Housing Development Board (HDB) flat owners can continue to adopt larger mixed-breed dogs and K9 sniffer dogs after the expanded criteria for Project ADORE was formalised by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) on Saturday (Jun 18).  

Project ADORE, which stands for Project on ADOption and Rehoming of dogs, was started in 2012 as an adoption and rehoming scheme for mid-sized mixed-breed dogs in HDB flats. 

Following its success, a two-year pilot which saw the revision of size limits for adoptable dogs and the extension of the K9 adoption scheme was then launched in 2020. 

Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How announced the formalisation of the expanded criteria during the 14th edition of Pets’ Day Out at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on Saturday.

Mr Tan mentioned that some HDB residents initially had reservations about their neighbours keeping larger dog breeds.

“However, our animal welfare group partners ensured that stringent adoption conditions were met under Project ADORE to minimise inconveniences to the community,” said Mr Tan.

AVS had revised the height limit of adoptable dogs from 50cm to 55cm and removed the weight restriction of 15kg during the pilot in 2020. 

Additionally, the adoption scheme for K9 sniffer dogs was also extended to the public in 2020 after having been made exclusive to K9 officers previously. 

According to AVS, more than 260 dogs above 50cm were successfully rehomed under the pilot and 16 K9 sniffer dogs were adopted by members of the public from March 2020 to March this year. 

“With the expanded criteria and more residents being receptive to the presence of mixed-breed dogs in HDB estates, we are hopeful that more dogs can find a loving home,” said Mr Tan. 

AVS also stated that it will “continue to monitor the programme and work closely with the rehoming partners to ensure that there are minimal disamenities to the community”.

Current efforts include the screening of potential adopters, a framework to encourage community acceptance of the dogs and dog obedience training.