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3 Things Singaporeans Don’t Realise When Adopting A Pet

I’m a bona fide cat person. Fawning over cat videos before I sleep? Check. Petting random cats on the streets? Check. I mean, I even bought cat food just so I can feed stray cats I find. I’ve always wanted to get a cat. Since I’m living with my sister at a place of our own now, I thought, maybe I can finally adopt one.

I did have some experience living with a cat. I was staying at a friend’s place, and she has this beautiful Ginger named Archie. I’d always joke that he’s my first long-term relationship since I stayed there for six years. As I worked from home, I’d sometimes play with him when I get bored (sorry, boss). Since I’m a night owl, sometimes he’d want some company with me before I sleep. While I didn’t bathe him, I did clean up his puke. So at least I have that to show for my credentials as a paw-rent.

Then this thought occurred to me: I’m getting a living thing, with its own thoughts, its own way of life. I can’t just adopt a cat just because I find them cute. It got me thinking; what are some of the blind spots I have when it comes to adopting a new pet in Singapore.

I emailed over some of the questions on my mind to SPCA and Dr Jaipal Singh Gill, their Executive Director got back to me. Here’s what 3 Things Singaporeans Don’t Realise When Adopting a Pet.

The conversation with Dr Jaipal has been edited for clarity.



No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article

  • Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment that requires time, money and responsibility.
  • Adopting a pet is not a cure for loneliness or boredom but a relationship that needs mutual care and respect.
  • Adopting a pet is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a decision that depends on your lifestyle, preferences and personality.

1. You need to find the right match.

Turns out, we have to take a good look at ourselves before we adopt a new furkid. You need to know how much time and space we have in our lives before you adopt a new pet. Dr Jaipal gave me this example: ‘A busy household would not be a good fit for a high-energy level animal which requires daily exercise/stimulation.’

If you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, a high energy dog could be a better match. If you’re more chill, you could think about adopting pets who are older. ‘Senior pets can also make amazing companions if you prefer less energetic furkids who will sit by your side at home.’

SPCA stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership. So, they hold adoption counselling as you approach them for adoption. ‘A pet is for life,’ Dr Jaipal told me. ‘So, to determine if they would make a good match to the personalities and needs of the chosen animal, our counsellors would assess the lifestyle and household of the adopter.’
The adoption counsellors at SPCA would conduct interviews to make sure you and your new furkid is the best match, a sort of pet matchmaking. And you’d have a better idea what you’re getting into as well. If you can’t look after your new pet because of unforeseen circumstances, you need to find your pet a new home.


Read Also: To Fur, With Love


 

2. You need to take the time and space.

‘Even smaller animals such as rabbits need time and dedication; they may not show pain like dogs can, so sometimes it’s even more important to bring them for vet checks!’

And there are other aspects to pet care too. There’s the usual training, daily exercise, mental stimulation, and medical care. But pet care actually includes how your family or pet sitter treats your furkid and its special needs as it enters his/her golden yours. You’d need to make arrangements if you’re relocating too.

‘It takes time to teach an animal and assimilate them into a home,’ Dr Jaipal said. ‘You need to be patient.’ One thing that could help to assimilate your new furkid is to include your household in the process. Your newly adopted pet should be getting along with your family members and other pets as well.

‘It takes time to teach an animal and assimilate them into a home,’ Dr Jaipal said. ‘You need to be patient.’ There’s the required training, daily exercise, mental stimulation, and medical care. One thing that could help to assimilate your new furkid is to include your household in the process. Your newly adopted pet should be getting along with your family members and other pets as well.

‘Adopters would also need to be willing to spend time on training the animal,’ she said.

And the right approach matters. Adopters would also need to be willing to spend time training the animal. In October last year, SPCA launched the ‘Teach With Kindness’ campaign to raise awareness about cruelty in training.

‘Teach With Kindness #ChooseForceFree aims to stamp out abusive practices used in training. Through this campaign, we want to raise the standards within the animal training industry. We want to support pet guardians on animal training and behaviour as well,’ Dr Jaipal said. ‘We are also renewing our call for the government to ban the electric shock collar as the device has no place in animal training.

3. You need to be financially ready.

What a world it would be if we didn’t need to pay for our pet’s healthcare. But, for now, if you’re adopting a pet in Singapore you need to have an idea about the different costs your new pet would entail. There’s the pet food, the toys, the litter, the visits to the vet. And some pets need professional grooming as well, especially for certain dog breeds. And then when you travel, you might need to pay for pet boarding facilities too.

 


Avoiding Adopters’ Remorse/Rescue Remorse – What To Do Before Adopting A Pet

‘Most of the reasons are due to adopters not being prepared for the time and energy needed in caring for the animals,’ Dr Jaipal said. To prevent that, you could start doing the homework first.

‘Before adopting a pet, potential pet guardians should read up on pet care to set the right foundation and long-term expectations. This includes essential medical care and yearly preventives, grooming, force-free training, an appropriate diet, pet-safe toys, and exercise requirements.’
You can start simply by helping a friend look after their pet. Or you can dive deeper by volunteering at an animal shelter or applying to be a fosterer for animal welfare organisations.

‘It’s most important to consider whether you are ready to commit to being a responsible pet caregiver for life and whether you can provide a safe and loving home for your pets.’

