Author: Osman Samsuri

Osman is an avid pet lover who enjoys writing about stories relating to life, pets and animals. Growing up with 4 cats at a young age, he developed a profound understanding of loving animals, and has come to develop other favorites such as rabbits and pigeons. In his spare time, he enjoys reading storybooks, listening to music and livestreaming video games.
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The Difference Among These 6 Hamster Breeds

hamster-playing-with-flowers

Hamsters are adorable little rodents. It’s a heartwarming sight to see the way they eat their food, run on their hamster wheel and behave in general. They are perfect for people who prefer having a pet that does not take up too much space in their homes. However, many make the mistake of adopting a hamster that may not be compatible with their needs.

Hence it is important to know the types of hamster breeds that exist, and whether they are suited to live with you.

Syrian Hamsters

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Syrian hamsters, also known as golden hamsters, can be fantastic companions. They are fairly low-maintenance and easy to tame, making it a suitable breed for first time pet owners.

They have an average lifespan between 2 to 3 years. Their size is usually between 15 to 17cm

Coat Coloring & Features

While their main coat color is Golden, these hamsters tend to have variations:

  • Yellow
  • Cinnamon
  • Grey
  • Black
  • Cream
  • Mink
  • Sable

Their features include:

  • Golden brown with a lighter belly
  • Stubby tail, small eyes and cheek pouches
  • Some has long coat

Dietary Requirements

Their diet should include:

  1. Commercial hamster mixes
  2. Small pieces of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as:
    1. Apples
    2. Pears
    3. Broccoli
    4. Cauliflower
    5. Carrots
  3. Occasional treats like nuts, grains, seeds, mealworms

Facts About Syrian Hamsters

  1. Syrian hamsters are territorial mammals and will start fighting other hamsters by the time they mature. they may not be the right hamster for you to adopt if you are considering having more than 1 hamster or other animals in your home.
  2. They are nocturnal animals which are very active at night.
  3. They are not naturally prey animals, so loud noises, sharp movements and touch may startle them.
  4. Long-haired variants require grooming at least once a day. Ensure that you have enough time to dedicate to brushing their fur.

Winter White Hamsters

winter white hamster

Winter white hamsters are small hamster species with a social personality. Due to their small size and speed, they can be difficult to hold. However, because they are sociable and can be easily tamed, they are suitable for hamster owners of every experience level.

Winter White hamsters have a lifespan of 1.5 to 2 years, and their size is from 7 to 10cm.

Coat Coloring & Features

The coat of winter white hamsters is actually grayish-brown for most of the year. However, it changes to white during the winter . The purpose of its coat changing to white is because it acts as a camouflage in the snow to protect themselves from predators. Do note that keeping them in captivity does not guarantee the coat color change as they aren’t exposed to the winter light.

Their features include:

  • A wide black dorsal stripe along their backs
  • Small ears, furry feet and a round face

Dietary Requirements

Their diet should include:

  • Keep it balanced
  • You can feed them a combination of:
    • Fruits
    • Vegetables
    • Seeds
    • Nuts
    • Insects
    • Hamster Mixes

Facts About Winter White Hamsters

  1. They are half the size of the Syrian hamster
  2. They are also known as Russian Dwarf Hamsters
  3. They can be kept in small groups or same-sex as they are sociable. However, if they start fighting due to their territorial behavior as adults, then it is best to seperate them.

Campbell Hamsters

campbell hamsters

Campbell Hamsters are the most common hamsters that you can find. Due to their popularity, it has led to breeders all around the world to produce different colors and variants of the breed. Currently, there are over 40 different coat colorations.

They are generally low-maintenance and quiet. Hence, it is suitable even for beginners to care for.

Their lifespan is about 1.5 to 2 years old. They are usually about 10cm in size.

Coat Coloring & Features

Campbell hamsters tend to come in these color coats:

  • Grey (normal)
  • Cinnamon
  • Sandy
  • White (albino)

Their features include:

  • A thin dorsal stripe on back
  • Light grey fur on stomach
  • Large and upright ears
  • Long and thin face

Dietary Requirements

Their diet should include:

  • High protein content
  • Minimal fruits
    The reason for this is because Campbell hamsters are more prone to developing diabetes. Hence, we should minimize sugar intake as much as possible.

