Finally decided to get your own dog after numerous scrolling through dogstagrams and cute Tiktok videos? Have you’ve been thinking about it for a while and you’re ready to take the next step?
The cost of owning a dog in Singapore can start from about $70 if you adopt an older rescue dog, but it can easily reach $3,000 or more if you buy from an ethical breeder, before you even add ongoing costs like licensing, microchipping, sterilisation, vet care, food, grooming, training, and everyday supplies.
To help you budget properly and feel confident about your next step, we’ll break down the cost of owning a dog in Singapore—from one-off fees and recurring expenses and tips on choosing the right dog for your home.
Introduction to Pet Ownership
Firstly, a warm (future) welcome to the world of dog ownership, where every day brings new adventures, laughter, and the unconditional love of a loyal companion.
At Pretty Pets Kennel, we believe that bringing home a puppy is more than just a purchase. It’s the start of a lifelong friendship and a joyful addition to your family.
Because of how life-changing this is, we’re dedicated to helping each and everyone of our customers discover the perfect dream puppy that matches your lifestyle and home environment.
List of One-Off Costs of Owning A Dog
Cost of Adoption or Purchase of your New Pet
There are two options to consider when getting your own dog.
HDB Approved Breeds and Costs
For many Singaporeans, living in an HDB flat means choosing a dog breed that’s approved by local authorities.
At Pretty Pets Kennel, we specialise in HDB-approved breeds, making it easy for you to find a puppy that fits both your home and your heart.
We offer a variety of small and medium-sized dogs that are well-suited for apartment living and meet HDB requirements. (To see the full list of HDB-Approved Dogs, click here!)
The price of a puppy in Singapore can vary depending on breed, age, and pedigree, typically ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000.
We’re committed to transparency, so you’ll always know what’s included and what to expect.
List of One-Off Costs of Owning A Dog
Cost of Adoption or Purchase of your New Pet
There are two options to consider when getting your own dog.
Adopting a Dog from a Rescue Centre
Adopting a dog generally has minimal costs that go into covering costs in adoption centers, medical requirements, and maintenance for dogs while they wait to be rehomed. Choose adoption if you want to help another dog’s life and save costs at the same time.
If adopting, look for a rescue centre such as SPCA (Society for the Prevention and Cruelty of Animals Singapore), ASD (Action for Singapore Dogs), SOSD (Save our Street Dogs), CAS (Causes for Animals Singapore), and VFA (Voices for Animals). Many adoption groups assess whether your lifestyle and home are suitable before they decide on placement.
The cost of adopting dogs below 7.5 years start from $180 – $250, while the cost of adopting dogs 7.5 years and above start at $70. Many shelter dogs are healthy, so it is not automatically because something is wrong with them; some are simply rehomed due to changes in their owners’ circumstances. (Learn about The Adoption Process here!)
The inclusions for the adoptions usually include vaccinations, sterilisation, de-worming, microchipping, registration, and licensing. If adoption is not your preference and you’re more inclined on purchasing, make sure to choose a reputable breeder.
Purchasing a Dog
Ethical breeders are committed to high standards of care, veterinary treatment, nutrition, and socialisation to ensure healthy and well-adjusted dogs, and starting early while a dog is young can help owners plan better for long-term costs.
Be prepared to spend starting anywhere from $3,000 above – depending on your chosen breed, if it’s purebred or not, or special pedigree dogs. The fees to pay for the necessities like vaccinations, sterilisation, de-worming varies on the breeder too. (This all taken care of for you at Pretty Pets Kennel)
In fact, if you’re considering purchasing from a breeder, we offer a variety of breeds for all types of owners, including first-time pet owners and those seeking HDB-approved dogs!
Purchasing a Dog
Ethical breeders are committed to high standards of care, veterinary treatment, nutrition, and socialisation to ensure healthy and well-adjusted dogs.
Be prepared to spend starting anywhere from $2,000 above – depending on your chosen breed, if it’s purebred or not, or special pedigree dogs. The fees to pay for the necessities like vaccinations, sterilisation, de-worming varies on the breeder too. (This all taken care of for you at Pretty Pets Kennel)
In fact, if you’re considering purchasing from a breeder, visit Pretty Pets Kennel!
We offer a variety of breeds for all types of owners, including first-time pet owners and those seeking HDB-approved dogs.
Some of our popular breeds includes the Maltipoo, Toy Poodle, Cavapoo, Japanese Spitz, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi!
Good pet care starts with preparing the time and money needed beyond the purchase price.
Every puppy comes with:
- Certified blood panels documenting liver, kidney, and organ health
- Core vaccinations and parasite treatments
- Microchipping with traceable ID
- AVS health booklet and adoption agreement
- Starter kit plus a complimentary grooming session
Dog Licensing
The cost for dog licensing starts at $15 for dogs aged 5 months. If you own more than 2 dogs, the cost varies depending on the license length option you choose.
