New Puppy Coming Home in Singapore? 7 Things to Do First
Deep breaths — you've got this. Here's everything you need to know before and after your puppy walks through the door, written specifically for Singapore dog owners.
That feeling when you know your puppy is finally coming home? There's nothing quite like it. You've probably been googling everything — what to buy, what to expect, what to do first. You might be a little nervous, a little unprepared, and a lot excited. That's completely normal. Every single dog owner has been exactly where you are right now.
Here's the honest truth: the first week is messy, exhausting, and also one of the most wonderful things you'll ever experience as a pet owner. Your puppy may cry at night, probably have accidents, and likely chew something they shouldn't. That doesn't mean you're doing it wrong — it means you have a puppy. This guide covers everything Singapore-specific that other guides skip: HDB breed rules, AVS dog licensing, local vet timing, and what to buy before day one. Read it through, even quickly, and day one will feel so much calmer.
1 Before Your Puppy Arrives
We know, we know — you just want the puppy to get here already! But a little bit of preparation the day before makes such a difference to how calm you feel when it actually happens. Even 30 minutes of getting things in order helps.
Get everyone in the household on the same page
If you live with family or housemates, have a quick chat now about who's responsible for what. Vague "we'll all help out" arrangements fall apart fast when you're sleep-deprived at 6am and the puppy needs a walk. Be specific: who feeds them in the morning, who takes the last walk at night, who books the vet. Having this sorted in advance saves a lot of stress — and a lot of disagreements.
Set up their safe space before they arrive
Decide where your puppy will sleep and spend most of their time for the first few weeks before they walk through the door. A playpen or crate in the living room or bedroom — somewhere they can see you and you can see them — works beautifully. Puppies feel so much more settled when they can sense you nearby. Don't give them full run of the flat on day one; it's overwhelming for them, and for you when you're trying to figure out where they've disappeared to.
Do a quick puppy-proof of your flat
Get down low and look at your home from puppy height — you'll be amazed what you spot. In a Singapore HDB flat especially, there are a few things to check:
- Cables and wires — tuck them away or use cable covers. Puppies chew on anything, and cables are genuinely dangerous.
- Toxic plants — pothos, peace lily, and many popular houseplants are toxic to dogs. Move them somewhere out of reach.
- Kitchen access — a playpen or baby gate works well here. Fallen food, bin contents, and sharp utensils are all hazards at ground level.
- Toilet and bathroom door — keep it shut. Puppies are surprisingly resourceful at finding things they shouldn't eat in bathrooms.
- Windows and ledges — make sure all windows have secure grilles or mesh. In HDB flats especially, puppies have no sense of height and are naturally curious climbers.
💡 One thing that trips up almost everyone
Ask the breeder, shelter, or previous owner what food your puppy has been eating and buy the same brand for at least the first week. Switching food suddenly almost always causes stomach upset — loose stools, reduced appetite, general unhappiness. Transition gradually over 7–10 days by mixing old and new food in slowly changing ratios.
2 What to Buy — The Complete List
It's very easy to go overboard here. Pet shops are wonderful and dangerous places when you're excited about a new puppy. Our honest advice: buy the essentials before they arrive, then wait and see what your puppy actually likes before buying more. Some dogs go wild for squeaky toys; others ignore them completely and prefer a worn sock. You won't know until they're home.
Get these essentials sorted before your puppy arrives — you'll thank yourself on day one.
| Item | Notes | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Food & water bowls | Stainless steel is easiest to clean and won't harbour bacteria the way plastic can. | Must-have |
| Puppy food | Match what they were eating before. Transition gradually over 7–10 days if switching brands. | Must-have |
| Crate or playpen | A playpen gives more room to move; a crate is better for toilet training. Many owners use both. | Must-have |
| Collar & ID tag | Lightweight, adjustable. The ID tag should have your phone number on it from day one. | Must-have |
| Leash | A standard 1.2–1.5m leash is ideal. Avoid retractable leashes for puppies — they can't learn proper walking on them. | Must-have |
| Pee pads | Essential until vaccinations are complete (around 16 weeks). Puppies cannot go outside safely before then. | Must-have |
| Soft washable bed | Buy something machine-washable. Accidents happen — a lot. | Must-have |
| Chew toys | Have 3–4 different textures available. Puppies teethe and need appropriate things to chew — or your furniture becomes the alternative. | Must-have |
| Enzymatic cleaner | Regular cleaners don't remove the scent of accidents — enzymatic cleaners do, so your puppy won't return to the same spot. | Must-have |
| Harness | Better than a collar for walks — less strain on a puppy's neck. Get one ready for when vaccinations are complete. | Nice to have |
| Puppy shampoo | Use a puppy-specific formula — never human shampoo. You won't need this immediately but it's worth having. | Nice to have |
| Nail clippers | Start touching their paws regularly from day one. It makes nail trims much easier as they grow. | Nice to have |
Shop puppy food, bowls, beds, crates, leashes, pee pads, and toys at Polypet, with island-wide delivery across Singapore.
