Everyone knows that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. For example, according to Mercer’s 2020 Cost of Living list, this small country–no more than 5,000 square kilometres in size–only trails Hong Kong and Tokyo in Asia in terms of being expensive. Fortunately, most of the residents could afford it, considering the per capita income for Singapore is also one of the world’s highest.
Is It Expensive to Own a Pet in Singapore?
Simply put, almost everything is expensive in Singapore. And as you might expect, owning a pet is not going to be cheap either. Apart from goods, you also have to buy your pet grooming products, toys, blankets, leashes, and a bed from an online pet store in Singapore.
When you are a pet owner who loves your pet like family, you do not really compute the costs. However, for those who are planning to adopt a dog or cat and have no idea about the expected expenses, this article is for them.
Unless you are given a puppy by a family friend, there are two ways to get a pet in Singapore:
- Go to a shelter and adopt a pet dog or cat
- Buy a pet from a certified breeder or pet store
The cost of the puppy will depend on the breed. For example, a Golden Retriever would set you back about $2,500. So, it is actually cheaper to adopt a rescue. For one, you save a pup’s life, and second, you save money.
For instance, it would cost around $250 to $350 to adopt a rescue puppy. The fee is not really meant for the purchase of the dog. Rather, the costs are administrative, which means they will pay for the microchip that will be embedded on the dog, immunization, or the full health checkup.
Breakdown of Costs
After you bring your puppy home, you need to pay the government for its license. This is crucial because you may pay a fine or the pet can be taken from you if the papers are not in order. The license only costs about $15 for the entire year.
- If you are sterilizing your dog, the fees will range from a low of $150 to a high of $500
- A dentist would cost around $200
- Vaccines would cost you more than $200, and this should be done once every three years
- If your dog needs grooming, it will cost you about $300 a year. You bring your dog for grooming every three months
- Food is a recurring cost, and it will cost you around $1,500 per year
Pet Products
Apart from the basic necessities, you also visit an online pet store in Singapore to buy products for your puppy. For example, it is forbidden to bring them outside without a leash. But you also need to make sure they have natural bath products or treatment care to guard against ticks and other parasites. A dog cage will range from $30 to more than a hundred Singaporean dollars. You can buy a leash for upwards of $50 and a bed for a minimum of $50. An orthopedic bed for senior and sickly dogs will cost about $200. But remember, these are recurring costs because you will need to replace them every few years.
As you can see, owning a puppy in Singapore is not an easy decision. But pet lovers would swear that the value they get in return is priceless.
Emily Stuart is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
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