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


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.

DogsNew_owner_guide

Related Articles

New Dog Owner's Guide: Getting Your Home Ready For Your New Family Member

New Dog Owner's Guide: Getting Your Home Ready For Your New Family Member

Dogs New Owner Guide
It’s the day!! Whether you’re getting a puppy or you’re adopting an older dog who needs a loving home, bringing your tail-wagger home is one of the most exciting things you’ll experience as a pet o...
Signs that Your Dog is in Pain

Signs that Your Dog is in Pain

Dogs Health
Being a good pet parent is important for most of us here. As much as dogs give us joy and happiness in our lives, they can often suffer in silence. Unlike humans, dogs are not able to directly com...
Cool Facts You Didin't Know About Pomeranians

Cool Facts You Didin't Know About Pomeranians

Dogs Pet Fact
Despite the Pomeranian’s small size and weighing only one to four kilograms, this lively little dog has a personality the size of Singapore! Pomeranians (or affectionately called Poms) are known fo...
New Dog Owner's Guide: Finding The Right Dog

New Dog Owner's Guide: Finding The Right Dog

Dogs New Owner Guide
We all know how cute dogs are and how much fun they are to play with. With proper care, they can become an important part of your family and bring joy to your life. But they also eat a lot, poop a ...
New Dog Owner's Guide: Getting Your Home Ready For Your New Family Member

New Dog Owner's Guide: Getting Your Home Ready For Your New Family Member

Dogs New Owner Guide
It’s the day!! Whether you’re getting a puppy or you’re adopting an older dog who needs a loving home, bringing your tail-wagger home is one of the most exciting things you’ll experience as a pet o...
New Cat Owner's Guide: Finding The Right Cat

New Cat Owner's Guide: Finding The Right Cat

Cats New Owner Guide
Ahhh...cats. With their flexible bodies, alien-like eyes and a somewhat “King of the World” attitude, there’s no question why many people around the world love them. In Singapore, they are consider...
New Cat Owner's Guide: Cost of Having a Cat in Singapore

New Cat Owner's Guide: Cost of Having a Cat in Singapore

Cats New Owner Guide
In our previous article, we talked about how to pick the most suitable cat for you and your family! While the prospect of getting a pet is exciting, pet ownership comes with plenty of costs. There ...
New Cat Owner's Guide: Catproofing Your House

New Cat Owner's Guide: Catproofing Your House

Cats New Owner Guide
Bringing your new furfriend home is one of the most exciting things you’ll experience as a cat owner! However, moving to a new home with a new family can cause a lot of stress not just for your new...
New Dog Owner's Guide: Finding The Right Dog

New Dog Owner's Guide: Finding The Right Dog

Dogs New Owner Guide
We all know how cute dogs are and how much fun they are to play with. With proper care, they can become an important part of your family and bring joy to your life. But they also eat a lot, poop a ...