Facts About Campbell Hamsters

  1. The name originated in Mongolia, 1992 by a man named W.C. Campbell.
  2. They are nocturnal animals, similar to Syrian Hamsters
  3. Campbell hamsters are more prone to develop diabetes. As a result, minimize sugar intake levels when feeding this breed.
  4. They have extremely poor eyesight and even worse depth perception. To combat this, they have many scent glands located on the face, behind the ears, on the cheek pouches, near the rectum and genitals.
  5. The hamster may groom itself when in an unfamiliar location to create a trail to allow them to reburn back to their burrow.
    1. This is usually done by scenting the feet.
    2. These scent trails may last up to 8 days.

Roborovski Hamsters

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Roborovski hamsters are often regarded as the cutest and smallest hamsters out of all the species. They are very playful, curious and will try out anything. Despite being extremely shy, they can be sociable, so it is fine to keep them in groups, compared to solitary breeds like the Syrian hamsters.

However, due to their difficulty in handling, you should only adopt them if you are an experienced pet owner.

Their lifespan tends to be 3 to years, with some having gone higher than that . Their size measures at 5 to 7cm.

Coat Coloring & Features

These hamsters come in a range of colors, including:

  • Sand-colored (Common)
  • Agouti
  • Cinnamon
  • Cream
  • Husky
  • Head spot
  • Black-eyed white
  • Mottled
  • Dominant spot

Features include:

  • White fur around nose, base of ears, belly, tail and legs
  • Do not have dorsal stripes

Dietary Requirements

Feed a tablespoon of hamster mix and small amounts of fresh food daily. This is because they have very fast metabolisms.

Facts About Roborovski Hamsters

  1. They ar eless prone to illnesses and injuries compared to Syrian, Chinese and Winter White hamsters.
    Despite that, they may still be prone to:
    1. Broken bones
    2. Allergies
    3. Mites or ticks
    4. Overgrown claws and teeth
  2. Provide them with a lot of toys as they are very active
  3. They tend to be active during the night and early morning
  4. They have longer lifespans compared to other hamster breeds
  5. Keep them away from children as the hamster is very fragile, and can resort to biting when provoked.

Chinese Hamster

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These hamsters come from the deserts of China and Mongolia. They are very friendly and don’t nip frequently. However, you should provide them with a lot of attention to prevent behavioral problems as they rely on interaction.

These hamsters have a lifespan of 2.5 to 3 years with a size of 8.2 to 13cm.

Coat Coloring & Features

They tend to have a brown coat with thin black dorsal stripes along their backs. Their fur color is white on their stomach.

Their features include:

  • Round, upright ears
  • Pointed nose

Dietary Requirements

Chinese hamsters will benefit from:

  • Hamster food
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Grains
  • Seeds
  • Insects

Facts About Chinese Hamsters

  1. Provide them with constant attention to keep them satisfied. This is to prevent them from provoking unnecessary behavior such as chewing on objects. You can try using small animal toys to keep them entertained.
  2. They’re often mistaken as mice due to their pointed nose and noticeable tail. They have an uncommonly long tail compared to other hamsters.
  3. They have an uncommonly long tail compared to other hamsters.
  4. To tell the difference between a mouse and a Chinese hamster:
    1. Look at the tail of the animal. Mices have tails as long as their body, which can go up to inches long.
    2. Another way to tell is that hamsters in general are nocturnal animals, while mices can choose to stay active throughout the day.
  5. This breed is territorial, so keep them away from other household pets or hamsters.

Hybrid Dwarf Hamsters

Hybrid Dwarf Hamsters were created as a result of crossbreeding. They may be harder to take care of, as crossbreeding may lead to potential health issues such as diabetes, a common disease in Campbell Hamsters. They are also known to develop neurological and behavior problems. For instance, the hamster may show aggression and start biting. Due to their aggressive nature, this often leads to them being neglected, abandoned or euthanized.

In addition, they may also have a shorter lifespan of less than 2 years. Hence, adopting Hybrid Dwarf Hamsters is only recommended if you are a very experienced and patient pet owner  willing to constantly show care for them.

Coat Coloring & Features

The Hybrid Dwarf hamsters may shar the same coat coloring as Winter White or Campbell hamsters as they were cross-bred. However, crossbreeders have managed to obtain new color mutations.

These color mutations are:

  • Tangerine
  • Mushroom
  • Orange
  • Brown
  • Moscow

These colors are banned from shows and competitions, as they are not considered as “purebred”.

Dietary Requirements

Hybrid Dwarf hamsters may follow the typical diet of other hamster breeds. However, keep in mind to minimize the sugar intake since it is inheriting the trais of a Campbell hamster, which is more prone to developing diabetes.

