What does it take to be a responsible pet owner?

Being a pet owner is a lifelong commitment. As a responsible pet owner, you must be prepared to provide appropriate care throughout the animals’ lifetime. 

As a responsible pet owner, you should:

1. Feed your pet regular nutritious and balanced meals.
2. Provide your pet with suitable housing.
3. Groom your pet well, and regularly.
4. Provide appropriate training for your pet.
5. Bring your pet to a veterinarian for regular check-ups, and when it shows signs of sickness.
6. Spend time with your pet.
7. Pick up your pet's poop when you bring it out in public, and do not let it stray.
8. Sterilise your pet to prevent unwanted litters.
9. Microchip your pet for easy traceability in case it goes missing.

 

You may also refer to the Code of Animal Welfare (for pet owners) for more information on pet care.

 

The decision to keep a pet should never be taken lightly and abandoning your pet should never be an option.If you meet any challenges, consult other pet owners, friends, or professionals in the relevant areas. For example, if it is a medical and/or behavioural issue, a veterinarian and/or trainer can help address the problem.

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board does not take in pets from pet owners.

 

If you are unable to continue caring for your pet, please consider the following options:

 

• Find alternative homes for your pet by asking friends, neighbours, relatives, co-workers, or other acquaintances.
  
  
• Put up advertisements on social media (for example, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok)to seek an adopter. To ensure your pet continues to be well taken care of, share existing medical or behavioural conditions with potential adopters, and screen adopters to assess their suitability.
  
  
• Seek assistance from Animal Welfare Groups. AVS works with the following partners for rehoming of animals: 

 

1. Action for Singapore Dogs
2. Animals Lovers League
3. Bunny Wonderland Singapore
4. Cat Welfare Society
5. Causes for Animals (Singapore)
6. Exclusively Mongrels
7. Hamster Society Singapore
8. House Rabbit Society Singapore
9. Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary
10. Noah’s Ark CARES
11. Oasis Second Chance Animals Shelter
12. Purely Adoptions
13. SOSD
14. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
15. Voices for Animals

 

Re-homing your pet takes time, and it is not uncommon for pet owners to take weeks or months to find an adopter. Give yourself sufficient time to find your pet a suitable new home.