What do Singapore rescue groups charge?
These are selected published fees, not a market average or a ranking of care quality. Availability and suitability come before price.
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| Organisation | Published adoption fee | Costs or conditions to check |
|---|---|---|
| SPCA | Local puppies under 6 months S$250; local adults 6 months to under 7.5 years S$150; pedigrees/crosses under 7.5 years S$350; senior/long-stay tier S$70; special-needs/long-term-care tier S$25 | Vaccination, sterilisation, deworming and microchip included; licence excluded. Confirm the age category and any training requirement. |
| SOSD | S$250 adoption fee | Separate S$150 homestay charge; training conditions apply. If sterilisation is pending, SOSD provides a voucher. |
| Causes for Animals (CAS) | Dogs over 6 months S$250; puppies S$100 depending on procedures | ADORE: S$250 for six obedience sessions. Puppies: compulsory S$200 for four socialisation sessions. Adult fee includes sterilisation; puppy inclusions differ. |
| Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) | Local cross-breeds S$400; pedigrees S$600 | Vaccinations up to adoption and microchipping included. Pending sterilisation must use ASD’s arranged vet for its coverage. |
| Purely Adoptions | Under 2 years S$600; adults 2+ S$450; seniors above 9 or serious medical cases: discuss individually | Adult/young-dog packages list vaccination, microchip and deworming. Sterilisation is a partner-clinic discount of up to 20%, not an included operation. |
Three examples of charges to add together
Using the linked fee schedules:
- SOSD: S$250 adoption + S$150 homestay = S$400, before training and other expenses.
- CAS ADORE route: S$250 adoption + S$250 group obedience = S$500, before other expenses or additional individual support.
- CAS puppy route: S$100 stated adoption fee + S$200 compulsory classes = S$300, subject to the procedures already done and the final quote.
These are arithmetic subtotals, not all-in quotations. Add the dog’s actual equipment, food, licensing, transport and outstanding care costs. Ask what is refundable if a trial does not proceed to adoption. Use the dog-budget calculator for ongoing planning and replace its illustrative allowances with your own figures.
Which adoption route applies to an HDB home?
HDB’s rules allow one dog from its approved list, which includes a cross of any two listed breeds. Do not infer eligibility from size or a photograph.
For an eligible local mixed-breed up to 55cm, AVS’s Project ADORE is a separate route through participating partners. It permits one dog per flat and requires licensing, microchipping, vaccination, sterilisation and compliance with its responsible-behaviour code. Training must be with an AVS-accredited certified dog trainer or an ADORE dog trainer. Confirm the dog and training arrangement with the partner.
For finding a particular smaller dog, use the small-dog adoption guide. For wider care questions, see living with a Singapore Special.
How do the adoption processes differ?
There is no reliable universal one-to-four-week completion promise. Matching, preparation and the particular dog affect the timetable.
| Organisation | Published process distinction |
|---|---|
| SPCA | Application, shortlist call and one or more visits. Household members attend at least one visit; a home check may be required. A listing is not a reservation. |
| SOSD | Briefing, screening, home visit and interactions before a homestay of at least a week. ADORE adopters need a training session before finalisation and must complete certification. |
| ASD | Adults have a two-week homestay. Puppies have no trial and adoption is finalised immediately; ASD says it does not place puppies in HDB homes. |
| Purely Adoptions | Household Zoom screening, home-safety video, meeting and a one-week trial. Applicants must be at least 21; renters need written landlord consent. |
Ask each organisation how it handles an unsuccessful match, urgent veterinary treatment during a trial and support afterwards. Do not assume another shelter follows the same procedure.
What should I ask before committing?
Take these questions to the rehoming team:
- Housing: Which route permits this specific dog at my address, and which documents are needed?
- Care records: What treatment has been completed, what is outstanding, and who pays for it?
- Daily life: What has been observed around people, other pets, handling and time alone? What remains unknown?
- Money: What is due before the trial, at adoption and afterwards? Request an itemised written breakdown.
- Support: Who should I contact if settling in is difficult, and what does the agreement say about returns?
An adult dog’s history can help a discussion; it is not a guarantee of health or behaviour in a new home. Choose a manageable care commitment rather than the smallest fee. Compare your household’s needs with our first-time-owner guide.
Buying a particular breed does not guarantee an allergy-safe dog: AAAAI explains that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. Discuss pet allergy with an allergy specialist before choosing a dog. If considering fostering, first confirm the organisation’s responsibilities, expense approvals and your own commitments.