Facts About Hybrid Dwarf Hamsters

  1. The crossbreeds involved in the creation of these hamsters are the Winter White and Campbell hamsters.
  2. Their chances of inheriting diseases from their parent breed is very likely. For example, they may develop diabetes as their parent Campbell hamsters have a history of such disease.

Understanding the Breed’s Differences

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Each hamster breed has their own fair share of differences. Their behavior may also vary depending on their age and environment. However, this is not something to fear! As long as you have familiarized yourself with how you can take care of your hamster, there shouldn’t be any issues too severe to be handled.

Always be sure to:

  • Clean their cages weekly
  • Feed them their meal
  • Note their dietary requirements
  • Give them attention when possible
  • Visit a vet if they fall sick
  • Ensure they have plenty of exercise
  • Do more research as to how you can improve their quality of life

To have more in-depth knowledge, we have a blog post detailing on how you can take care of your hamster, as well as precautions you can take if you were to get a hamster for your child.

We hope this blog serves you well in determining the kind of hamster that you would like to adopt. If you already have adopted one, we hope that you have learned something regarding your hamster’s breed.
Considering adopting a hamster or any pets in general? Feel free to give this blog post a read!

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Benefits of Bringing Your Pets To Work

woman-laptop-dog-smiling

We all have our own ways to de-stress from work. Some of us listen to music, eat nutritious snacks or create an ergonomic workspace. However, did you know that pets at the workplace can also serve the same purpose? More companies are allowing employees to bring their pets to work. 

There are many ways bringing your pets to work can increase productivity for everyone. With that said, how do their presence provide us benefits and what do you need to take note when bringing pets to your workplace?

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Physically & Mentally Positive

The presence of pets can bring positive benefits to your health physically and mentally.

For instance, a study showed that employees who took their dogs to work experienced lower stress levels throughout the work day and had a more positive perception of their employer, along with higher levels of job satisfaction. Another found that a pet-friendly workplace helps boost productivity and encourages interaction between people.

It’s interesting how these benefits can also lead to a better quality of life. Take it this way: When you are less stressed, there is a decrease in blood pressure. With less stress-related ailments, you will save on healthcare expenses as well. With a boost in morale through interaction with pets, you would find yourself being more proactive at work.

Employers and employees from Inverse-Square have stated how having pets around has helped them pass long work hours happily, and the pets remind them to take necessary breaks. This essentially shows the positive impact pets can have by just being around people who need them the most.

Business Positive

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On the business side, did you also know that you can be rewarded for bringing your pets to work? In the U.S, companies such as Amazon and Google have pet-friendly policies, similar to a number of other companies such as Nestle Purina and Ticketmaster. A notable company, BrewDog, a craft brewer in Columbus, Ohio, is offering up to a week of paid time off for new pet owners, known as “pawternity leave”.

A survey conducted by LiveCareer highlighted employees using pet-friendly policies as criteria for taking a job, including their level of commitment to it:

  • 52% of respondents said that they would consider an employer that offers pet-friendly benefits and policies
  • 49% of respondents are convinced to take up a job offer if they offer a pet-friendly work environment
  • 41% of respondents would have a better sense of satisfaction if they had pets in the office
  • 49% of respondents would have recommend their employer to a friend if they allowed pets in the workplace

With this in mind, it is safe to say that the popularity of pet-friendly workplaces is only increasing, and it is a “paw-some” sight to see!

Precautions for Employers & Employees

Having pets around can be fun. However, precautions must be taken to ensure everyone’s safety at the workplace. There are many factors to be considered since you are bringing your pet to a different environment. As a result, they may not be very comfortable at the beginning.

A very important factor is to ensure that your pet is well-trained and behaved. As they are heading to a new environment, they will meet new people and animals. The unintended stress can lead to unusual and destructive behaviour.

So with that said, how do we exercise responsibility when our pets are in our workplace?

Employers

As employers, your responsibility is to ensure everyone is in a healthy work environment. These include:

  • Creation of Pet-related Policies
  • Potential Sensitivities within Workplace
  • Extra Considerations

Creation of Pet-related Policies

Employers need to create policies to ensure that everyone is treated equally in the event that something goes wrong. For example, an employee’s pet may possibly injure someone else or injure themselves. To prevent further conflicts and possible charges, creation of policies are needed.

For instance, employers may state a policy in place that sets out clear responsibility for any damage or injury. In addition, they may also provide rules stating the number of pets you can bring, the kind of pets allowed, and so on.

