Pets
Household Pets
Many people wanting to relocate to Singapore consider their household pets to be part of the family and would not consider the move without them. Singapore will allow cats and dogs entry if they meet certain criteria. The most important source of information is AVA (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore).
Depending on where you are relocating from your pet may require quarantine, at the owners expense. The quarantine facilities are excellent and you may visit your pet while they are there.
Certain requirements must be met before your cat or dog will be permitted entry into Singapore:
Health Certificate, Vaccination Card, Parasite Treatment, Microchip, Dog License, Customs Declaration, Import Permit and a Reservation of Quarantine Space.
Cats and Dogs
Certain breeds of animals are NOT permitted entry into Singapore, namely:
DOGS: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire Bull terrier, American Bulldog, Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Perro De Presa Canario or any crosses between them and other breeds.
CATS: 1st to 4th generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses.
Pets Channel offers a centralized pet adoption list for Singapore.
Household Pet Services
Pet Food: If you don't own a car in Singapore it can be challenging to cope with heavy bags of cat litter or big bags of dog food but there is a way...delivery. Many pet shops will deliver with a minimum spend. One of the biggest pet shop chains is Pet Lovers Centre. They have many locations across the island and carry a wide variety of food, pet toys and other pet necessities. Some locations offer household pet grooming services.
On line pet stores are another option for your pets needs.
Pet Grooming: This may be a trial and error period but don't hesitate to ask for testimonials or referrals from friends. Even more important is finding a service that your pet is comfortable with! Some grooming salons offer a pet limo or pet collection and drop off service.
If your pet finds a trip to the pet salon too stressful a mobile pet groomer might be a better choice. As always ask for testimonials and referrals!
Pet Hotels and Pet Sitters: Most expats do quite a lot of travelling. This could be for business or vacation. Having a reliable pet sitter is very important for the pets well being as well as for the pet owners peace of mind. Do your due diligence! Pet sitting and pet hotels are a thriving business but you want to find someone that considers your pet more than a means to make money.
The Wagington is a luxury pet hotel which offers daycare, grooming and boarding facilities for both cats and dogs.
Wanderlodge
offers doggy day care, grooming and boarding for boths cats and dogs.
Some pets find a kennel situation too stressful and prefer to stay in their familiar surroundings. For those pet owners in home pet sitting is likely a better option.
Paw Shake
offers dog and cat sitting, dog walking and house sitting services.
Cat Sitter offers cat sitting, overnight stay and cat chaperon services.
Volunteering with Animals: Perhaps you love animals but your situation is such that you can't own a pet. Volunteering with animals is a win, win solution. Their are many organizations that rely on volunteers to enable them to do great work with animals.
Veterinary Services: Finding a good vet is just important as finding a good doctor for yourself! If you have brought your pet from another country you will have a medical history of your pet. It is useful to introduce yourself to your chosen vet and bring a copy of your pets medical history Before your pet gets sick. That way, in case of an emergency, you know exactly where to go and your vet will have some background knowledge of your pet.
Pet end of life Services: As pet owners we will all be faced with end of life decisions for our beloved pets at some stage. This may be due to illness or just old age when our pets may no longer have good quality of life. There are various pet cremation services available in Singapore.
Pet Etiquette and Tips
Singapore is proud of the fact that it is well known as a very clean city. Dog owners are required by law to pick up after their dogs. Special plastic bags can be purchased at any pet shop.
When walking your dog it must be leashed at all times.
Be aware not to let your dog get too close to passersby as some religions to not allow the touching of dog.
Traveling with your pet on public transport is not allowed.
Comfort and City cab will allow pets if the pet is caged or muzzled (with the exception of guide dogs for the visually disabled).
Advise the taxi service that you will have an accompanying pet at time of making the booking.
The climate in Singapore is such that some thick-coated breeds may need to be kept in air conditioned spaces and their coats may need to be stripped down. Exercise your pet when it is cooler and not in the heat of the day.
Dogs need to be licensed at three months of age (AVA). The licence tag must be attached to the dog collar. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Up to 3 dogs may be kept on private premises
HDB developments allow only 1 dog of approved breeds
NO CATS are allowed in HDB development.