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!
Roy
Two-year-old Roy generally behaves very well, occasionally nibbling on furniture but responding quickly to correction, or when given his favourite toy as a substitute. He’s very sociable with both dogs and kids, and understands basic commands, but there are certain loud construction noises he dislikes. Roy has a condition called megaesophagus, which requires some monitoring for vomiting (usually at night) to avoid aspirated pneumonia. He will bark or whine when he’s hungry or bored, but exercise solves this. He’s a sweet boy (and HDBapproved) deserving of a forever home despite his condition.
Skippy
By far the most affectionate dog in the SOSD shelter, Skippy charms every volunteer, not just with her loving gaze but also with her smooth and wavy locks of fur. In the first three years of her life, Skippy was never taken out for walks from her kennel. As a result, she is terrified of rainy days, displaying “fear aggression” during a stint of apartment-living when she was first sent to an adopter. She’ll require plenty of work from all members of the family to gain her trust, so that she feels safe in your company, despite being in a foreign place.
Spotty
Meet Spotty! This three-year-old is a sweet, affectionate and loving companion. At home, he is gentle, has low energy and thoroughly enjoys sleeping the day away. He also performs signature nose “boops” to let you know he’s there, and loves lying at a person’s feet while they work. However, he has also developed separation anxiety and can be destructive once he’s alone at home. This can be corrected through training, so Spotty will need an adopter who’s willing to work through this issue to make him a more confident dog. Spotty isn’t HDB-approved.
Wonder
Wonder was found hiding under a lorry, weak and emaciated. She was found to have a medley of health issues, from infected ears and eyes, to blotchy skin, a urinary tract infection (UTI) and a tumour. With proper care, she gradually regained some strength, and was given the OK to be discharged for care at SOSD. She’s in the middle of completing a six-week chemotherapy course at the moment. Wonder’s face and body are tell-tale signs of a tough life as a stray. She’s had it hard, but remains a sweet and gentle girl. She’s estimated to be approximately 10 years old.
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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