For example, Hootsuite, a social media management platform, assumes no responsibility for pets on the premises and has guidelines specifically stating that “employees are financially responsible for any damage or cleaning to facilities; including damage from accidents, excessive pet hair and odour removal as required.” They also mentioned that the dog must be six months and older, properly licensed, insured, vaccinated and potty trained. They must also be kept on a leash, to stay off the furniture, use a pet-designated elevator and play in one of the outdoor spaces nearby.

Potential Sensitivities Within Workplace

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The well-being of your employees is always your first priority. Understanding their feelings towards having pets within the workplace allows you to have ideas to accommodate them. 

For instance, it is good to know if anyone has an allergy history to pets. Common ways to accommodate employees who are allergic is to essentially have the pets be kept in certain areas of the building away from the allergic employees. 

Extra Considerations

As pet lovers, let’s not forget the price we have to pay to take care of these adorable creatures. There can be additional costs for pet care, pet-proofing office. These costs range from $500-$1500 a year for one pet per year. 

Including pets in the workplace requires employers to take on some of these costs, such as the toys, treats and any miscellaneous accidental damage that naturally occurs when caring for pets.

Employees

As employees, you must also be aware of your surroundings when it comes to bringing your pet. 

Ensure that your pet has been:

  • Potty-trained
  • Well-trained and behaved
  • Vaccinated and licenced (most important for dogs)
  • Keep it on a leash
  • Well-fed

It is your responsibility to take good care of your pet, avoid it from having conflicts with other animals and humans when possible, and always provide them with meals.

Apart from that, do not forget about the well-being of your co-workers. Ask if they have any allergies to certain pets, and respect their space if they do. It is advisable to be patient with the process if your pet feels nervous attempting to interact with new people and animals. They can also be like us, taking their time to warm up to everyone else. Once your pet gets used to the environment, it would be a pleasing sight.

Of course, you shouldn’t force them to adjust to a certain environment. There are some pets that prefer to stay within the comforts of their home, and it is understandable as to why they would. From my personal experience, I’ve tried walking my cats out years back, and they ended up just crawling like turtles! So I believe they are okay with it if you leave them resting at home, they’ll appreciate you just as much once you make your way home safely.

A Purrific Trend

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It is an amazing sight to see how pets have been integrated into our society. They may not be working the jobs we do, but to have them present by our side, makes things all the more wholesome!

It is only a matter of time until we see more and more companies adopting their own pet-policies. Until then, keep appreciating the pets you have, and remind them how much you love them.

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Guide to HDB Latest Approved List of 63 Dog Breeds & Pets in Singapore [2023]

woman hugging dog

There comes a point in time when animal lovers consider owning the pet of their dreams. However, it doesn’t mean that they are allowed to keep any pets that they wish for if they were to live in a HDB flat.

On a brighter note, with recent changes made to allow bigger sized dogs to be rehomed, it makes the process of adoption far more convenient for those whose criteria expands beyond owning small dogs.

In this blog, we will be highlighting the dog breeds allowed for adoption, as well as rules and regulations to owning pets within HDBs.

Dog Regulations and Good Practices

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To own a pet, you must understand what it means to be a responsible owner. To prevent conflicts with your housing estate and neighbours, there are rules by HDB you must abide by.

Flouting HDB rules will result in hefty fines up to $4,000.

The table below summarises regulations pet owners must follow to adopt a dog:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Answer
How many dogs can I own? 1 per HDB Flat
Is there a restriction as to how big my dog can be? – Maximum height up to 40 cm
– Weight of 10 kg and below
– Singapore Special with a shoulder
height up to 55cm under Project ADORE
Must I register my dog? Yes, dog owners must have their pet licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) via PALS.
Is there a cost to licence my dog? $15, refer to NParks’ Page for terms and conditions.

It is also important that you exercise good practice when it comes to creating a safe and comfortable environment for your dog:

    • Ensure it doesn’t bark excessively

    • Pick up and dispose their waste promptly

    • Keep them safe and secured in your home

    • Ensure your dog socialises with your neighbours when possible to avoid future conflicts

HDB Approved Dog Breeds

The infographic below shows the 62 dog breeds approved by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).

We have also provided a short description of the dog breeds regarding their traits. This is to ensure that you have what it takes to care for that specific breed once you have made up your mind!

aPetMart HDB Dog Breeds Infographic 1/5 by Osman Samsuri

aPetMart HDB Dog Breeds Infographic 2/5 by Osman Samsuri

aPetMart HDB Dog Breeds Infographic 3/5 by Osman Samsuri

aPetMart HDB Dog Breeds Infographic 4/5 by Osman Samsuri

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If you wish to adopt a dog that’s not listed on the HDB list, you will need to live in a private property unit.

