How much do pedigree pet cats and dogs cost in Singapore?
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S$fourteen,000 for a dog, South$12,000 for a cat: Are full-blooded pets in Singapore getting even more than expensive?
Singapore witnessed a pet smash during the pandemic which resulted in an increment in pet prices. Just is demand for a "designer" hirsuite friend here to stay, and volition prices keep increasing?
The Ragdoll cat and the Shiba Inu domestic dog are among some of the most expensive pet breeds. (Photos: iStock/Wag A Tail)
xix January 2022 06:35AM (Updated: 19 Jan 2022 09:43AM)
Effectually the globe, COVID-19 isolation resulted in a boom in pet ownership as people sought the comfort of animals amidst ongoing lockdowns. In Singapore, beast ownership has been on the rise, due in function to travel restrictions and work-from-domicile measures.
This has resulted in paws-perous business for pet shops and breeders in the country. And as need increased, and so did prices.
PRICEY PUPS
A spokesperson from local pet shop Wag A Tail told CNA Luxury that "prices have increased exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic".
While costs range widely for different breeds, a small-sized breed such every bit a Toy Poodle will cost from South$six,000 to S$viii,000, Wag A Tail shared.
A medium breed such every bit the Shetland Sheepdog will price effectually S$vii,000, while Shiba Inus and Corgis cost between Southward$vii,880 to Southward$8,500. Large breeds such every bit the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever cost between South$eight,000 to S$9,000.
Elsewhere, checks by CNA Luxury discovered that a Bichon Frise can cost upwards to Due south$12,800, while a French Bulldog tin cost South$9,500. A Grub Grub can cost South$13,900.
But while prices for dogs were at their highest post-circuit breaker, these have steadily come downward, Wag A Tail said. "The pricing graph is rather even correct now, although it is non back to pre-pandemic numbers, it is much lower compared to right subsequently circuit breaker," the company said, citing the example of a Corgi.
Correct later on the circuit billow, a Corgi could cost as much every bit S$12,000, only at present, a Corgi puppy is priced in the Due south$7,000 range. Pre-pandemic, a Corgi puppy could be had from Southward$six,000.
EXORBITANT KITTIES
The costs of pedigree cats have increased, too. A local cattery lists the cost of Ragdoll kittens as ranging from Southward$4,000 to S$8,500 and up, depending on breed standard. A British Shorthair cattery lists the price of its kittens equally up of S$8,000.
"When COVID-19 offset bankrupt out, I started to panic," recalled Andrew Choo, owner of Genetique Cats, which specialises in Bengal cats. With the pandemic disrupting the economic system, Choo worried about a drop in business for his company. But to his surprise, that was not the case. Instead, more people were interested in purchasing a cat, fifty-fifty though Genetique's cats are priced in the thousands.
After witnessing an increase in demand, Choo adjusted the prices of his felines later on seeing that many other pet shops and breeders were doing so. At present, prices for its Bengal cats range from S$5,800 to S$12,000. Its silver snowfall lynx Bengals, an incredibly rare brood, are priced from Due south$7,500.
While prices for dogs seem to be tapering off, Choo expects the cost of cats to remain the same. Although more people are increasingly returning to the office or resuming their travels, need has not been affected. Genetique maintains a waiting list of betwixt six months to two years.
Meanwhile, Alfred Khan, possessor of "exotic cats" pet shop Designer Bengal Singapore, has witnessed a "conversion of dog people to true cat people".
"A lot of people who used to take dogs now suddenly adopt having a cat. They experience that cats are easier to treat and are more independent. Because they are at present at home more than oft, they don't want to have also much energy in the house, and cats are milder and easier to manage," Khan said.
Khan also expects demand for cats to remain the same. "I believe at this point in time, where people are more confined in their environments, they need some mental distractions. And so they look forrad to having a pet every bit they want some companionship in their lives."
MORE EDUCATED BUYERS, SOME SAY
The commercial pet market is not without its flaws. Some questionable practices that exist in the industry, as highlighted by breeders CNA Luxury spoke to, include pet shops purchasing animals from overseas backyard breeders and labelling them simply as "imported". There are also those who purchase from local lawn breeders at low cost and keep to sell them for high prices.
But buyers are getting more than educated, some believe. They behave their own research and ask questions about where the pet is from and its bloodline. They are also aware of vaccinations and blood tests the pet should have gotten before it is brought habitation.
These boosted health checks expected of shops and breeders too contribute to the rising cost. "Pet vaccinations costs have somewhat remained the same, with little adjustments. However, as owners now become more prudent in choosing their pets, breeders and [pet shops like] united states of america send the puppies for boosted vet checks to ensure the health and quality of puppies. This also adds on to the costs," said Wag A Tail.
But others, including a local cattery that CNA Luxury spoke to that preferred non to be named, shared that at least half of its enquiries come up from customers who simply desired to bring dwelling house a pet, without request the necessary questions.
'Information technology'S Not LIKE Ownership A LOUIS VUITTON Pocketbook'
Despite growing demand, non everyone gets to get home with a pet. Responsible businesses conduct screening of potential customers to ensure that pets go to only the all-time homes.
"By screening, nosotros require prospective owners to know what they desire in their furry companion. They should not become a puppy simply considering they call up a puppy is cute and cuddly. We will ask owners questions pertaining to their lifestyle and needs. In a style, owners should know what they want," said Wag A Tail.
"We have had, in our own prejudice, stopped many a auction from happening or continuing if we feel that certain owners are not gear up, or suitable to exist a pet owner."
"Ane of the first things nosotros ask is if the client already has cats at home, as we desire to know how experienced they are in handling cats. We will then ask them if their business firm is cat-proofed," said Genetique's Choo.
"We will also subtly enquire them what they are working as. Cats are a long-term commitment, and they must be financially capable of providing for their care. It's non like ownership a Louis Vuitton bag, where if you don't like it anymore, you just chuck information technology aside or store it away," he cautioned.
For those considering adoption instead, new guidelines introduced on January 14 include conspicuously written adoption agreements and a pre-adoption screening process covering the responsibilities and expectations of adopting a pet.
"Owners should know that a pet is not a toy," Wag A Tail advised. "They are a delivery for a minimum of 10 years or more. Puppies chew, bite, bawl and tin be destructive. They need to eat and volition soil the house. Equally they age, they will fall sick only like homo beings. But they are part of the family."
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/obsessions/pedigree-pet-dog-cat-prices-singapore-298786
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