Military Working Dog Unit Adoption Drive 2021

[Application for the adoption drive is now closed. Please stay tuned to MINDEFsg Facebook for the next adoption drive.]

Our four-legged veterans from the Military Working Dog Unit (MWDU) are looking for a new roof over their heads!

If you're interested in making them part of your family, you can find out more in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and fill in the application form. For further queries, you can contact the Adoption Team at enquire_MWDadoption@defence.gov.sg. This adoption drive runs from 27 Sep 2021 to 22 Oct 2021.

The MWDU will continue to take full care of any retired dogs that are not adopted. All the dogs have gone through basic obedience training, and go through regular health checks by in-house vets, annual vaccinations and a routine heartworm and parasite prevention programme.

DAN
Male, 11 years old, Malinois

Dan has an amazing personality and always works hard to please his handlers. He loves tennis balls — watch his eyes light up whenever you pull one out for a game of fetch with him!

DUNYA
Female, 9 years old, Malinois

Dunya is an obedient and loyal girl with a lot of love to give. She will return your TLC with heaps of affection, and she grows attached to people easily, making her a great addition to your family!

GINO
Male, 10 years old, Malinois

You know that Gino is Singaporean from the way he takes his time to savour his meals slowly! The way to this good boi's heart is obviously through his stomach — give him a tasty meal and he will do anything for you!

KIMBO
Male, 10 years old, Malinois

Don't be fooled by his fierce appearance — Kimbo has a heart of gold! A top-performing guard dog, he is incredibly loyal and highly intelligent. He has a curious nature and is always happy to pick up new tricks. Now, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

ROCKEY
Male, 9 years old, Malinois

This doggo needs time to warm up but once he does, there's no stopping him! He simply loves attention — so make sure you have as much love to give him as he does! Hyperactive and fun-loving, you can't keep this doggo down!

ROY
Male, 11 years old, Malinois

If you're looking for a new best friend, then Roy is the one for you! He may appear shy and timid, but shower him with love and attention and he will show you his lovable, puppy-like side. He also enjoys rolling around on grass all day long. Loud noises scare him though, so remember to protecc him.

IGI
Male, 10 years old, German Shepherd

Proud, haughty and aloof, this doggo has quite the personality. Good thing is, he's perfectly cool with minding his own business when you're too busy to shower him with attention. Just remember to bond with him over his favourite activity — a nice walk round the neighbourhood.

JERSEY
Male, 9 years old, German Shepherd

Jersey is the sweetest dog you'll ever meet. He is docile and chill — so chill that he will fall asleep anywhere! Just like us on gym day, this good boi needs some encouragement completing his walks and exercises. A bag of his favourite treats will do the trick.

ZEUS
Male, 10 years old, German Shepherd

If this good boi's jolly nature doesn't captivate you, his puppy-dog eyes most definitely will! He loves pats and cuddles, and is not shy to nudge you for attention. His obedient and friendly nature makes him a good addition to your family!

BANJO
Male, 8 years old, Labrador Retriever

This doggo has a big heart and bigger personality! Lovable, adorable and charming, he's always down to have fun, whether it's a game of fetch with his favourite tennis ball or a run in the park. His excitement is infectious! But if what you need is a slow walk to unwind, he's also the perfect companion.

*Can be adopted by HDB households under Project ADORE.

DIGGER
Male, 10 years old, Labrador Retriever

This good boi has a friendly and warm nature. He loves to play fetch, and will give you sad puppy dog eyes when he sees other doggos having fun outside without him 🙁. This boi loves his food, so you'll always have someone to share mealtimes with.

*Can be adopted by HDB households under Project ADORE.

SALSA
Female, 9 years old, Labrador Retriever

Affectionate and obedient, Salsa is the perfect house dog for any loving family. Shower her with treats and lots of belly rubs, and you have a happy camper for a companion. This gentle soul is afraid of thunder so remember to protecc her whenever it's storming outside.

*Can be adopted by HDB households under Project ADORE.

THOR
Male, 8 years old, Labrador Retriever

Unlike his lightning-throwing namesake, this floofy boy is calm and relaxed. He also hates baths and will shake the bathwater all over you. But his sweet and gentle demeanour more than makes up for that!

*Can be adopted by HDB households under Project ADORE.

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FAQS

Q1. Why are these retired Military Working Dogs put up for adoption?

These dogs have spent their years serving with the SAF, typically retiring at the age of 10. We hope that they can also experience life outside the military, and be adopted into suitable families who can take good care of them. Rest assured that even if these dogs are not adopted, the SAF will continue to care for them for their remaining years.

Q2. Am I eligible to adopt a Military Working Dog?

Only those residing in Singapore are eligible to adopt a Military Working Dog.

HDB households can adopt non-Scheduled dogs (Labrador Retriever for this adoption drive) under Project ADORE, which was expanded previously to allow for the rehoming of retired sniffer dogs in HDB flats. More details on Project ADORE can be found under Q3, or at http://www.mnd.gov.sg/our-work/engaging-our-communities/project-adore.

For Scheduled dogs (German Shepherd & Malinois for this adoption drive), only non-HDB households can adopt them. The complete list of Scheduled dogs can be found here: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/ABA1965-R1?DocDate=20170131#Sc2.

Q3. What are the requirements of Project ADORE?

• Owners can only keep 1 registered dog per HDB household.

• Owners must sign a declaration that they will observe the Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB, see Appendix A of https://spca.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/adore.pdf - currently unavailable)

• Owners must check that their immediate neighbours are agreeable to them having the dog.

• Owners must ensure that the dog is sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped.

• Owners have to enrol their dogs for compulsory basic obedience training courses by trainers accredited by Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS, restructured from the then-AVA or Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore).

• Owners must apply for an AVS license and make sure that the dog is HDB-approved.

For more details, visit http://www.mnd.gov.sg/our-work/engaging-our-communities/project-adore.

Q4. What are the ages and breeds of the Military Working Dogs put up for adoption?

Working Dogs are typically between 7 to 11 years old when they are put up for adoption. The breeds include German Shepherd (Alsatian), Belgian Shepherd (Malinois) and Labrador Retriever.

Q5. What are the procedures to adopt a Military Working Dog?

Interested adopters can fill up the application form below during the adoption programme period from 27 Sep to 22 Oct 2021. Eligible applicants will be given an appointment slot to visit the Military Working Dogs. Upon confirming the applicant's interest to proceed with the adoption, the Adoption Team will arrange for a visit to assess the suitability of the applicant's home.

Successful applicants will be provided with familiarisation training. A post-adoption visit will be conducted after 1 month to ascertain if the Military Working Dog is coping well in the new environment.

Q6. Are there any subsidies for adopters after successful adoption?

The Military Working Dog Unit does not provide any subsidies or free medical care. Adopters will be informed about the existing health and medical conditions of the dogs prior to adoption. For enquiries or assistance, adopters can email the Adoption Team at enquire_MWDadoption@defence.gov.sg.

Q7. What are the related costs for adopting a Military Working Dog?

For more details, visit https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/pets/owning-a-pet/licensing-a-pet/dog-licensing.

Q8. How are the adopters shortlisted?

The Adoption Team will review all applications and assess them based on these criteria:

• The applicant's proficiency in handling dogs
  

• The applicant's family support for dogs
  

• The applicant's financial ability to maintain the dog's upkeep
  

• The suitability of the applicant's home for the dog
  

• The applicant's willingness to commit time to take care of the dog

Application Form

Application for the adoption drive is now closed. Please stay tuned to MINDEFsg Facebook for the next adoption drive.