HDB Approved Dogs under Project ADORE

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If you stay in HDB but love bigger dogs, Project ADORE is for you. Despite the dog size limits, Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming of Dogs) aims to look past the restrictions. Introduced in April 2012, Project ADORE was implemented to assess the acceptance of mixed-breed dogs in HDB estates if proper safeguards were in place. 

Only dogs adopted from these 5 participating dog shelters are qualified for the scheme:

    1. SPCA

    1. Action for Singapore Dogs

    1. Save Our Street Dogs

    1. Exclusively Mongrels

    1. Causes for Animals

1335 of these mixed breed dogs, also known as Singapore Specials, had been successfully rehomed as of 31 December 2019.

In March 2020, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) announced a revised criterion for Project ADORE, with the hope to allow 20% more local mixed-breed dogs to be adopted each year.

Pet lovers interested in adopting Singapore Specials may refer to this table:

Size of Singapore Special – Shoulder height up to 55 cm
– No weight restrictions
Must the dog be sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped? Yes
Must the dog complete training? The dog must have undergone basic obedience training by AVA-accredited trainers

In addition, under this schedule, you must do the following:

    • Understand that only 1 registered dog is allowed per HDB household

    • Check that your immediate neighbours are open to you having a dog

    • Sign a declaration that you’ll observe the Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB)

    • Apply for an AVA licence.

There are many benefits to adopting a Singapore Special. They tend to be intelligent, which makes them easily trainable. Additionally, their longer lifespans of up to 15 years make them the perfect choice for family pets. Sadly, they are often overlooked due to their tendency to be difficult at times.

However, if you give yourself enough time and effort, they will start to warm up to you and understand what it is like to feel loved. So trust the process!

Are Cats Allowed to Live in HDB Flats?

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Unfortunately, due to housing laws, cats are not allowed in flats. The reason stated is due to being “difficult to contain within the “flat”. When they are not kept indoors, their fur, urine and faeces may pose health and hygiene risks to the public. In addition, it is cited that caterwauling may also cause inconvenience to neighbours. 

However, this rule has not stopped cat lovers from having the felines in HDB flats.. As long as you manage to keep them well-behaved and your neighbours happy, it does not seem that the rule was strictly enforced. 

As felines have won the hearts of many, the authority has been experimenting to lift the rules under a pilot scheme known as Love Cats. About 120 households in HDB flats in Chong Pang at Yishun have been permitted to raise one feline each under this scheme which was launched in October 2021, as long as the cats are microchipped, sterilised and kept indoor.

This pilot scheme is run by the Cat Welfare Society with support from government agencies such as the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Ministry of National Development (MND).

They are also supported by Law Minister K. Shanmugam and Louis Ng, who is the Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRCand the founder of ACRES Group (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society).

Pets That Can Be Adopted Aside From Dogs

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Keeping small pets is permitted within HDB flats, so long as they don’t cause inconvenience to neighbours or mess up common areas.

These pets include:

    1. Birds (except house crow, white-vented or Javan myna, common myna, feral pigeon, birds that are protected wildlife species)

    1. Chinchillas

    1. Fish (except piranhas and fish that are protected wildlife)

    1. Gerbils

    1. Green tree frogs

    1. Guinea Pigs

    1. Hamsters

    1. Land Hermit crabs

    1. Malayan box turtles

    1. Mice

    1. Rabbits

For birds and fishes, please note that those listed in the CITES Appendices must be imported with CITES permits or Certificates of Origin. The NParks website of the Animal and Veterinary Service provides more info on what other pets can be raised in Singapore.

Licensing for Other Pets

As far as research goes, there isn’t a stated fact that you must register your pets if it is not a dog. However, AVS encourages that you observe the Code of Animal Welfare, which specifies the minimum standards for animal housing, management, and care which pet owners are expected to comply with. 
It is written in the form of a booklet and infographic, both of which you should take a look at by clicking on the respective words.

Other Banned Pets

In addition to cats, there are also other animals that are not allowed to be kept as HDB pets, such as:

    1. Hedgehogs

    1. Bearded dragons

    1. Star tortoises

    1. Sugar Gliders

    1. Snakes

    1. Crocodilian Reptiles

The reasoning for these animals is mainly due to safety concerns.

To All Pet Owners, Stay Responsible

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Before getting a pet, ensure that you have done your research and are fully prepared to commit to the life of a pet owner. If you already have owned one, always research ways to make their quality of living even better!
Don’t buy a pet just because you can. You should always consider if it is something that you feel a special connection to. It’s a whole new adventure once you become a pet owner, but it’s an exciting one!

