Many Singaporeans and expatriates, particularly those who live in landed properties, keep pets in the home including small dogs, cats, birds, and fish. There are quite a few pet shops and grooming parlors, a number of boarding services, and even a number of upscale pet clothing boutiques. For expatriates who travel frequently, the employment of a domestic worker often makes pet care easy and highly feasible.
However, pets are expensive to buy and maintain and close living quarters or high-rise living make dog and cat ownership a bit challenging. Some people in Singapore, primarily Muslim Malays, prefer not to come into direct contact with dogs, so getting a pet dog to a vet’s appointment can also be troublesome if you do not own a car and rely on taxi services. Pets are not allowed on any of the public transport.
People’s reaction to pets in Singapore varies, but many outdoor restaurants are happy to permit dog owners to sit outside with their dogs, especially in the Robertson Quay and East Coast areas. Dogs are also allowed in the majority of public parks but they are not permitted in nature reserves. Many landlords can be hesitant to rent to pet owners so it is worth checking in advance that your pets will be allowed. Some apartment complexes, especially HDBs, have a limitation on the number of pets you can keep. You can learn more about this in the “bring your pets” section.
For pet care resources, the Singapore website Pets Channel is a great resource for pet owners, listing services and facilitating forum discussions.
