Exciting times are ahead for you as you prepare to welcome a furry companion into your life! Congratulations on your decision to become a dog owner. While owning a dog in Singapore can be an enjoyable experience, it's important to be aware of the financial responsibilities that come along with it. There are various essential expenses to consider, such as grooming, food, vaccinations, and medical procedures. However, the joy and loyalty that a canine companion can bring to your life is priceless. In this article, we'll delve into the costs associated with dog ownership in Singapore, including adoption fees, healthcare expenses, and other necessities. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be a responsible pet owner. So, let's get started on this wonderful journey!
Adoption vs Store-bought: how much does a Dog cost in Singapore?
Are you ready for a furry new addition to your family? Owning a pet dog can bring endless joy and companionship, but it's important to consider your options. Depending on your preferences, you can either adopt or buy a canine companion. Adopting a dog can be a heartwarming experience as you save a life and it's also the most cost-effective option in Singapore. However, if you have your heart set on a specific breed, buying may be the easier route to take. Just be prepared to pay a hefty price tag, as some breeds can cost thousands of dollars. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget. So let's dive in and find the perfect furry friend for you!
Option 1: Adopting a Dog (S$70 - S$400)
Before you jump straight into adoption, it's important to know that most adoption agencies require a screening process for potential pet owners. This may involve filling out a questionnaire or even undergoing an interview to ensure that you're capable of providing a loving and responsible home for your new companion.
But that's not all - some shelters may also offer the option for a face-to-face meeting or trial stay to determine if your potential new furry family member is a good match for your lifestyle. And in some cases, a home visit may be required to ensure that your living conditions are suitable for a dog.
Once you're approved for adoption, you'll be required to read and agree to the policies outlined by the animal welfare groups before signing the adoption form - a legal agreement between you and the agency. The non-refundable adoption fee will also be collected, which typically covers boarding, vaccinations, microchipping, a health check-up, and sterilization.
Don't worry about breaking the bank, though. Adoption fees vary between shelters, but we've compiled a list of common agencies and their adoption fees to help you plan accordingly. With these steps and costs in mind, you can confidently begin your journey as a loving and responsible pet owner!
Shelter | Price |
S$70 – S$350 | |
S$250 | |
S$300 | |
S$300 – S$400 |
Option 2: Buying a Dog (S$800 – S$9,000)
Searching for the perfect furry companion can be a daunting task, especially when you have to factor in your lifestyle and budget. On top of that, you might be wondering about the price range for some of the most popular dog breeds in Singapore like Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Poodles, Corgis and Japanese Spitz. Look no further as we have compiled a list that covers the cost of these breeds, starting from the most affordable to the most expensive.
Dog Breed | Price |
Pomeranian | S$800 - S$2,000 |
Japanese Spitz | S$2,500 |
Toy Poodle | S$6,000 - S$8,000 |
Corgi | S$7,880 - S$8,500 |
Golden Retriever | S$8,000 - S$9,000 |
Dog License (from $15/year)
Owning a dog in Singapore is more than just showering them with love and affection. It comes with responsibility, and one of them is adhering to the Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing and Control) Rules. This includes obtaining a dog licence, which serves as an important traceability measure in case of any potential disease outbreak like rabies. As a responsible dog owner, you are expected to produce your dog for examination when necessary.
Getting a dog licence is affordable and starts from S$15 per year. If your furry friend is sterilised, you only need to pay a one-time fee of S$35*. Remember, by getting a licence, you are not only complying with the law, but also ensuring your pet's safety and the safety of others around them.
*Limited to the first three dogs
Dog Microchip (from $50)
Microchipping your canine companion is a crucial investment in their well-being and your peace of mind. It's a small cost that can make a big difference in reuniting you and your lost dog. With the help of a registered microchip, your pet's vital information and your address will be easily accessible to animal shelters and vet clinics, simplifying the process of finding them.
Fortunately, microchipping is a simple procedure that can be done by most pet shops and animal shelters. However, if they do not offer this service, a trustworthy veterinarian in Singapore can provide it for you at an affordable price, starting from approximately S$50. Don't hesitate to make this small but significant investment in the safety and security of your furry companion.
Dog Medical Care (from S$292/year)
As a pet owner, you want your loyal companions to thrive and enjoy a long and fulfilling life by your side. However, just like us humans, dogs also need regular health check-ups to maintain their well-being.
In Singapore, you can expect to pay between S$25 to S$67 for a basic check-up, excluding deworming and flea prevention bills. To keep your furry buddy free from worms, you can purchase medical tablets for around S$25, which typically last for three months. Meanwhile, the price of flea prevention chews starts at S$38, ensuring your beloved pet stays itch-free and healthy.
Routine Vaccination (S$239/round)
In Singapore, there are several preventable diseases that your dog can be vaccinated against, including canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus.
Canine distemper: Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog's respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. It can be fatal in severe cases.
Canine parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects a dog's gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It can be fatal, especially in young or unvaccinated dogs.
Canine adenovirus: Canine adenovirus is a virus that can cause respiratory disease, liver disease, or both in dogs. It can be spread through direct contact with infected dogs or through contaminated objects such as food bowls or toys.
These vaccinations can be obtained individually or as a combination with non-core vaccines, and their prices range from S$40 to S$100. A 9-1 or 8-1 shot that covers most essential vaccines costs around S$51, while routine shots administered every three years should amount to an average of S$239 per round. By investing in your dog's health, you can help keep these preventable ailments at bay.
