AVS-approved rescue groups in Singapore: where to adopt

Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) publishes an official list of 31 partner animal welfare groups, 11 of which rehome dogs. Adopting through one of these groups means the dog is already sterilised, vaccinated, microchipped, and behaviour-screened, and if you live in an HDB flat, adopting a local mixed-breed dog through certain partners can qualify you for Project ADORE.

Official Singapore source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks): avs.nparks.gov.sg/outreach/resources/partner-animal-welfare-groups.

The AVS partner groups that rehome dogs

AVS maintains and periodically updates a public list of animal welfare groups (AWGs) it recognises as partners. Recognition means these groups work with AVS on rehoming and responsible pet ownership outreach, though AVS does not itself run a certification scheme in the way it licenses pet shops or breeders. Of the 31 groups on the current list, five focus specifically on dogs: Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), Chained Dog Awareness Singapore, Exclusively Mongrels, Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter, and Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD). A further six take in multiple species, including dogs: Causes for Animals Singapore, Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Noah's Ark CARES, Purely Adoptions, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Voices for Animals.

Each group runs its own intake, fostering, and adoption process independently, so availability, adoption fees, and waiting times vary. Most list adoptable dogs on their own website or social media pages and require an application form, a home visit or video call, and sometimes a trial period before finalising the adoption. Reaching out to two or three groups at once is common practice and not considered impolite, since a specific dog you have in mind may already have other interested adopters.

Project ADORE: adopting a mixed-breed dog into an HDB flat

Project ADORE (Project for Adoption and Rehoming of Dogs) is a joint AVS and HDB scheme that lets HDB residents keep a local mixed-breed dog, commonly called a Singapore Special, even though mixed breeds fall outside the standard HDB-approved breed list. It was first piloted by the Ministry of National Development in April 2012 and made a permanent scheme in 2014. The height limit was raised to 55 centimetres at the shoulder in 2020, with the earlier weight restriction removed, and the expanded criteria were formalised as permanent policy in 2022.

Only six of the AWG partners are authorised to rehome dogs specifically under Project ADORE: ASD, Causes for Animals, Exclusively Mongrels, Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, SOSD, and SPCA. Adopting a mixed-breed dog through any other channel, including a different AWG or a private rehoming post, does not qualify for Project ADORE status in an HDB flat. Only one dog is permitted per residential unit under the scheme, regardless of flat size.

Dogs adopted under Project ADORE must already be licensed, microchipped, vaccinated, and sterilised before the adoption completes, and the adopter is required to complete a mandatory basic obedience training programme with an AVS-accredited or ADORE-affiliated trainer. This training requirement exists because Project ADORE dogs are, by definition, of unknown or mixed lineage, and the programme is designed to support first-time owners of dogs without a predictable breed temperament profile.

What to expect from the adoption process

Most AWGs follow a broadly similar sequence: an online application describing your household, living situation, and experience with dogs, followed by a phone or video interview, then either a home visit or a meet-and-greet with the specific dog. Some groups require a short fostering period before finalising the adoption, particularly for dogs recovering from illness, trauma, or a difficult intake situation. Adoption fees typically cover the cost of sterilisation, vaccination, microchipping, and sometimes a health screen, and vary by group rather than following a fixed schedule.

Be honest about your living situation, work hours, and experience level during the application. AWGs match dogs to households based on this information specifically to reduce the risk of a dog being returned, which is stressful for the dog and reduces its chances with the next potential adopter. If a group tells you a particular dog is not a good match for your household, that feedback is coming from people who know the dog's specific behaviour history, not an arbitrary obstacle.

Frequently asked questions

Can I adopt a purebred dog through an AVS partner group?

Yes. While Project ADORE specifically covers local mixed-breed dogs, AVS partner groups also rehome purebred and designer-mix dogs that have been surrendered, rescued, or bred in unlicensed situations. These adoptions follow the group's standard process rather than Project ADORE, and HDB residents should confirm the specific breed is on the HDB-approved list before proceeding, since Project ADORE's exemption applies only to mixed-breed dogs.

Do I need to use an AVS-accredited trainer specifically, or can I choose my own?

For Project ADORE adoptions, the obedience training requirement must be completed through an AVS-accredited trainer or an ADORE-affiliated programme, not any trainer of your choosing. The rehoming AWG can usually point you to their preferred or partnered trainers as part of the adoption process.

How long does the adoption process usually take?

This varies by group and by dog. A straightforward match with an already-sterilised, vaccinated adult dog can sometimes complete within one to two weeks. Dogs still recovering from medical treatment, or households requiring additional home-visit steps, can take a month or more. Groups generally will not rush a match that is not clearly a good fit, since the goal is a permanent home, not a fast placement.

Is there a cost to adopt, and what does it cover?

Nearly all AWGs charge an adoption fee, which typically offsets the cost of sterilisation, vaccination, microchipping, and any veterinary treatment the dog needed during its time in care. Fees differ between groups and are not standardised or set by AVS. Contact the specific group for their current fee schedule before applying.