Top 5 animals we want as Furkids but can't have in Singapore

By: Daniel Chong

11th June 2021 (published) 

 5) Axolotl

Photo: ThoughtCo. All about the axolotl

Kicking off this list we have the exotic and adorable axolotl highly sought after by home aquarists. It is even known to have natural regeneration ability, able to regrow limbs and even organs should it lose them. 

While axolotls may be a demanding Furkid to maintain which requires chilled water of between 16-18 degrees and needing a high protein diet of chopped earthworms, many axolotls have been kept successfully by dedicated aquarists. 

Unfortunately, axolotls fall under the salamander genus which is banned in Singapore by AVS (Animals & Veterinary Service). The reason being that salamanders can easily spread zoonotic diseases to their owners during handling. 

4) Squirrel

Next up is the squirrel which is a personal pick of mine after befriending a wild squirrel. It is likely that many rodent lovers have also thought about having squirrels as a Furkid given their cute and fluffy appearance with a curious foraging nature. 

Like in most countries, it is also illegal to keep squirrels as Furkids because they are classified as wildlife and are protected under Singapore’s Wildlife Act. 

That being said, the average Pawrent is also ill equipped to care for squirrels. Squirrels have very sharp claws and teeth which they do not hesitate to use should they be handled. Should the Pawrent have protective gear and avoid being injured, furniture will not be spared as well as they constantly look for materials to chew on to keep their teeth healthy.  Providing a constant supply of chewing material can prove difficult. Squirrels are also highly energetic and need at least 2-3 hours a day to be let out. Given how agile and quick they are, returning them to the cage after playtime is likely to require great patience. 

3) Owl

                                        Photo: The Spruce, Owl Types and A-Z Owl Species List

The owl is clearly a fan favorite among the bird keeping community. Especially popularized in the Harry Potter films and story where an owl was featured as Harry's Furkid.

Just like number 4, owls are also illegal to keep and protected under the Wildlife Act. And for good reason because the average Pawrent is unlikely to be able to care for owls properly.

Owls are birds of prey and require constant supply of dead rodents as meals. They also are very messy eaters leaving bloody mess each time and poop a lot. While a very dedicated Pawrent might be willing to devote a fridge to storing dead rodents and clean up, owls being nocturnal would mean they will disturb their Pawrent with loud hooting noises at night.

2) Akita

                                         Photo: Vetstreet. Akita Breed Information

Coming to number 2 is the beloved Akita Inu. Popularized by a true story and movie, Hachi: A Dog's Tale was a shining example of a dog's loyalty to it's Pawrent. Hachiko the Akita became famous and was immortalized as a statue. Since then Akita Inu has been one of the most popular breeds of dog throughout the world.

However, being a large breed dog as well as a hunting dog, AVS has seen fit to ban the Akita from being kept in Singapore as it has the potential to be dangerous to owners as well as the general public. Meanwhile dog lovers in Singapore will have to be content with the Akita's smaller but no less famous "cousin", the Shiba Inu which became an internet sensation and meme in 2012.

1) Pitbull

And topping this list is the Pitbull. Mr. Worldwide: LA, New York,

Miami, London, Rio, Milan, Singapore...

Nope! Not Singapore. Just like number 2, the Pitbull is classified as a large breed dog which has potential to be dangerous to people around them and is banned from being kept in Singapore.

The Pitbull's universal appeal as a fierce guard dog yet an affectionate Furkid is clear especially when a world famous rapper decides to dub himself "Pitbull".

I hope you enjoyed this article and do comment to give me feedback as well as what sort of content you would like to see from Animal Connection. Below is a picture of a real Pitbull.

                            Photo: Wikipedia Pitbull

Photo: TheSprucePets, 5 Types of Pitbull Dog Breeds

Sources: 

Petraveller Care In The Air, Banned cat and dog breeds in Singapore: Banned dog breeds in Singapore, Retrieved from: Banned cat and dog breeds in Singapore (petraveller.com.au)

Singapore Statutes Online, (2000) Wildlife Act, Revised Edition 2000, Retrieved from: Wildlife Act - Singapore Statutes Online (agc.gov.sg)

Animal and Veterinary Service, Wildlife & Endangered Animals, Keeping of Wildlife as pets. Retrieved from: Wildlife in Singapore (nparks.gov.sg)

Patricia Sund, September 2019, 6 Reasons Why Owls Make Bad Pets. Retrieved from: 6 Reasons Why Owls Make Bad Pets (thesprucepets.com)

P. DeGioia, November 2016, Squirrels as pets: A really bad idea, Vetz Insight. Retrieved from: Squirrels as Pets: A Really Bad Idea - VETzInsight - VIN