Conclusion

You might think that adopting a pet is a great way to add some joy and companionship to your life. And you’re right, pets can be wonderful friends and family members. But before you rush to the nearest shelter or pet store, there are some things you should know. Adopting a pet is not as simple or easy as it seems. Here are three things that Singaporeans don’t realise when adopting a pet.

First, adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. You’re not just getting a cute and cuddly toy, you’re getting a living being that depends on you for everything. Pets need food, water, shelter, medical care, grooming, training and love. They also need your time and attention. You can’t just leave them alone for hours or days while you work or travel. You have to make arrangements for their care and well-being. Pets are not cheap either. You have to factor in the costs of food, supplies, vet bills, vaccinations, licenses and insurance. Depending on the type and breed of your pet, you could be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars a year on them. And remember, pets can live for many years. Some dogs and cats can live up to 15 or 20 years, while some birds and reptiles can live even longer. Are you ready to commit to your pet for that long?

Second, adopting a pet is not a cure for loneliness or boredom. Sure, pets can provide you with some company and entertainment, but they are not substitutes for human relationships. Pets have their own personalities, needs and preferences. They are not always going to be in the mood to play with you or cuddle with you. They might have behavioural issues or health problems that require patience and understanding. They might also cause damage to your furniture, clothes or belongings. Pets are not there to serve you or please you. They are there to share your life with you. You have to respect them as individuals and treat them with kindness and compassion.

Third, adopting a pet is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Not every pet is suitable for every person or household. You have to consider your lifestyle, preferences and personality when choosing a pet. For example, if you live in a small apartment or condo, you might not want to get a large dog that needs a lot of space and exercise. If you have allergies or asthma, you might not want to get a furry or feathered pet that sheds or produces dander. If you have young children or elderly relatives at home, you might not want to get a pet that is aggressive or fragile. You also have to think about what kind of pet matches your temperament and energy level. Are you more of a dog person or a cat person? Do you prefer a quiet and low-maintenance pet or an active and high-maintenance one? Do you want a pet that is loyal and affectionate or independent and aloof?

Adopting a pet is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s not something that you do on a whim or impulse. It’s something that you do after careful research and planning. It’s something that you do with love and responsibility. When you adopt a pet, you’re not just getting a new friend, you’re getting a new family member.

At Tropika Club Magazine, we believe that pets are more than just animals. They are our partners in life and our sources of happiness. That’s why we want to help you make the best choice for yourself and your future pet. We want to help you find the perfect match that will bring joy and harmony to both of you.

That’s why we created this blog post: 3 Things Singaporeans Don’t Realise When Adopting A Pet. We hope that this post will give you some insights and tips on what to expect and what to consider when adopting a pet in Singapore.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and family who are thinking of adopting a pet too. And don’t forget to check out our other posts on Tropika Club Magazine for more useful information on beauty, wellness and lifestyle in Singapore.

Thank you for reading and happy adopting! 🐶

FAQ

FAQ FOR 3 THINGS SINGAPOREANS DON’T REALISE WHEN ADOPTING A PET

Q: Where can I adopt a pet in Singapore?

A: There are many animal shelters and rescue groups in Singapore that have pets for adoption. Some of them are:

  • Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA): https://spca.org.sg/services/adoption/
  • Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD): http://www.asdsingapore.com/dogs-for-adoption
  • Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS): https://www.oscas.sg/

You can also check out our adoption gallery for some of the adorable pets that are looking for a forever home.

Q: What are the requirements and fees for adopting a pet in Singapore?

A: The requirements and fees for adopting a pet may vary depending on the shelter or rescue group you choose. However, some of the common requirements are:

  • You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid ID or passport
  • You must have the consent of your family members and landlord (if applicable)
  • You must agree to provide adequate care, medical attention and training for your pet
  • You must agree to sterilise, microchip and license your pet (if applicable)
  • You must agree to a home visit or interview by the shelter or rescue group

The adoption fees may range from $50 to $350 depending on the type, breed, age and health of the pet. The fees usually cover the costs of vaccination, deworming, sterilisation and microchipping.

Q: What are some of the benefits of adopting a pet?

A: Adopting a pet can bring many benefits to your life, such as:

  • You can save a life and give a second chance to an animal in need
  • You can support the efforts of animal welfare organisations and reduce overpopulation
  • You can find a loyal and loving companion that matches your personality and lifestyle
  • You can improve your physical and mental health by reducing stress, loneliness and depression
  • You can have fun and learn new things with your pet

Q: What are some of the challenges of adopting a pet?

A: Adopting a pet is not always easy or smooth. There are some challenges that you may face, such as:

  • You may have to deal with behavioural issues or health problems that your pet may have
  • You may have to adjust your schedule, budget and environment to accommodate your pet
  • You may have to cope with the loss or grief of your pet in the future
  • You may have to face criticism or judgement from others who may not support your decision

Q: How can I prepare myself and my home for adopting a pet?

A: Before you adopt a pet, you should do some research and planning to make sure you are ready and able to care for your pet. Some of the things you should do are:

  • Learn about the needs, characteristics and habits of the pet you want to adopt
  • Assess your lifestyle, preferences and resources to see if they match with the pet you want to adopt
  • Consult your family members, friends and neighbours who have experience with pets or who can support you
  • Visit the shelter or rescue group and interact with the pet you want to adopt
  • Prepare your home by making it safe, comfortable and stimulating for your pet
  • Buy or gather the necessary supplies and equipment for your pet, such as food, water, toys, bed, crate, leash, collar, etc.

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