Forum: Dog shelters making it too difficult to adopt a pet
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I refer to the article “The cost of a second chance: What it takes to keep Singapore’s animal rescue groups going” (Aug 31).
I cared for my pet dogs and rabbits to a ripe old age, and I can proudly say they had a good quality of life. My last pet died two years ago, and I felt ready to give my best to love and provide for a middle-aged to senior dog.
I was adamant about adoption and filled out adoption interest forms at eight dog shelters. I answered questions about my living arrangements, work schedule, lifestyle, pet experience, finances, holiday plans and more.
I thought I would be an ideal dog adopter – I have family to support me in caring for the dog, am financially stable, and have experience. While I work full-time, I have work-from-home days, and am happy to be matched with a senior dog.
I received automated replies saying I would be contacted if shortlisted. One reply said I must first volunteer with the shelter for three months, interact with my preferred dog for another few months and have a home trial.
Two of the eight shelters followed up with me. One said I must agree to maintain the dog’s current routine – toileting walks three times a day, being fed a specific kibble, and visiting a specific vet. Another arranged for an e-meet to interview me, but ghosted me before the meeting.
These negative experiences have made me give up on adopting a dog for now, but I may tap friends and social media later as I am still keen on adoption.
Dog shelters should not think that their way of caring for the dogs is the best one. No matter how often a dog is walked daily at a shelter, nothing beats having a home. Even if the dog is walked only once a day, it will have loving owners and a comfortable place to live out its life.
Theresa Lim Siew Leng
