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.
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