Dog ownership in Singapore: Why some people choose to buy instead of adopt

SINGAPORE - To adopt or to buy a dog? The 'Adopt, Don’t Shop' mentality for dogs has spurred heated discussions online for many years all around the world, Singapore included.

While pet lovers and animal welfare groups have pushed for adoption, it may not be suitable for everyone for a myriad of reasons. Why do some people end up buying dogs instead of adopting?

Yahoo Southeast Asia talked to several dog owners to understand their reasons for purchasing instead of adopting, and how shopping for dogs can be done responsibly and ethically.

Personal preference and family considerations

Many who chose to buy dogs instead of adopting tend to do so because they prefer to have a puppy or a specific breed.

Some, such as 30-year-old Nicole Lau, feel that buying a puppy instead of adopting one let's them experience the "joy and pain" of puppy training.

Meanwhile, Felicia Seet, 43, desired a young Shiba Inu puppy to kickstart her dog ownership journey. Understanding that many shelters have adult dogs rather than puppies, the health and wellness specialist decided to purchase a dog instead.

"To me the main deterrence is that people can't seem to have a personal preference of what breed they like and what age of dog they may like to adopt," she said.

Choosing a dog's age, breed, colour and more may come with many reasons such as the presence of young kids or elderly at home, or a need for hypoallergenic dogs which don't trigger allergies.

In such cases, certain sizes or breeds do not fit the bill, added Seet.

Some individuals may also cohabit with other family members who may not be as enthusiastic about having a pet. Although they are not necessarily opposed to a family member adopting a pet, the formal interview process involved in pet adoption might discourage prospective adopters.

Additionally, adopting older dogs usually comes with more challenges. An adopted dog may have been previously ill treated, or kept in enclosure, and may have anxiety.

"As a first-time owner I was not confident that I can handle the challenges," she added.

Sally Yeo, 30, communications lead at Puppy Club — which specialises in Shibu Inu puppies — said that buying a pet, especially from reputable and ethical breeders, can offer a "level of predictability" over the pet's breed, size, temperament, and health history.

As such, it might appeal to individuals or families with specific needs or lifestyles, such as those with allergies or young children, or require a dog with known characteristics.

Additionally, ethical breeders might offer well-bred and health-tested purebreds, and also provide valuable guidance and support to new pet owners.

"This positive experience can give first-time dog owners the confidence to later adopt rescue dogs, knowing they've already had a successful dog ownership journey and are open to offering homes to dogs with different backgrounds and needs," she said.

This was the case for Lau, who got herself a Shiba Inu first, before later deciding to adopt a Corgi, which used to be a breeding dog.

Stringent pet adoption criteria

After buying a dog four years ago, adopting one was at the back of Michelle* and John's* minds. Over a year ago, the couple, who are in their 30s, decided they were ready.

After communicating with a few animal welfare groups, the couple narrowed down on one shelter.

Unfortunately, they felt that the shelter was not keen on letting them adopt, as they did not have prior experience with adoption. This was despite them having volunteered at dog shelters previously.

"It felt like they were on a pedestal and they saw us as inferior because we didn't own an adopted dog before, and they found that we were not suitable. The attitude that we faced was the push factor."

According to the couple, the dog adoption process required extensive interviews with all family members.

Other requirements included having to spend eight hours a day at home to be with the dogs, being available for checks on the dog's welfare whenever the shelter requires, and cooking for the dogs and not being able to feed it kibble.

As working adults and first-time owners, the couple tried explaining their difficulties with meeting all the criteria, but experienced "push back" and a "negative attitude".

"Having to make ourselves available for all these requests made us feel like we are beholden to the organisation rather than the dogs," said John.

"We can completely understand why the shelters have certain regulations in place, but what we are asking is for them to hear our point of view. If they put in so many regulations, and people are not able to abide by those regulations, they have to understand that these people might buy dogs instead," said Michelle.

Potential pet adopters might also be put off if they lack the financial means to meet increasingly stringent pet adoption criteria and policy changes, added Lau.

For Seet, to be shortlisted as a potential adopter, she had to fill up a very detailed questionnaire. Upon sharing her preference for a puppy, shelters ignored further queries on adoption.

"I suppose it didn't even get to the stage of being ‘handled’, because there was no reply. Even from the start I didn’t stand a chance," she said.

Online shaming of failed adopters

Being unable to handle an adopted dog may also be a concern for those who decide to buy.

Previously, John had witnessed an incident where an adopter was publicly shamed on Facebook for returning an adopted dog. People had posted comments in various languages, criticising the adopter for their perceived lack of commitment, or not doing enough for the dog.

He felt such a culture could turn potential adopters away because of the "high barrier of entry".

Added Michelle, "Let's not shame people who try (adopting) and realise that they can't and return the dogs. At least they tried, that's the most important thing. If you don't even let these people try to adopt dogs, then these shelter dogs will definitely not have a home".

Criteria meant to aid tight resources and match potential dog adopters

In response to Yahoo's queries to some of the experiences shared by interviewees, Li Bing, co-founder of Chained Dog Awareness said that volunteers have "very tight resources most of the time".

