Project ADORE in Singapore: What It Is, Why It Exists, and How Your Dog Qualifies?
- Marc Wong
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
In its 2023–2024 annual report, Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) reported that about 76% of Singapore’s resident population lives in HDB flats. In other words, most residents live in government housing. For years, HDB has maintained a list of dog breeds approved for HDB living .The list has traditionally consisted mainly of small, pedigree breeds. Noticeably absent from the list were the beloved Singapore Specials (SS) , Singapore's own local mixed-breed dogs that were once a common sight in Singapore’s rural landscape.
As Singapore rapidly urbanised, this transformation displaced large numbers of these local dogs. The fortunate ones found refuge with animal welfare groups and, eventually, loving forever homes. But because Singapore Specials were not on the approved HDB breed list, a significant portion of potential adopters, especially those living in HDB flats, were effectively excluded from giving these dogs a home. While appeals & approval were sometimes possible, the process was often difficult and outcomes were inconsistent.
To help address this growing mismatch between adoptable dogs and adoptive homes, Project ADOption and REhoming (aka ADORE) was launched in 2014 as part of a cooperative effort between Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) and several animal welfare groups. The initiative allows suitable and well-assessed Singapore Specials to be legally adopted into HDB flats, opening the door for more families to welcome these local dogs into their homes.
How does a dog qualify for Project ADORE?
To be approved for HDB living under project ADORE, dog and owner must comply with the following requirements*.
Size Requirements. Dog's height is to be less than or equal to 55cm from the ground measured to the dog's shoulders while standing normally. (As of March 2020, there is no weight restriction).
Training Requirements. Adopter must complete mandatory obedience training with their dogs by an AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (AVS-ACDT) or an ADORE dog trainer. (see below)
Licensing. Dog must be registered and licensed with AVS.
Sterilisation. Dog must be spayed / neutered to prevent unwanted breeding.
Microchipping. Dog must have a valid microchip implanted subcutaneously (under the skin).
Only One Dog is to be allowed in each residential HDB unit.
Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB). Adopters are to responsible for the behaviour of their adopted dog. As part of the approval process, adopters are required to formally sign the CORB (Administered by AVS / NPARKS) which includes requirements that their dogs do not cause nuisances to neighbours.
What sort of training does a dog to qualify?
AVS does not publicly spell out a fixed checklist of behaviours that a dog must demonstrate to qualify for Project ADORE. However, in a recent query by The Pawsitive Focus, AVS clarified that Singapore Specials considered for Project ADORE are expected to work toward achieving the following learning outcomes:
The dog must display socio-positive behaviour towards their handlers and other household members.
The dog must be able to walk on a leash in public comfortably; and
The dog must not display aggressive / threatening behaviour in public
Consequently, approved dog trainers have the flexibility to develop their own curricula and determine the duration of training to meet the above goals.
The Pawsitive Focus has developed a set of curriculum / training requirements to meet the above goals. Please reach out to us for more information about how we can help.
I live in a HDB flat and would like to adopt. How do I apply?
Prospective adopters who would like to adopt a dog under Project ADORE can apply through designated animal welfare organizations in Singapore who will guide you through the process. Occasionally, some organisations may have adoptable dogs which may be partially or even fully ADORE qualified. Others may help you through the necessary paperwork for qualification and may even recommend trainers who will help you through the training process.
Here are some groups which you may want to consider to adopt your forever pup.
What about my current dog who is not ADORE approved?
Project ADORE is fundamentally an adoption and rehoming scheme run through partner organisations. If someone already owns a mixed-breed dog and wants it “converted” into an ADORE dog (perhaps they are moving from private housing to HDB housing), the safest approach would be to take would be to check directly with AVS / HDB about your specific circumstance and see if any dispensation / exception can be made.