Small Dogs for Adoption in Singapore: Fees, HDB Rules 2026

Where can I find small dogs for adoption in Singapore?

SPCA Singapore is the only major shelter with a published fee tier for pedigrees and crosses, which is where most small breeds sit. Purely Adoptions takes in dogs from the streets and former breeding environments, and SOSD flags HDB-eligible dogs on each listing.

All four fees cover vaccination and microchipping. SPCA and SOSD include sterilisation (SOSD by voucher if not yet done), CAS includes it for adults but not puppies, and Purely Adoptions offers up to 20% off it at a partner clinic instead. SPCA, CAS and Purely Adoptions also include deworming, and CAS adds flea and tick treatment. The AVS dog licence is never included; you apply for it yourself in PALS after signing.

Small pedigree dogs are the exception in Singapore's shelters, not the rule. Most dogs in rescue are Singapore Specials, the local mixed breed, and many of those are medium-sized. If you need a dog that is small because of your flat, use the HDB-approved dog breeds checker before you fall for a listing.

Which small dogs are allowed in an HDB flat?

HDB flats may keep one dog from the approved list of small breeds, or a local mixed-breed dog up to 55cm tall adopted through Project ADORE. SPCA describes the approved-list benchmark as a toy breed standing 40cm or less and weighing 10kg or less.

That distinction matters when you are browsing listings:

• Pedigree small breeds such as a Maltese, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua are on the approved list and can go to any HDB flat.
• Small-looking crosses are not automatically approved. HDB assesses them on the parent breeds, so a Spitz cross of unknown parentage may be refused.
• Singapore Specials under 55cm can go to an HDB flat only through Project ADORE, via SPCA, SOSD, CAS or another approved partner, with obedience training and a one-dog-per-flat limit.

Our HDB dog rules guide has the full approved-breed list and the ADORE conditions.

How much does it cost to adopt a small dog in Singapore?

Adopting a small dog in Singapore costs S$70–600 as of 2026, depending on the organisation and the dog's age. SPCA charges S$350 for pedigrees and crosses under 7.5 years, S$70 for seniors above 7.5 years or dogs that have stayed over a year, and S$25 for dogs needing long-term medical care.

Compare that with the price of a small-breed puppy in Singapore, which runs into the thousands before vaccination and sterilisation. A dog sterilisation alone costs several hundred dollars at a private clinic, and the SPCA, SOSD and CAS adult fees already include it.

What is the adoption process for a small dog?

Apply, get screened, meet the dog, then sign and pay. SOSD and Purely Adoptions add a homestay of at least a week before the adoption is final, while SPCA uses one or more shelter visits instead.

Expect these checks whichever group you use:

1. Screening. Housing type, who is at home during the day, and budget. Purely Adoptions requires adopters to be at least 21 and renters to show written landlord consent; every household member joins its Zoom screening.
2. Home visit or shelter visits. SOSD volunteers check windows, gates and balconies at home; SPCA asks shortlisted applicants to come down for visits.
3. Homestay (SOSD, Purely Adoptions). A week or more living with the dog before the adoption is final.
4. Licence. Register the microchip transfer and apply for the AVS dog licence in PALS; it is not part of the fee.

Small ex-breeding dogs often arrive not house-trained and wary of hands. Budget for patience and a trainer, and read our guide to dog adoption in Singapore for how the homestay works.

What to do next

Check HDB eligibility first, then browse the SPCA, Purely Adoptions and SOSD listings.

• Run the breed through the HDB-approved dog breeds checker before you apply.
• Open the SPCA gallery with the HDB filter on, then the Purely Adoptions and SOSD listings.
• Not ready for a lifelong commitment? Foster a dog in Singapore first; the rescue covers vet bills.