Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) is a scheme allowing HDB residents to own local cross breed dogs. It was initiated by Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and supported by the Ministry of National Development (MND), Housing Development Board (HDB), and the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) under the National Parks Board (NParks).

We envision that Project ADORE will transform the landscape dog ownership in Singapore. In the past, HDB residents were not allowed to own a local cross breed dog aka Singapore Special. Only certain approved breeds of small pedigree dogs were allowed.

As about 80% of the Singapore population lives in HDB flats, we realised that HDB dwellers could contribute significantly in reducing the stray dog population if they were allowed to adopt a Singapore Special. 

ASD first mooted the idea with the authorities in 2004 to allow HDB dwellers to adopt Singapore Specials but it was unsuccessful. Later SPCA came on board and together we submitted our proposal and succeeded in getting the green light from MND, AVA and HDB to proceed.

Project ADORE kicked off in April 2012 as a pilot project and on 28 May 2014, Mr Desmond Lee, who was then the Minister of State for National Development, announced the success of Project ADORE and formalised it in Parliament. His speech was reported by various media including Channel News Asia, the Straits Times and Today. To date, ASD has successfully rehomed more than 600 dogs under Project ADORE.

Initially, to be approved under Project ADORE, a dog had to be not more than 50 cm in height (from the shoulder to the ground) and a maximum of 15 kg.  On 1 March 2020, the height limit was increased to 55cm with no weight restrictions. However we can only ascertain the full-grown size of a dog only when it reaches seven to eight months of age.

Under Project ADORE, the adopter needs to: 
1. Sign an adoption agreement with ASD and pay an adoption fee of $300 ($400 w.e.f. 15 Jan 2024) which covers vaccinations to date, microchipping and sterilisation. 
2. Obtain a 1-time dog licence for the adopted dog which costs $31.50 (discounted). ASD will apply the licence on behalf of the adopter.
3. Sign a Code of Responsible Behavior (CORB).
4. Undergo compulsory Basic Obedience Training (a group class costs $250) with a Project ADORE approved trainer.