The Cost of Dog Ownership in Singapore + Money-saving Tips

Raising a dog in Singapore can be quite expensive. Quality food, grooming, vet visits, they can all add up. If you are thinking of getting a dog, it’s advisable to do some calculations to ensure you have the budget to take good care of her for life. Here’s a guide to the cost of dog ownership in Singapore.

The initial cost of dog ownership

Getting a dog:

• Adoption fee: S$0 – S$450

The Military Working Dog Unit: Free

The Police K-9 Unit: S$53.50

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA): S$180

Voices For Animals (VFA): S$250

Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD): S$300

• Purchase cost: S$1,000 to a few thousand dollars

Medical needs: 

• Vet consult: S$50 – S$70
• Vaccinations: S$50 – S$55 per shot. Puppies need 3 booster shots in total
• Sterilisation: S$200 – S$600 onwards

ALSO READ: List of Recommended Singapore Vets

Dog licensing and microchipping:

• Microchipping: S$50 – S$80
• Dog licensing: S$15 onwards

1st 3 dogs: S$15 for sterilised/below 5 months old, S$90 for non-sterilised

4th dog onwards: S$180

Dog owners can apply for a 2 to 3-year licence at a cheaper fee + 10% rebate if payment is made via GIRO, online, or AXS stations.

Basic essentials:

• Food and accessories: S$50 onwards
• Walk accessories (Collar, leash, carrier, etc.): S$50 onwards
• Bed: S$50 onwards
• Toiletries (pee pads, pee pan, baby gates, shampoo, etc.): S$100 onwards
• Grooming tools (scissors, brushes, shaver, etc.): S$50 onwards
• Toys: S$10 onwards

Grooming: 

• First grooming session: S$50 onwards

Training:

• Puppy obedience training: S$500 – S$700 for a series of group classes

ALSO READ: Doggy Essentials [Free Checklist Download]

The monthly cost of dog ownership

Food and treats

• Ranges from S$60 – S$200 a month for a 7kg dog.

Supplements 

• S$20 – S$100 a month

Prevention medication

• Update: We no longer endorse the use of flea, tick and heartworm prevention medication that are made with toxic ingredients. You may read How to Choose a Natural Flea and Tick Repellent or DIY Your Own
• De-wormer, Aristopet: $14 for 4 tablets, approx. $3.50 per month

Full grooming: S$50 onwards for a medium-sized dog

Pee pads, if necessary: $22.50 for 100 pieces, S$12 per month

Fun stuff, such as toys, clothes, and accessories: S$30 per month

The yearly cost of dog ownership

• Dog licensing:

1st 3 dogs: S$15 for sterilised/below 5 months old, S$90 for non-sterilised

4th dog onwards: S$180

Dog owners can apply for a 2 to 3-year licence at a cheaper fee + 10% rebate if payment is made via GIRO, online, or AXS stations.

• Yearly vaccination or titer test: S$50 – S$55
• Pet healthcare insurance: S$350 onwards

Average monthly cost of dog ownership: S$250 onwards for a medium-sized dog

Vet Visits

• Consultation: S$50 onwards per session depending on the clinic and vet’s seniority
• Vaccinations/Titer test: S$50 to S$55
• Routine medical checkup and blood tests: S$200 onwards
• Surgery: S$700 to thousands of dollars. It cost us S$763.60 for Latte’s luxating patella surgery
• Cost per visit (for minor conditions such as allergies, diarrhea, vomiting): S$60 – S$600

Monthly budgets from dog owners

Owner 1, four toy/miniature poodles:

Food: S$600

Supplements: S$50

Grooming S$200 – S$300

Miscellaneous: S$100

Total: S$1,000, S$250 per dog

Owner 2, one 27kg Greyhound:

Food – S$500

Treats – S$50

Supplements – S$150

Toiletries – S$20 (toothpaste, baby wipes, shampoo, poop bags)

Weekly swims: S$80/session

Total: S$1,040

Owner 3, two senior Westies with chronic health issues:

Food and treats: S$200

Supplements and medication: S$300

Handstripping and basic grooming: S$150 – S$200

Miscellaneous: S$100

Vet bills: S$600 for a blood test every six months for two dogs

Boarding: $500 every 3 months

Total: S$1,042, S$521 per dog

Owner 4, one golden retriever:

Food: S$100+

Supplements: S$100

Grooming: DIY

Treats: S$30 – S$50

Total: S$240+

Owner 5, two 1.5kg dogs:

Food: S$50

Treats: S$20

Supplement: S$20

Grooming: DIY

Total: S$90, S$45 per dog

The cost of dog ownership increases with the size of the dog. Different breeds are also prone to their own hereditary and breed-related medical issues. Do your research and your calculations before bringing a dog home. A dog is a lifetime commitment.

Money-saving Tips

• Shop online: Check out the cheapest and best online pet supplies shops
• Don’t buy from the clinic just because your vet prescribed it: Things are usually more expensive at the clinic. Do a quick price comparison on your phone before giving your money away! A supplement was selling at S$65 at the clinic while we could get it at S$35 at a reputable online store
• Join online communities: Online communities are great! You can get valuable advice that would help you save money, and ask fellow mamas and papas to share samples or donate things they don’t need to you
• Purchase pet insurance: If you are not ready for unexpected big medical bills, you should consider buying health insurance for your dog
• Join a membership that saves you money: Look out for memberships that offer discounts and subsidies on pet expenses. With a small annual fee, you may enjoy significant savings
• Use the right credit cards: Credit cards give you cashback, reward points, and miles on your spending. Use it well to maximise rewards

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