3 HDB Rules You Must Check First
If you live in an HDB flat, this section is important — please don't skip it. Finding out your breed isn't allowed after you've already fallen in love with a puppy is genuinely heartbreaking. A quick check now saves a lot of pain later.
⚠️ HDB residents — check this before you get a dog
HDB residents can only keep one dog from the official approved list of 60+ small breeds. Many popular breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Huskies, and Shiba Inus, are not on the HDB approved list. Verify your breed against the HDB/AVS approved list before you bring any dog home.
What breeds are allowed?
The approved list covers small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Maltese, and Toy Poodles. You can view the full list on the HDB website. Two exceptions exist for slightly larger dogs:
🐕 Project ADORE
Allows HDB residents to adopt local mixed-breed Singapore Specials up to 55cm at the shoulder. Must be adopted from an AVS-approved Animal Welfare Group. Mandatory obedience training applies.
🦺 Project ADORE K-9 Scheme
A permanent scheme for adopting retired K-9 sniffer dogs (Labradors, English Springers, Cocker Spaniels, Pointers) through organised adoption drives by SAF, SCDF, and SPF K-9 units. Screening applies.
❌ Not permitted in HDB flats
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Huskies, Shiba Inus, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and all other medium-to-large breeds. Fines of up to S$4,000 apply for non-compliance.
📋 One dog per unit only
Generally, one dog is allowed per HDB unit. Exceptions exist for assistance dogs and cases with temporary AVS approval. If you already have a dog, getting a second typically means the first must be rehomed.
The rules can feel overwhelming at first — but the bottom line is simple: check your breed before you commit, get licensed once your dog is microchipped, and you're good to go. If you want the full picture on HDB and condo rules, we've covered everything in one place:
For a full breakdown of HDB and condo pet rules including cat licensing, read our complete guide: Pet Ownership Rules in Singapore — HDB & Condo Guide (2026) →
4 The First Day, Step by Step
Here's something nobody tells you: your puppy is scared on day one. Even the ones that seem fine — tail wagging, nosing into everything — are processing an enormous amount. Their mother, their siblings, every familiar smell — all gone at once. Your job today isn't to make it exciting. It's to make it feel safe.
Toilet spot first — before anything else
Before exploring, before photos, before introducing them to the family — bring your puppy straight to their pee pad. They'll almost certainly need to go after the journey. When they do, tell them quietly that they're brilliant. You've just begun toilet training.
One room at a time — resist the urge to show them everything
Let them sniff and explore at their own pace. Follow them calmly. Don't pick them up constantly or guide them around — just let them discover. This is their way of getting comfortable with their new world.
Show them the three most important spots
Their food and water bowls. Their toilet area. Their sleeping spot. These three locations are your puppy's whole world for the first few days. Make sure they know where they are. Put a worn piece of your clothing in their bed so it smells like you — it's an instant comfort.
Hold off on visitors — just for today
Everyone wants to meet the puppy. We completely understand. But too many people and too much handling on day one leads to an overwhelmed, exhausted puppy. Keep it to immediate household members today. There's plenty of time for everyone else to meet them this week.
Watch for toilet signals — they happen frequently
Puppies need to go every 1–2 hours, and especially after eating, drinking, sleeping, and playing. The signs: sniffing the ground intensely, circling, or suddenly squatting. When you see any of these, calmly guide them to their pee pad. Celebrate every success — they're genuinely trying their best.
💡 If you can take time off — do it
Even two or three days at home during the first week makes a real difference. A puppy left alone for a full workday on day three will be anxious and confused — not because they're naughty, but because they don't understand yet that you always come back. A few days of presence builds trust faster than anything else.
Browse playpens, crates, and cosy beds — all designed to help your puppy feel settled and secure from day one.
5 Surviving the First Night
Okay — real talk. The first night is hard. Your puppy is going to cry, and it is going to tug at every heartstring you have. You will want to go to them. You will want to bring them into your bed. Here's how to handle it kindly, without making the next few weeks harder for both of you.
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Put the crate near your bed
For the first few nights, just being able to hear and smell you is enormously comforting. Once they've settled over the following weeks, you can gradually move it further away.
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Leave a worn piece of clothing in the crate
Your scent is the most reassuring thing in your puppy's world right now. A worn T-shirt tucked into their bedding can make a surprising difference.
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Try a ticking clock wrapped in a towel
It sounds a little unusual, but the rhythmic ticking can mimic a heartbeat and genuinely helps some puppies settle. Place it near — not in — the crate.
