Are you looking to adopt a bigger dog, but live in a HDB flat and are unsure of the regulations to do so?
Well, we have awesome news for you: Under Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming), you are now able to keep larger local mixed-breed dogs!
Project ADORE, a special initiative, was started by the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), now known as Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). They have revised the criteria for owning pet dogs in the HDB flats a few times: from only permitting small-sized purebred dogs to dogs under 50cm and below 15kg, they are now allowing a broader range of dogs to be loved by you!
This is extra-exciting news because, for each year, approximately 20% more local mixed-breed dogs can be adopted into HDB flats. Project ADORE gives mongrels, or "Singapore Specials", or local crossbreeds a life-changing opportunity to become the precious pets of HDB flat owners even if their breeds are not found in HDB's pre-approved list. We hope that you are as thrilled as we are! However, before we get ahead of ourselves, it is critical to be aware of the new criteria:
To qualify for HDB adoption under Project ADORE, a dog has to:
- Be a local medium-sized mixed-breed or "Singapore Special"
- Be at least 6 months old
- Be sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped
- Have shoulder height up to 55cm
- Undergo compulsory Basic Obedience Training by AVA-accredited trainers
The dog's potential owner will have to:
- Sign a declaration that they will observe the Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB)
- Understand that only 1 registered dog is allowed per HDB household
- Check that their immediate neighbours are agreeable to them having the dog
- Ensure that their dog is sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped
- Apply for an AVA license and ensure that their dog is "HDB-approved"
Through these criteria, we hope that you will soon be able to meet your furry mixed-breed best friend and welcome them into your family. It is wonderful that Project ADORE has given countless dogs a chance at having a new life!