Help & Resources
Getting a Dog?
Thinking about adopting a dog or already have one?
Our Help & Resources page is here to guide you. From understanding the needs of rescue dogs to preparing your home for a new furry family member, we’ve compiled practical articles, tips, and recommendations—including trusted trainers and more—to support you every step of the way.
About Rescue Dogs:

Why Black Dogs Are Overlooked in Shelters: A Call for Change
At SOSD, we believe every dog deserves a chance at a loving home, no matter their colour, size, or age. However, one group of dogs often faces an unfortunate obstacle in finding their forever family: black dogs. Despite their charm, loyalty, and loving nature, black dogs are often overlooked in

Misconceptions: Adopting a Senior Dog
When people think about adopting a dog, their minds often gravitate toward puppies: the adorable, playful furballs that are easy to train and full of energy. While puppies undoubtedly have their charm, senior dogs, often overlooked in shelters, make incredible companions. At SOSD, we’ve seen firsthand how adopting a senior

I See A Stray Dog, What To Do?
It can be a little bewildering to spot a stray dog in our concrete jungle, and we may feel compelled to render assistance. However, we at SOSD have put together this brief, handy set of tips to help you assess the situation and decide on your next course of action,

How to Report An Animal Suspected of Abuse
Animal abuse is a serious issue that can have lasting consequences for the animals involved. In Singapore, there are legal protections in place to prevent cruelty to animals, and reporting suspected abuse is crucial for the safety and well-being of animals in need. If you suspect that an animal is

Live in an HDB and love bigger dogs? If you live in an HDB, then you probably know that it is hard to have a larger dog. As such, Singapore mixed-breed dogs are disadvantaged in the usual adoption process as they are slightly bigger and often do not

What are Singapore Specials? Singapore Special dogs are a unique and special breed of mixed-breed dogs native to Singapore. These dogs are often found on the streets and in local communities, and are recognized for their resilience, intelligence, and adaptability. A Local Heritage The Singapore Special is not a
Things to Know Before Getting a Dog:

Why & How Do Shelters Screen Adopters?
Their lives do matter. When we rescue a dog from the streets, we also take on the responsibility of finding the dog a good and suitable home. With an innocent life in our hands, the onus is on us to ensure its well-being and safety. Whether you are an

Preparing for Your Adopted Dog: What to Buy Before Bringing Them Home
Bringing home a rescue dog is an exciting and rewarding experience, but preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition. Before your new furry family member arrives, here are the essentials you’ll need: Food & Bowls Choose a high-quality dog food suitable for your dog’s age and dietary needs.

Essential Medical & Health Care Tips
Bringing home a rescue dog is a big commitment, and ensuring their health and well-being is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. Here are some key things adopters should take note of when it comes to medical care and basic health maintenance. Vaccinations & Preventive Care Dogs require

Are you adopting or fostering a Singapore Special? Singapore Specials often need time to adjust to a new home and family. This is especially true for those rescued as adults, as their flight risk can vary. To help them settle in safely, it’s important to prepare your home in advance.

I live in a HDB and someone has made a Complaint
That’s a bummer! We understand the anxiety you must be feeling right now—the worry of possibly having to give up your dog due to someone’s complaint can be overwhelming. Step 1: Identify the Reason for the Complaint First, find out why the complaint was made. If your dog is

Grooming basics for Newly Adopted Dogs
Do Start Slow For dogs with a fearful or nervous disposition, grooming should be introduced slowly. Start with gentle interactions like light petting or brushing to help your dog become familiar with the process. Keep initial grooming sessions short and positive, always allowing your dog to take breaks if they

Fostering Dogs with Special Needs: A Guide to Providing Care
Fostering Dogs with Special Needs: A Guide to Providing Care Fostering dogs with special needs is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. These dogs may face physical, emotional, or medical challenges that require extra attention, care,

Emergency Vets Ensuring your pet has access to immediate medical attention during emergencies is crucial. Singapore offers several 24-hour veterinary clinics equipped to handle urgent situations. Here are some options: Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (VES) Hospital Singapore Address: 232 Whitley Rd, Singapore 297824 Phone: 6266 0232 Westside Emergency Vet

Common Dog Behavioural Issues And How to Handle Them
Bringing a dog into your home is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. Many dogs, especially rescued ones, may exhibit behavioural issues due to past trauma, lack of training, or fear. Understanding these behaviours and knowing how to manage them can help your dog settle into their new

Am I Ready for a Puppy? Puppies are cute and all, but the realities of owning one can come as a surprise to some. It’s a complete lifestyle change, so it’s not something to be taken lightly. We often have a surge of enquiries for puppies, only to

Why Are Window Grilles Important?
Keeping Our Dogs Safe at Home: Why Window Grilles Matter In Singapore, the weather can be unpredictable — sunshine one moment, thunderstorms the next. And while we may shrug off sudden rainstorms, many dogs don’t cope as easily. For some, especially rescue dogs, thunder and heavy rain can trigger
I'm Having Issues with my Dog:

Pets & Psychiatric Medications
Pets can experience mental health challenges just like humans. Anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues are common in pets, and in some cases, psychiatric medications may be prescribed to help manage these conditions. Understanding how psychiatric medications affect pets and knowing when they may be necessary is essential for their health