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

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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 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

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.