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Don't go to them every time they cry
This is the hardest step, but it's important. If they learn that crying brings you immediately, they'll cry every time they want attention. Wait for even a short pause in the crying, then calmly check on them. You're not being unkind — you're helping them learn to self-soothe.
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Do take them to their toilet spot if they seem urgent
Young puppies genuinely cannot hold their bladder through a full night. A 2am toilet trip for the first few weeks is completely normal — and it's much better than cleaning up an accident in the crate.
⏳ It really does get better — quickly
Most puppies are significantly more settled by nights 3 to 5 once they understand the routine and realise you always come back. The first night is almost always the hardest. Stay consistent, be patient with yourself as much as with your puppy, and resist bringing them into your bed unless that's something you're happy with long-term.
6 First Vet Visit in Singapore
Walking into a clinic with a tiny puppy you've had for 48 hours, not quite knowing what to ask — that's how almost everyone feels. Don't stress about it. Your vet is used to this. Book an appointment within the first week, ideally within 2–3 days. It's not an emergency visit — it's a getting-to-know-you check-up, and it's one of the best things you can do early on.
Your vet is one of the most important relationships you'll build as a dog owner — start it early.
What happens at the first visit
- Full physical examination — eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen. A good baseline for everything that follows.
- Vaccination review — the vet checks what your puppy has had and schedules the rest.
- Deworming — most puppies need this at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, then monthly until 6 months.
- Flea and tick prevention — Singapore's climate means year-round risk. Your vet will recommend a preventative.
- Microchipping — required for AVS dog licensing. If not done yet, this is the time.
- Sterilisation discussion — your vet will advise when to sterilise (typically 5–6 months for small breeds) and explain the health and behavioural benefits.
Singapore puppy vaccination schedule
| Age | Vaccination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) | Usually done by breeder or shelter before handover. |
| 10–12 weeks | Second DHPP + Leptospirosis | Book with your vet shortly after bringing your puppy home. Leptospirosis is strongly recommended for any dog with outdoor access in Singapore. |
| 14–16 weeks | Third DHPP | Final dose must be given at 16 weeks or older to overcome maternal antibody interference. After this, your puppy can safely go outside. 🎉 |
| 12–16 months | First adult booster (DHPP) | Critical — this protects puppies that may not have responded to any dose in the initial series. |
| Annually or as advised | Ongoing boosters | Your vet may recommend annual or longer intervals depending on your dog's lifestyle and risk profile. Discuss at each visit. |
💡 Rabies is not routinely required in Singapore, which has been rabies-free since 1953. It is a non-core vaccine recommended only if your dog will be travelling internationally. Source: Singapore Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, AVS/SVA 2020.
⚠️ Keep paws off the ground until vaccinations are complete
Until your puppy has finished their vaccination course — with the final dose given at 16 weeks of age or older — do not let them walk on public ground: pavements, grass, parks, or anywhere other dogs have been. Parvovirus is extremely contagious, can survive in the environment for months, and can be fatal in unvaccinated puppies. Keep them fully indoors and use pee pads. If you must take them to the vet, carry them and avoid contact with surfaces in waiting areas. It's a short window — completely worth the patience.
7 AVS Dog Licensing — How to Do It
This is one of those things that's easy to forget when you're caught up in puppy excitement — but it's a legal requirement, so let's get it sorted. All dogs in Singapore must be licensed with AVS. The good news: it's done online, takes about 20 minutes once you have everything ready, and is completely straightforward.
What you need before you apply
- Microchip — your dog must be microchipped first. The microchip number is required for the application. Done at the vet.
- Vaccination records — must be current and up to date.
- Pet Ownership Course — first-time applicants must complete a free online course at go.gov.sg/petownershipcourse (about 30 minutes — covers basic care and responsible ownership).
- SingPass — required to log in to the PALS licensing portal.
How to apply — step by step
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Complete the Pet Ownership Course
Go to go.gov.sg/petownershipcourse and complete the free online module. It's required before first-time applicants can be issued a licence.
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Get your dog microchipped at the vet
The microchip number is your dog's unique ID for the licensing system. If your puppy arrived without a chip, this is the first thing to sort at the vet.
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Log in to PALS with SingPass
Go to pals.avs.gov.sg and log in. Select "Apply for a new dog licence" and follow the steps.
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Enter your dog's details and upload records
You'll need the microchip number, vaccination records, and your completed course certificate. The form is clear and straightforward.
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Pay the licence fee and you're done
Your digital licence is issued immediately. Keep a copy somewhere accessible — you may be asked to produce it by AVS or HDB.
