top of page
Writer's pictureChloe Tay

The cost of having a pet

Fur-babies are the new babies on the block. What does it take to be a fur-parent?


Vaccinations ^1

Vaccinations eliminate the risk of your pet dog/cat contracting certain diseases that will cost thousands of dollars to treat at best, or cost the life of your pet at worst. Cats/dogs both have 3 core vaccinations to take while they’re still young. They cost ~$75. Thereafter, routine annual vaccinations cost ~$40. ^2


Basic Necessities

A license is required to keep your pet dog/cat in your property. Here is the cost for the license for your pet.

Basic Needs Cost:


Additional Cost:

Apart from the basic needs costs, there are some other expenses to factor in.

  • Dog/Cat clothes (~$20)

  • Pet carriers if you intend to bring them out (~$150)

  • Health supplements

  • Training for your dog (~$690 for 5 1hr session ^4 )

  • Dogs/Cats with special dietary requirements

  • Pet daycare/hotel when you’re out of town (~$52/dog & $38/cat per day ^5 )

  • Pet spa (~$50 for dogs & $58 for cats ^6 )

  • Pet grooming (~$100-$130/dog &$70-$90/cat ^7 )

  • Medical bills when your dog/cat falls ill

  • Dental Services (~$420-$580 for dogs & $380 for cats ^8 )


How much do all these add up to? Be prepared to set aside $5,000 a year on your pet dog/cat.


Additional considerations for HDB homeowners

Regardless of the size of your HDB flat, you will not be allowed to keep bigger dogs, and only 1 pet dog is permitted per household. It must a HDB-approved breed. ^9 Otherwise, it could land you a hefty fine of up to $4,000.

Project ADORE & ADORE K-9 ^3 (Adoption and Rehoming of dogs)

However, if you are living in a HDB flat but want to keep a bigger dog, you can do so under Project ADORE & ADORE K-9. Under these schemes, you will get to rehome a dog that fulfils the following criteria:

  • Is a local mixed breed (aka Singapore Special) or Labrador, English Springer, Cocker Spaniel, and Pointer;

  • Shoulder height up to 55cm; and

  • Has underwent compulsory basic obedience training by AVS-accredited trainers.


Besides the significant cost savings of adopting as compared to buying a dog, you also to help give a shelter dog a second chance when you adopt.


Besides the above financial considerations, we also need to consider the time and

effort required to be a responsible dog owner:

  • Can you match your dog’s energy level (i.e. walking your dog daily, bringing it to a dog park to socialize with other dogs, etc)

  • Is the temperament of the breed suitable for you and your family (young children or elderly parents)

  • Do you have the time and patience to groom your dog (i.e. brushing its fur and cleaning its teeth weekly, showering it monthly, clipping its nails, etc)

  • Do you have the time and patience to train your dog (toilet train, leash train, crate train, recall train, etc)


A pet is not a toy, so never impulse buy. Do a trial and babysit a friend’s pet dog/cat for a few weeks to assess whether you are ready to be a fur-parent. And when you are finally ready to have your fur-baby, it will be an experience like no other.

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page