"We don't have time because we have full-time jobs as well. It's not about ignoring, it's more about matching the right adopter profile with a dog,” she added.

Aware that most of the dogs they rescue have a traumatised past or unknown background, the animal welfare group has to very careful with the “delicate” dogs.

“We take so much effort to rescue them not for them to end up in the wrong hands. We are here to help the animals.”

Li said she tries to respond to as many enquiries as she can.

Her animal welfare group estimates about 10 to 15 questions in its questionnaire for potential dog adopters. Some key pointers to access compatibility include reviewing a profile’s mindset, their receptiveness to training, and current living environment.

A profile’s occupation is also one of the key considerations, as taking care of a dog is "not cheap". These include medical or surgical fees, and having to pay for a pet sitter when travelling. Families with kids are also usually not the best match for rescue dogs, added Li.

Red flags during screening

Wendy Low, vice-president of Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), said that only shortlisted and suitable potential adopters (PAs) will be contacted as the animal welfare group does not have the time to screen ever single PA.

According to its guidelines, PAs are required to complete a questionnaire before they are allowed to view a dog. If there are "too many red flags", the group will not contact them. However, the group does acknowledge receipt of their completed questionnaire and informs PAs of its protocol.

"Even if we find them suitable after receiving their questionnaire and proceed to contact them, we may not arrange any viewings if we find that during the conversation, they are not prepared or committed," she said.

Some reasons that potential adopters may be deemed unsuitable include being out for long hours, having tenants or roommates ("as they do not have the same amount of accountability for a dog that they do not own"), or profiles that depend on their helper or children to care for the dog, she added.

Christine Bernadette, co-founder of Causes for Animals, said that potential families are matched based on the needs of the dogs. These include ability of dog to be alone at home for periods of time, its energy level, training needs, and any aggressive tendencies with food or kids.

Meanwhile, HOPE Dog Rescue only takes in old, sick, and special needs dogs, and do not have puppies, said its founder, Fiona Foo.

“We would ignore people wanting puppies because I think they just want a cheap deal. It is cheaper to adopt a puppy than to buy one. If they want a puppy, they can go to industrial estates and pick up a stray puppy,” she said.

Foo acknowledges that the group has a preference for selecting adopters through friends and personal contacts, as rehoming and adoption is “not easy and one of the most difficult things”. As such, the group has their own set of guidelines and prerequisites to abide by.

“Often, people will promise you the world just because they want the dog. Once they get the dog, it’s a different story altogether,” she added.

Animal welfare groups also shared with Yahoo previously on the reasons for stricter criteria when screening potential pet adopters. They include an increase in jumping and falling incidents, rising number of return cases of adopted pets, and the goal to find a forever home for the animals.

Earlier in September, it was reported that volunteers at animal welfare groups were facing fatigue with some opting to drop out.

To adopt or buy?

Like Lau, Michelle, and John, individuals may support both rescue and responsible breeding practices, and choose to adopt and/or buy pets.

Some considerations include personal lifestyle, specific breed preferences, allergies, family needs, desire for a predictable pet, and willingness to support animal shelters or ethical breeders, said Puppy Club's Yeo.

"Buying might suit first-time dog owners, or those seeking specific breed traits and a puppy they can raise from the start," she said.

"Adoption is ideal if you're confident and flexible on the breed, and willing to provide a loving home to a pet with an unknown past," she added.

For Michelle and John, their decision to first buy a dog was based on seeing the value in building an emotional connection with a dog from young till old.

"As first time owners, I would think it's easier if you buy a dog because you are able to shape the dog from young, train it, and get used to it," said John.

This was in contrast to their adopted dog, Mandu, which the couple had to acclimatise to. They had to get accustomed to behaviours like resource guarding and excessive excitement when leaving the house.

Nevertheless, the two also recognised that the challenges they faced with their adopted dog were "quite manageable" as compared to other adopted dogs, that grapple with issues like aggression, excessive barking, and running away.

Things to consider should you want to adopt or buy a dog

Here are some factors Seet recommends thinking about before adopting or buying a dog:

• Time: Dogs need to be walked at least two times a day. Otherwise, they get emotional and agitated, and have the tendency to behave badly at home. They need us to play with them too.

• Patience: They do not understand our language. We may teach them, but they may forget again. (Eg. where to pee, poo, not to bite things, etc.) They are children who never grow up and need us for a lifetime.

• Finances: You need to be able to have enough financial capability to meet these needs: vaccinations, transportation on cabs or pet transfers, medical checkups, and emergency surgeries.

• Travelling: If you work or travel overseas often, you have to consider services like pet boarding, or have trusted friends help take care of your pet in your absence.

Meanwhile, Yeo recommends undergoing thorough research before shopping responsibly for a dog. Here are some tips from her:

• Seek reputable breeders who prioritise health, socialisation, and ethical practices;

• Be cautious of puppy mills and backyard breeders;

• You can visit a breeder in person, meet the puppy's parents, ask for necessary documents, and ensuring proper care of the pet;

• Prioritise the well-being of the dog.

*Some names were changed upon request

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