New Dog Owner's Guide: Cost for having a dog in Singapore

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In our previous article, we talked about how you can figure out what type of dog is most suitable for you and your family! While the prospect of getting a pet is exciting, pet ownership comes with plenty of costs. There are more expenses beyond the purchase price, as you will be responsible for taking care of your dog’s health, nutrition and entertainment. Let's break down the cost of owning a dog in Singapore!

Adoption vs Commercial Purchase
First thing an expectant new dog owner should know is that there are actually two ways to get yourself a dog in Singapore: adoption and commercial purchase.

In Singapore, the adoption process for a dog is relatively simple and inexpensive. Adoption from The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) can cost as low as $25, and this fee covers vaccination, sterilisation, deworming and microchipping. Below is a more detailed price for adoption in SPCA:

Singapore Specials – Local Mixed Breed Puppies (Under 6 months) — $250

Singapore Specials – Local Cross Breed Adults (6 months to under 7.5 years) — $150

Pedigrees and Crosses (Under 7.5 years) — $350

Seniors (Above 7.5 years OR stayed in SPCA for over a year) — $70

Dogs with Special Needs OR require Long Term Medical Care — $25

***Fees cover vaccination, sterilisation, deworming and microchipping with registration. Price excludes *$15/year AVS dog licensing fee.***

Some other shelters where you can adopt (and donate to) are:

Action for Singapore Dogs: https://www.asdsingapore.com/
Animal Lovers League: https://www.animalloversleague.com/
Voices For Animals: https://www.facebook.com/VFASIN/
Mdm Wong’s Shelter and Friends: https://www.facebook.com/Mdmwongsshelterandfriends/
OSCAS: https://www.oscas.sg/

However, if you prefer to commercially purchase a purebred or a popular mixed breed from pet shops, kennels, breeds or farms, be prepared to spend at least a few hundred dollars. Unlike adopting, this estimation does not include the cost for vaccinations, sterilization etc. Here’s a breakdown of your expenses of having a dog:

Upfront Expenses:

Deworming: $50
Vaccination: $35 to $80
Microchipping: $50 to $80
Spraying/Neutering: $150 to $500
Leash/Collar: $10 to $50
Dog licensing: $70 when unsterilized, $14 for sterilized or below 5 months old
Food supply for the first month: $40-$200, depends on brand, size of dog etc

Recurring Expenses

Food: $40 to $200 per month
Vaccinations: $35 to $80 each 1 to 3 years
Deworming: $50 (when required)
Licensing: $14 to $70 each year (Dog licenses are valid for one year only and have to be renewed before they expire. The renewal fees for sterilized dogs are $14 and $70 for the unsterilized dogs
Dog shampoo: $10 to $20 each few months
Vet visits + medication: $40 to $100
Grooming sessions: $20 to $110

**Do take note that this is the basic cost for owning a dog in Singapore. You will also need to take into account possible additional expenses like toys, training, carriers, beds etc

Owning a dog, especially in Singapore, is not cheap. You need to know that aside from the loveable personalities and cute faces, dogs are a huge financial commitment. In our next article, we will be exploring what are the ways you can get your home ready for the arrival of a new furry friend.