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How To Adopt Singapore Specials

mongrel-party-hat

While the homeless dogs wandering in concrete jungles are known as strays, mutts and mongrels in other countries, they hold a special place in many Singaporeans’ hearts. Affectionately known as Singapore Specials, many of these street dogs have been successfully rehomed in Singapore. 

The love for Singapore Special dogs has been steadily growing over the years. The possibility of adopting a Singapore Special is good news if you are a big dog lover who stays in HDB flats.

Are you familiar with  the process of adoption, and how Singapore Special’s traits may be different from the popular dog breeds in Singapore? Read on to find more.

What You Should Know

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Singapore Specials have traits not easily distinguishable compared to purebred dogs. They are mixed-breed dogs. That means not all of them behave the same way despite being categorised as a Singapore Special. Some may be aggressive, others passive. Some may be shy, others sociable.

The life of caring for a Singapore Special dog isn’t always an easy breeze. There are a lot of considerations to be taken if you are looking to adopt one.

Prior to being rescued by animal shelters, it has always been a dog eat dog world in their eyes. These poor creatures had to live in the streets of Singapore feeding off whatever they could find in order to survive. As a result of their experience, it can be very difficult for them to easily trust someone who is willing to take care of them. 

Those who display aggressive behaviours towards their new owners tend to be sent back to their shelters, seeking for another better home.

Hence, it is important that in order to be a responsible owner of these dogs, you must be patient with your development with your companion. It might take some time for them to open up their trust to you, but it is a process that is deemed worthwhile!

Why You Should Adopt Singapore Specials

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We believe that if you have what it takes to care for a  Singapore Special, you should still go for it!

Adopting Singapore Specials has its benefits:

  1. Healthier – Most dogs in Singapore come from puppy mills. They have a known reputation for having atrocious conditions breeding dogs with serious health issues.
  2. Longer Lifespans – Mixed breed dogs tend to live a long life of up to 15 years or more as they have fewer health
  3. Intelligent and Trainable – They tend to pick things up fast and adapt to living conditions well. 
  4. Affordability – Compared to buying a puppy, adoption incurs much less cost. In addition, as Singapore Specials have fewer health issues, it means you don’t have to keep visiting the vet apart from bringing your Singapore Specials to routine checkups.

Adoption Requirements

To adopt a dog, you are to comply with the rules instilled by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Failure to do so may result in hefty fines.

Owners are required to:

  • Sign a Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB) which mandates that your dog doesn’t cause nuisances to your neighbours
  • Have undergone basic obedience training by AVA-accredited trainers at point of adoption
  • Ensure that your dog has been sterilised, microchipped and brought for routine vaccinations.
  • Have their pet licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Services (AVS) via PALS.

Dog lovers that live in HDBs have the privilege of undergoing Project ADORE. However, while you are to observe the rules previously mentioned, take note of the restrictions below on Singapore Specials living in HDB flats.

  • There is no weight restriction.
  • Their Shoulder height cannot exceed 55 cm.
  • They have to be at least 6 months old.

How To Adopt a Singapore Special if You Live in HDB Flats

If you have dreamed of having a big dog in your HDB flats, Singapore Special is for you! Singapore Special is one of the dog breeds allowed in HDB flats. As of now, you can adopt Singapore Special from the  6 participating dog shelters below under Project ADORE:

  1. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
  2. Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)
  3. Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD)
  4. Exclusively Mongrels (EM)
  5. Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS)
  6. Mercylight Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Limited (MARS)

Visit the shelters’ official websites for more information on how you can adopt one of these dogs for yourselves.

We recommend that you visit the dog shelter if it is allowed, so that you can get a chance to understand the behaviour of the various dogs and bond with them at the shelter. Furthermore, the shelter staff may help you clear up your doubts.

#1 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty  to Animals (SPCA)

SPCA Logo

Founded in 1947, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a registered, non-governmental animal welfare charity. They provide 24-hour emergency rescues, cruelty and welfare investigations and are Singapore’s only community animal clinic. 

They also include adoption programmes, education programmes, sterilisations for community animals, and a shelter for over 200 unwanted, abused or abandoned animals every month.

#2 Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)

ASD Logo

Established in December 2000, Action for Singapore Dogs strives to improve the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore. They strictly operate on a no-kill policy.