The costs are as follows (according to NParks – Animal & Veterinary Service):
| Category | One-year license | Two-year license | Three-year license | One-time license** |
| Dogs below five months of age | S$15 per dog | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| First three dogs | Sterilised:S$15 per dogNon-sterilised:S$90 per dog | Sterilised:S$25 per dogNon-sterilised:S$165 per dog | S$230 per non-sterilised dog | S$35 per sterilised dog |
| Fourth and subsequent dog | S$180 per dogORA reduced licence fee of S$15 for the fourth dog^ | S$325 per dogORA reduced licence fee of S$25 for the fourth dog^ | S$460 per non-sterilised dog | S$460 per sterilised dogORA reduced licence fee of S$35 for the fourth dog^ |
As of September 2020, you can apply for a one-time licensing for your dog that is valid for a dog’s lifetime. This option is only available for sterilised dogs only. (Learn everything you’d need to know about dog licensing here!)
Microchipping Costs
Even if this wasn’t legally required, this is still highly recommended. The advantage of getting your dog microchipped is that it is a permanent identification that helps trace your dog’s whereabouts if ever they get lost or stolen.
Whoever picks up your dog can bring them to a vet so they can be scanned for identification. It is also required for dogs to have a microchip to apply for sterilisation.
Microchipping costs starts at $50 to $90.
Sterilisation Costs
Sterilising a dog typically costs $150–$850. The price depends on the breed size, gender, and possible complications, such as an undescended testicle.
Female dogs are more expensive to sterilise. Sterilisation is also a requirement to acquire lifetime licensing of dogs, otherwise the owner will have to pay $165 every two years.
List of Recurring Costs of A Dog
Cost of Medical Care, Pet Insurance & Vaccinations
Once your dog receives its initial series of vaccinations, the owner is required to renew those with boosters annually, depending on the length of the vaccination immunity. The cost of each vaccine ranges from $40 to $100.
There are also medical care costs for different treatments, complications, surgeries, or maintenance, and these bills can add up quickly. Some of them include flea treatments, dental care, and checkups or consultations. For example, the average consultation cost starts at $50, while a single vet bill for a more complex visit can be much higher.
Some owners also consider pet insurance to help manage larger treatment costs. However, before choosing a plan, compare the coverage, annual limit, and which exclusions matter most. Do note that some behavioural conditions, such as separation anxiety, may not be included.
It helps to talk to the insurer or your vet before you claim, and mention any exclusions or waiting periods clearly.
Cost of Dog Food & Treats
Depending on the quality and type of pet food you choose for your dog, the cost of dog food and treats will also vary.
Better nutrition helps maintain your dog’s health over time.
The food expenses range from $40 to $100 or more depending on how much your dog eats and the type of food you choose for them.
To add treats into the budget, you can allocate around $10 to $30 for them.
Cost of Dog Services: Grooming, Training, Dog-Walking
If you own dogs that have long and/thick coats, they usually require more grooming and is more expensive. The general costs for grooming starts at $20 to $110.
You can usually save a few bucks for shorter-haired dogs since they usually only require more regular grooming in the ears and nails – which you can do on your own if you are able to. DIY Groomingstarts at $10 – $60 to purchase the tools you can use for a long time on your pooch!
If you want to train your dog to grow up properly and be well behaved, you can also sign up for training classes for your dog that usually starts at $350 – $1000+. Regular grooming and training help ensure happy puppies who are well cared for and content. This helps especially for active breeds that may need outlets for their energy to stay settled at home.
If you are looking for someone to help petsit and walk your dog while you’re busy or away, the cost can range from $20 per day and $100 per night, though dogs still need daily play and attention, not just walks.
Cost of Miscellaneous Expenses
The miscellaneous costs are usually for basic accessories, supplies, and other pet care essentials for your dog. This includes a collar, a leash, food and water bowls, and toys. Some households also budget for a crate, bed, or sofa cover to protect furniture.
You may also want to consider paw-friendly products, such as comfortable mats or grooming tools designed to care for your puppy’s paws. These range from $30 – $250 depending on the quality of the items.
Choosing the Right Breed
Selecting the right breed is a key step in ensuring a happy and harmonious relationship between your puppy and your family.
Whether you want a playful family pet, a calm companion, or an energetic dog for an active lifestyle, we’re here to guide you in choosing a suitable breed for homes with children and different activity needs.
Our team takes the time to understand your lifestyle, house, available space, and whether you have enough time for daily care so we can recommend a puppy that suits your household.
As responsible breeders, we prioritise the health and well-being of every puppy, giving you confidence that your new companion has been raised with care. If you’re ready, allow us to help you discover the breed that will bring happiness and balance to your family.
Long-Term Commitment
Bringing a puppy into your life is a joyful experience, but it also requires enough time, money, and commitment from all family members. Unlike cats, dogs usually need more hands-on daily care and routine.
A dog can become a close friend, but responsible ownership still means making sure the household can accept the daily routine.
HDB Approved Breeds and Costs
For many Singaporeans, living in an HDB flat means choosing a dog breed that’s approved by local authorities.
We offer a variety of small and medium-sized dogs that are well-suited for apartment living and meet HDB requirements. (To see the full list of HDB-Approved Dogs, click here!)
The price of a puppy in Singapore can vary depending on breed, age, and pedigree, typically ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000.
We’re committed to transparency, so you’ll always know what’s included and what to expect!
Conclusion
From the moment you bring a dog home—whether you purchase or adopt one—the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared by the ongoing costs of caring for it.
We hope that with this article, you’re now clearer on whether you’re ready to become a paw-rent!
