AVS formalises expanded criteria for larger dogs and K9 sniffer dogs to be rehomed under Project ADORE

- More than 2,000 dogs rehomed under Project ADORE since its launch in 2012

- Project ADORE integral part of Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage programme

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), today formalised the expanded criteria for larger mixed-breed dogs to be rehomed in HDB flats under Project ADORE (Project on ADOption and REhoming of dogs). K9 sniffer dogs will also be permanently included in the scheme for public adoption. Project ADORE is an adoption and rehoming scheme that aims to rehome mid-sized mixed-breed dogs in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. The expansion of criteria for Project ADORE will allow more mixed-breed dogs under the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme to be rehomed. The announcement was made during the 14^th edition of Pets’ Day Out at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for National Development.

This follows the success of a two-year pilot for revised size limits and extension of the K9 adoption scheme. The pilot began in March 2020 after AVS reviewed the adoption criteria given the success of Project ADORE and the higher public acceptance of larger-sized dogs in HDB estates over the years. Project ADORE is led by AVS and supported by HDB, in partnership with Project ADORE Animal Welfare Group (AWG) partners.

Under the pilot, the height limit for dogs adoptable under Project ADORE was increased by 10% from 50cm to 55cm, and the weight restriction of 15kg was removed. In addition, the K9 public adoption scheme for K9 sniffer dogs under Project ADORE was extended.

Measuring the success of the pilot

From March 2020 to March 2022, more than 260 dogs above 50cm were rehomed under the pilot, and 16 K9 sniffer dogs adopted by members of the public. This significantly contributed to the overall rehoming rate of AWG partners, from an annual average of about 200 dogs before 2019 to over 300 mixed-breed dogs annually in 2020 and 2021.

AVS will continue to monitor the programme and work closely with the rehoming partners to ensure that there are minimal disamenities to the community. The same stringent conditions for the AWG partners and adopters under Project ADORE apply. This includes the screening of potential adopters, a framework to encourage community acceptance of the dogs (e.g. through mediation channels for disputes), and dog obedience training. All adopters will be required to comply with the ownership conditions and the Code of Responsible Behaviour.

In January 2022, AVS also launched new guidelines for the Adoption and Rehoming of Dogs for AWG partners and adopters, and guidelines for Dog Training and Behaviour Rehabilitation for dog trainers and pet dog owners. The guidelines were developed by the multi-stakeholder Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup as a reference guide for implementing best practices. 

10th anniversary of Project ADORE

Since its launch as a pilot project to rehome suitable mixed-breed dogs in HDB flats in April 2012, more than 2,000 dogs have been rehomed under the programme. SMS Tan presented commemorative plaques to the six AWG partners of Project ADORE to mark the 10th anniversary of the programme. AWG partners are key to the success of the programme, which became a permanent scheme in May 2014. They carry out important work such as screening potential adopters and assessing a dog’s behaviour to determine its suitability to be rehomed in an HDB flat.

These partners are the Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), Causes for Animals (CAS), Exclusively Mongrels (EM), Mercylight Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (MARS), Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and SOSD.

AVS will continue to forge relationships with like-minded individuals and communities in its efforts in its science-based efforts to community animal management and rehoming in Singapore. This is in line with the vision to transform Singapore into a City in Nature, for which community stewardship is a key thrust.

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