ASD has conducted various activities and programs. These include rescuing, fostering and re-homing of stray and abandoned dogs, advocating sterilisation to control the stray population, responsible pet ownership and highlighting the virtues of the local dogs, the Singapore Specials. 

To date, they have rehomed over 3000 dogs and have about 150 dogs in their care, which are housed at their Adoption & Rescue Centre and in foster homes.
ASD’s adoption page features images and descriptions of the dogs, as well as if it is HDB Approved. Dog lovers who are interested in adopting such dogs are to fill in an adoption form with their particulars.

#3 Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD)

SOSD Logo

Founded in July 2011, Save Our Street Dogs’ mission is simple: To eliminate cruelty and abandonment of animals, enhancing their welfare, and improve the lives of animals and humans, through rescue, education and advocacy.

They have these 3 key areas of focus to help save the street dogs of Singapore:

  1. Advocate & Educate
  2. Rescue & Rehome
  3. Sterilisation for Humane Population Control

#4 Exclusively Mongrels

EM Logo

The name speaks for itself! Exclusively Mongrels is a group that solely focuses on changing the life of mongrel dogs for the better. From time to time, they would also host various events. One recent event held was “Adoption Drive 2022”, where families may look to adopt the various dogs and puppies available. 

Similar to Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), they have adoption forms that’s sorted from HDB to non-HDB approved. Adding on, they also have a separate category dedicated to puppies!

#5 Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS)

CAS Logo

Causes for Animals Limited is an animal welfare charity set up to support the needs of local animal welfare in Singapore. They employ programs and policies to promote best practice, ethical, sustainable and compassionate treatment of the animals.

Putting together a team with over 30 years of combined experience in Animal Welfare Work, they have managed a rescue and adoption program that has helped achieve a success rate of 98% in adoptions.

#6 Mercylight Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Limited (MARS)

Mercylight Logo

Mercylight started off in 2009 as a handful of volunteers who fed stray dogs every evening in the eastern side of Singapore. In January 2015, it was incorporated as a non-profit organisation with the aim to promote compassion for animals through the provision of animal welfare services and prevention of cruelty to animals.

By May 2020, they were then conferred the charity status and was henceforth known as Mercylight Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Limited.

To date, they have over 100 committed people volunteering as kennel volunteers, stray feeders, packers, fosterers and sponsors.

Be Nice & Kind

volunteers-care-for-mongrels

We hope that our article has been helpful in allowing you to have a clear mind of what you wish to achieve in adopting a Singapore Special.  Do remember to adopt responsibly. Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. 

These dogs are undoubtedly unique creatures often misunderstood by the general public, but are finally beginning to receive more love as time passes on. They deserve a second chance to be rehomed in a safe environment, and feel the love of a family.

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How to Properly Store Your Pet Food

dog staring food

We are what we eat. The same is true for our pets. While selecting quality pet food is important, storing pet food properly plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and freshness of the food your pet is eating.

In this article, we will offer you some tips on how to properly store your pet food.

Storage of Dry Food

Store at Optimal Temperature

According to the US Food & Drug Administration, pet food should be kept indoors at a cool temperature not more than 26.7°C with low humidity. When exposed to high temperatures or humidity, the fats in pet food may become rancid and the vitamins in the food may break down. In addition, high temperature and humidity would allow mold and bacteria to spread easily.

Moreover, freezing your pet food is not recommended as the moisture in the freezer may lead to mold growth.

Seal Pet Food Tightly

pet food container

Like all other food, pet food is prone to oxidation. The presence of oxygen deteriorates the quality of food, making it go rancid and ruining the flavor. It speeds up the chemical reactions in food, which results in browning and foul odors. If you are not attentive to the visual change of the kibbles, your pet may fall sick after eating it in the worst case.

Hence, after opening the package, you should try to squeeze out the air and seal it up to minimize the food’s contact with air.

Keep in Its Original Packaging

food packaging

One mistake a lot of pet parents make is to pour dry food out of its original packaging into a re-sealable plastic bag or an air-tight container for storage. Studies have shown that plastic bags or containers may pass on an odor to the kibbles that alters its taste.

Many dry food packaging comes with an oil-resistant liner that acts as a fat-barrier to retain the integrity of the food. On the contrary, plastic bags and containers may not be able to retain the fats inside the food. After a while, a yellow color stain is often observed in the plastic materials used to store pet food.

Another advantage of keeping pet food in its original packaging is that the UPC code, lot number, & best-by date are readily available in rare cases of a product recall.

If you prefer to keep your pet food in a container, put the entire bag into the container instead of pouring the content directly into it. The main purpose of the pet food storage containers are to keep the food securely from your pets, pests and adverse environmental conditions.

