How Much Does It Cost To Own And Keep A Dog In Singapore?

If you have always wanted to own a dog after watching cute YouTube videos, think again. Beyond the “cuteness” of a dog, a lot of time, effort, and money are required to take care and raise your puppy.

Depending on the breed of your dog, some require more grooming and medical needs than others. For instance, short-haired dogs such as pugs do not require much grooming but are prone to medical issues such as hip dysplasia and Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome due to their body structure and short muzzle. Other dog breeds such as border collies require more frequent grooming sessions due to their long hair but may not be as prone to medical issues.

Here’s an overview of the costs you need to be prepared to bear before welcoming a furry friend into your life.

Read Also: How Does Pet Insurance Policies Work In Singapore?

One-Off Costs

#1 Cost To Adopt Or Buy

To adopt a dog, the fees can range from free to an upwards of $600, depending on the breed, health condition, and age of the dog. Shelters such as Exclusively Mongrels only has mongrels up for adoption. Larger shelters such as Action For Singapore Dogs and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals regularly hold adoption drives, so follow their respective Facebook pages if you are looking to adopt a dog. Adopters are encouraged to refer to new adoption guidelines drawn up by Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup. Under these guidelines, animal welfare groups are to clearly communicate information on pre-adoption screening, adoption processes and provide post-adoption support to the adopter.

Dogs from pet stores cost a lot more, with a small chihuahua costing more than $1,000 and special pedigree dogs such as blue French bulldogs costing more than $10,000.

Read Also: 5 Luxuries That Singaporeans Are Willing To Splurge On For Their Dog

#2 Licensing

From 1 September 2020, you can apply for one-time licence that is valid throughout the dog’s lifetime. This applies only for sterilised dogs.

A one-year license for a dog below 5 months of age is $15. For your first three dogs, you can choose between a one-year license, two-year license, three-year license, or a one-time license. The costs are as follows:

#3 Sterilisation

Sterilisation costs about $350 to $850, depending on the size of the dog. Generally, it is more expensive to sterilise female dogs compared to male dogs.

#4 Microchipping

The advantage of microchipping your dog is that you increase the chances of reuniting with your dog if it gets lost or stolen. This is because the microchip number acts as an identifier that cannot be tampered by other people. 

If someone picks up your lost dog, they can bring it to the vet for a microchip scan where your identity would be established.

Most shelters and pet shops would have already factored in microchipping charges. If your dog is not microchipped, you can bring it to the nearest vet clinic where it typically costs $50 to $90.

Recurring Costs

#1 Vaccination

Dogs need a series of vaccinations in their first year, followed by boosters every year, depending on the vaccination immunity period. The cost of each vaccine is $30 to $60. For more information on which vaccinations to take, we can refer to Animal Veterinary Services Vaccination Guidelines.

#2 Dry Food and Treats

Depending on the type and quality of food, a month’s worth of kibbles can cost more than $100. If you are planning to prepare your dog’s food from scratch, fresh ingredients from the supermarket will cost a lot more. For example, a serving of broccoli, fresh chicken, eggs, and cheese for your dog can cost more than $6.

#3 Grooming

Grooming is especially important for long-hair dogs, as it improves their physical appearance and overall health. Dogs also require their nails to be cut frequently as they can scratch themselves by accident if they have sharp nails. Each session costs about $50 to $150, depending on the size of the dog.

Besides taking your dog for a professional grooming session, you should also account for dog bathing shampoos and teeth cleaning products every month or so, and can cost $50 each month. You may also want to own dog brushes of your own, which you may have to replace every few months. This can cost $30.

#4 Medical and Dental

Medical and dental fees are probably the highest expenditure for any dog owner. A basic consultation costs about $50, so if your dog falls sick or gets injured, the total bill can amount to more than $100 or even more than a few thousand if surgery was done.

#5 Cage, Leash, Toys, Protective Cover For Car

Many people have a misconception that their dog’s cage, leash, and toys are a one-off payment. However, it is important to change your dog’s cage and leash every few years as they wear and tear over time. Some dogs also require new toys every few months as they get bored easily, while others are prone to destroying their toys.

If you drive, you might also consider covering the back of your car with a protective cover as dogs are prone to shedding fur and may scratch your seats.

Additional Costs

#1 Pet Insurance

Unlike humans, dogs do not enjoy MediSave, MediShield coverage or subsidiesfor hospitalisation or accidents. They also do not receive vouchers or subsidies in their lifetime.

Currently, CIMB, , Aon, Tiq and Liberty Insurance are the few companies that offer insurance for dogs. Annual premiums cost around $88 to more than $200.

#2 Cab Fares

Generally, Pets are not allowed on public transport in Singapore. If you do not drive, a trip to the vet can cost about $15  to $20 each time you take a cab.

#3 Cleaning Costs at Home

The additional detergent you used to wash your floor for dog fur and the wet wipes to disinfect the dining table your dog jumped on all cost money.

#4 Costs to Repair or Replace Items and Furniture

If your dog is prone to destructive behaviour, you may have to change your furniture every few months.

#5 Pet sitting if you are working: 

A pet sitter goes to your house to watch over your dog if you are not at home. It can cost as little as $20 per day or more than $100 per night.

#6 Pet Boarding

When you go overseas, you need to find a place to board your dog. While some of you may be able to rely on friends and family, a professional pet boarding company can also be a good choice as they are more equipped to manage your dog while you’re away. This can cost about $50 to more than $200 a day to entrust your dog to a pet boarding company.

If you intend to bring your dog with you on your overseas travels, it will cost you much more. At the same time, it may also bring you and your dog more joy.

#7 Opportunity Cost 

This is just another consideration, which also applies to having other responsibilities in your life (including children!)

If you spend a lot of time bringing your dog to the vet or for daily walks, it means you have less time for other things, perhaps like learning to invest better, working more, reading, or playing games or sports.

Read Also: [Price Comparison] GrabPet VS Private Pet Transportation Providers

A Lifetime Of Commitment – About 15 Years

Dogs provide priceless companionship and act as our best friend. They give unconditional love without expecting anything in return. If you are ready to welcome a dog into your home, consider adopting. Besides the higher costs of buying a dog, you will also be giving an abandoned dog a new lease of life if you choose to adopt.

Despite the high costs required to take care of your furry family member, the journey of watching them grow is a proud moment for all paw-rents. Remember, they may be just a pet to us, but they only have us in their lives.

Managing The Costs Of Looking After A Pet

Based on the calculations above, it costs about $20,000 to $40,000 to own a dog over 15 years. This is not including the initial cost of adopting or purchasing a dog.

The purpose of insurance is to hedge yourself against adverse circumstances, and to give yourself some peace of mind. So, if you are the sort that will send your pet for treatment and may be worried about the medical cost that follows, a pet insurance policy may help ease your worries.

The post How Much Does It Cost To Own And Keep A Dog In Singapore? appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.