Licence fees at a glance
| Dog type | Fee | Validity | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterilised dog — one-time lifetime licence | S$35 | Lifetime — no renewal needed | ✓ None ever |
| Sterilised dog — annual licence | S$15 per year | 1 year | Renew annually via PALS |
| Non-sterilised dog — annual licence | S$90 per year | 1 year | Renew annually via PALS |
| Non-sterilised dog — 2-year licence | S$165 | 2 years | Renew via PALS before expiry |
💡 A 10% rebate applies when paying via GIRO, online, or AXS. Fees above exclude this rebate. Source: AVS Licence Fees page, last updated October 2025.
💡 Sterilise and save — the maths is pretty clear
A sterilised dog licence costs S$35 once, for life — or S$15 per year if you prefer annual renewal. An unsterilised dog costs S$90 every year. Over 10 years, that's S$35 versus S$900 for the one-time versus annual unsterilised comparison. Beyond the savings, sterilisation significantly reduces the risk of certain cancers, reduces hormonally driven behaviours like roaming and marking, and generally makes for a calmer, healthier dog. Most Singapore vets recommend sterilising around 5–6 months for small breeds.
Once your puppy is licensed and vaccinated, the real adventures begin. Make sure you've got the right nutrition sorted — browse our full range of puppy food, available for island-wide delivery.
? Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do the first day my puppy comes home?
Keep it calm and quiet — that's the most important thing. Bring your puppy to their toilet spot as soon as you arrive home, then let them explore one room at a time at their own pace. Show them where their water, food, and bed are. Hold off on visitors for the first day. Your puppy has just lost everything familiar to them — your job today is to help them feel safe, not to make it exciting. → See Section 4: The First Day
What do I need to buy before my puppy arrives in Singapore?
The must-haves: food and water bowls, puppy food (matching what they were already eating), a crate or playpen, collar with ID tag, leash, pee pads, a soft washable bed, chew toys, and enzymatic cleaner for accidents. Buy just these first — you'll know what else your puppy needs once they're home and you've seen their personality. → See Section 2: What to Buy
Can I keep any dog breed in my HDB flat in Singapore?
Unfortunately not. HDB residents can only keep one dog from the official approved list of 60+ small breeds. Many popular breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Huskies, and Shiba Inus, are not on the HDB approved list. Please check the HDB website before getting a dog. Two exceptions exist: Project ADORE allows mixed-breed Singapore Specials up to 55cm, and the K-9 Scheme allows retired sniffer dogs — both require screening and approval. → See Section 3: HDB Rules
When should I take my puppy to the vet in Singapore?
Book an appointment within the first week — ideally within 2–3 days of bringing your puppy home. It's just a check-up, not an emergency visit. The vet will do a health check, review vaccinations, talk you through deworming and flea prevention, and discuss when to microchip and sterilise. It's also a great chance to ask all the questions you've been googling. → See Section 6: First Vet Visit
How do I license my dog in Singapore?
Apply online at pals.avs.gov.sg using your SingPass. Your dog must be microchipped and you need to complete the free online Pet Ownership Course first (about 30 minutes). Once those are done, the application itself is quick. Fees: sterilised dogs pay S$35 one-time for a lifetime licence (or S$15/year for annual renewal); non-sterilised dogs pay S$90/year. A 10% rebate applies for GIRO, online, or AXS payment. → See Section 7: AVS Licensing
How do I stop my puppy from crying at night?
First — this is completely normal and it does pass quickly. Put the crate near your bed so they can hear and smell you. Leave a worn piece of clothing in the crate. Don't go to them every time they whimper — wait for a short pause, then check on them calmly. Most puppies are much more settled by night 3 to 5 once they understand the routine and feel safe. → See Section 5: First Night
When can my puppy go outside in Singapore?
Not until their vaccination course is complete — with the final dose given at 16 weeks of age or older. Until then, keep them fully indoors and use pee pads. If you need to visit the vet, carry them and avoid letting them touch surfaces in waiting areas. Parvovirus is present in Singapore, survives in the environment for months, and can be fatal in unvaccinated puppies. The wait is short and completely worth it.
What is the monthly cost of owning a dog in Singapore?
Ongoing monthly costs vary but typically include: food (S$50–S$200 depending on breed size and brand), grooming (S$40–S$120 every 6–8 weeks), and occasional vet visits. The AVS annual licence is S$15 per year for sterilised dogs (or S$35 one-time for a lifetime licence). Initial setup costs for supplies generally range from S$200–S$500. Pet insurance is optional but worth considering.
Shop food, crates, leashes, toys, pee pads, and everything else they need — with island-wide delivery across Singapore.
Official sources
- 🏛️ HDB — Guidelines on Keeping Pets: hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/keeping-pets
- 🐾 AVS — Dog Licensing Requirements: avs.nparks.gov.sg — Licensing requirements
- 💻 PALS — Apply for a dog licence: pals.avs.gov.sg
- 🐕 AVS — Project ADORE: avs.nparks.gov.sg — Project ADORE
- 📋 Free Pet Ownership Course: go.gov.sg/petownershipcourse