Clean the Container Regularly

If you keep your pet food in a container, clean it regularly. Constantly topping up the food by mixing the new batch with the old ones is not recommended. This is because failure to remove the leftover crumbs might lead to the build-up of bacteria and mold which may contaminate the food.

Furthermore, mixing food of different batches may lead to confusion over the expiry date.

Storage of Wet Food

Keeping It Cool

woman checking fridge

Before it is opened, canned food can be stored at a room temperature with low humidity. Once opened, it is recommended to keep the canned food inside the fridge. This preserves its moisture and reduces the transfer of odors to other food. Do not place canned food inside the freezer as it could change the texture and taste of the food.

Wrap It Up

wrapping food plastic

Once the can has been opened, it is recommended to wrap it up with a cling wrap or cover it with a lid before storing it in the fridge. This will help to minimize the exposure of the food to oxygen.

Always Double Check

As a final reminder, it is always important to check the condition of your pet food before feeding it to your pet. A change in color, texture, or smell of the food may be a telling sign that the food has gone bad.

Good pet food storage practice will help to retain the freshness and the nutrients of your pet’s every meal.

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The Psychological Benefits of Having a Cat

Have you ever wondered if cats can heal humans? While the independent nature of cats may not make them suitable for rescue missions, cats with loving personalities are great candidates to offer emotional support to humans.

With the increasing popularity of cat therapy, more cats are being trained to visit public places to help humans in need. The psychological benefits of having a cat are backed by science. As the “purr-fect” companion for humans, cats can be your personal form of emotional support.

1. Keep You Company & Reduce Your Loneliness

cat playing toy

Nothing beats returning home after a long day to see your cats waiting for you within the comforts of your home, hinting at you to give them the attention they needed while you were away.

This feeling of comfort gives people a sense of purpose, knowing that there is a living soul waiting at home yearning for their love and attention. Being accompanied by cats simply keeps the feeling of loneliness away.

2. Improve Mental Health

Recent studies have shown that cats could help people with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

woman holding cat

Having cats around you also boosts your serotonin level. Serotonin is a chemical present within our bodies, which acts as a neurotransmitter. It serves as an important function by regulating our mood. With the boost, it essentially makes you feel much happier and less anxious.

Have you ever petted your cat and felt that sensational feeling in wanting to hug them a lot more? That is the serotonin boost effect working on your body.

As you get to understand your cat better, the bond that you have between each other becomes stronger. You may also get to pick up on your cat’s body language overtime, and make up tricks that only you and your cat understands.

In your spare time, you may want to play along with them. Making use of toys that they often chase or cuddle with is a great way to further that bond.

3. Reduce Stress Levels

Cats tend to purr because they feel happy and comfortable in their environment, a norm agreed upon by many. However, they may also do the same when experiencing pain or illness. When a cat purrs, they release endorphins, hormones that block out nerve cells from receiving the pain signals. In fact, cat purring shows the same effect on humans. The presence of cats simply helps humans deal with rejections and other negative emotions.

In nature, natural sounds at a low pitch have a calming effect as it is recognized by our brains as non-threatening noises. Cat purring, as a low-humming noise, tends to make people feel relaxed, reducing the fight-or-flight responses.

man bonding with cat

On top of that, the independent nature of cats enables them to care for themselves well. As low maintenance pets, cats usually have no problem keeping themselves well groomed. This simply means living with cats is simply less stressful as compared to caring for other animals.

4. Lower Risk In Heart Diseases

cat sleeping

In addition, the presence of cats helps reduce the risk of heart diseases. According to a study by researches from the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute in Minneapolis, persons with cats have a lower risk of mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases. This may be due to the fact that cats help humans cope with stress and encourage the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone.

5. Promote Physical Healing

man playing with cat

On top of healing you mentally, cat purr can heal you physically as well. The frequency of cat purring is approximately between 25Hz and 140Hz. The same frequency has been used in vibration therapy to aid the healing of broken bones, wound, joint and tendon issues in humans.

6. Encourage a Healthier Lifestyle

Living with a pet means a list of pet-related chores has inevitably been added to your daily routine. While taking care of your cat, you must have subconsciously structured your timetable in such a way to ensure that your cat is well-fed and groomed. These routine activities help you to maintain an active and stable lifestyle.

Cats are wonderful feline creatures with a lot to offer. They may be hard to understand at times. However, if there’s anything that they really truly care about: it is you.

cat sleeping peacefully