Heartworm Injections (S$100/year)
In addition to core vaccinations, heartworm injections are crucial for your furry companion's health. This vaccine protects dogs from parasites that can enter their bloodstream through mosquito bites and affect their heart, pulmonary arteries, and blood vessels.
If you have a puppy, they should start receiving heartworm injections between six to eight weeks of age. They will need a booster shot every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. For adopted dogs, they have likely received their primary vaccinations, so they will only need routine booster shots every three years. In Singapore, veterinary clinics usually charge around S$100 for annual heartworm injections.
Surgeries (from S$350/surgery)
Even if you take great care of your pets, they can still be susceptible to accidents or illnesses that require surgery. For instance, one in every five dogs suffers from an ear infection, which can result from various causes like swimming, ear wax build-up, or genetic predisposition.
When ear infections become chronic, surgery may become necessary. Additionally, dogs are more prone to tumor growth, with nearly half of dogs over the age of 10 developing cancer. Here are the costs of some common surgical procedures in Singapore:
Surgery | Cost |
Tumour removal with anaesthesia | S$350 - S$600* |
Ear surgery | S$550 - S$650 per ear* |
Eye surgery | S$650 - S$950* |
Pyometra surgery with anaesthesia | S$1,900 – S$4,000* |
Bone fractures | S$1,900 – S$4,000* |
*Price varies depending on whether tumors are present, the size of your dog, the severity of the condition and the location.
Pet Insurance (from S$318.66/year)
No matter what kind of surgery your dog needs or why, it can be quite expensive in Singapore, with prices ranging from S$350 to S$4,000 per treatment. Dealing with a sick pet can be both emotionally and financially stressful, especially considering the prevalence of canine medical conditions. To help ease this burden, we offer insurance coverage ensuring that you can give your pet the best possible care without worrying about the financial implications.
Certain breeds of dogs may be prone to hereditary and congenital disorders, such as hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Most insurance types also covers these specific conditions, providing additional protection for your furry friend. By providing a solid financial safety net, insurance empowers you to provide your beloved companion with the extra care they need without having to worry about finances.
Dog Food and Treats (from S$366/year)
Your furry friend needs more than just belly rubs and cuddles to feel loved. Treating them with good food and occasional treats can help strengthen your bond and encourage good behavior.
While the cost of dog food and treats may seem small, prices can vary depending on the quality of the product. Basic dry dog food can cost as low as S$7.52 for a 1.5 kg bag in Singapore. However, premium dog food can cost S$50 for the same amount. Preparing meals from scratch for your dog can also cost at least S$6 per day. The amount of food and treats your dog requires will depend on their nutritional needs, age, size, health, and sensitivities. Remember, the smaller your furry friend, the more affordable it will be.
Dog Grooming (S$274/year)
While your dog may appear neat and tidy, grooming is crucial to maintain their overall health. Regular baths, for example, can help prevent skin irritations, while brushing their coat prevents tangling and skin tugging. The frequency of grooming will vary depending on the length and thickness of your dog's fur, but a visit to the groomer every two to three months is usually sufficient. The cost of a full grooming session in Singapore starts at S$50, with services that include ear cleaning, nail trimming, paw pad and hygiene area shaving, and a full fur trim. However, basic grooming services such as ear cleaning and nail clipping start from S$30.
Miscellaneous
Although we adore spending time with our furry friends, we often have other obligations to attend to. During these times, it's helpful to have toys and a cozy bed to keep our dogs entertained. Some pet owners may even enjoy dressing up their pets with stylish accessories. In Singapore, the prices of these miscellaneous items vary and are as follows:
Item | Cost |
Dog toothbrush and toothpaste | Around $20 |
Dog toys | Ranges from S$2 to above S$35, and averaging S$25 each |
Dog shampoo | Averages S$21 per bottle, with cheaper options priced at S$10.50 for a 250 mL bottle. |
Dog bed | Ranges from S$10.50 to S$200, and averaging S$95 |
Leash and collar | Averages S$92, with leather collars costing around S$75 and retractable leash costing S$130. However, cheaper alternatives priced at S$2 to S$3 are also available |
Dog clothes | Ranges from clothes below S$10 on e-commerce platforms to designer dog clothes above S$270 |
Summary of the cost of buying a dog
The cost of owning a dog in Singapore can add up quickly due to various factors. If you're looking to get a small to medium-sized dog with an average lifespan of 12 years, here's a rough estimate of how much it will cost you to become a proud dog owner in Singapore.
Item | Cost |
Dog License | S$35 |
Dog Microchip | S$50 |
Miscellaneous toys | S$500 |
Sterilisation | S$300 |
Routine vaccinations | S$956 |
Other medical costs | S$4,704 |
Dog food (200g/day) | S$4,392 |
TOTAL | S$10,937 |
Lifting the financial burden off your shoulders
As pet owners, we all know that taking care of our furry friends can be expensive, especially when it comes to medical care and food. However, there are ways to ease the financial burden and provide your pet with the best possible care. Consider protecting you and your dog with pet insurance. These policies can offer coverage for clinical and surgical expenses, chemotherapy, and specific conditions that may be common in certain breeds. With the right insurance policy, you can focus on taking care of your pet without worrying about the costs.
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