when all returns to normal!
SUMO
Sex: Male
Age: 7
Sterilised: Yes
Temperament: Friendly, docile and easy-going
Sumo is a big guy with a big heart. He lived on a construction site with his mother, until he saw her tragically killed by a bus. After he lost her, he lived on the roadside where a kind soul made him a shelter.
Being so friendly, Sumo took food readily from strangers – which saw him pile on the kilos. He was rescued and taken to the vet after people noticed he had a boil on his leg. They then decided not to put him back on the street as he has such a good temperament.
Sumo would make a great family pet, especially for first-time dog owners. He loves to go out for walks, and a healthier diet is helping him to get into shape. He is a friendly giant who just wants to please people.
GEORGE
Sex: Male
Age: 9
Sterilised: Yes
Temperament: Energetic, friendly and curious
George is a big, beautiful boy who loves nothing more than going outdoors for a walk. He is an active and affectionate dog, with a smile that will melt your heart.
This sweet and friendly guy can be a little shy and reserved when he first meets new people. But once he knows you, he transforms into a loving, confident dog who wants nothing more than to go for a walk outside and to explore his surroundings.
Even though he was born in 2011, George is still a puppy at heart. A smart, playful senior who would love a family to call his own.
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.
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
vetsforlife.com.sg
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