In Singapore’s bustling urban environment, pets are more than mere companions — they are beloved family members who bring joy, comfort, and a unique sense of vitality to our homes. RehabVet stands as a leader in providing veterinary rehabilitation services, tackling everything from mobility issues to pain management and preventative strategies. To gain a more profound understanding of the pet community that relies on RehabVet’s expertise, we have analysed data from 691 customers. This dataset encompasses essential details such as postal codes, pet breeds, ages, and whether they exhibit any symptoms of pain.
In this blog, we present the findings of our in-depth exploration, highlighting how postal codes shed light on pet distribution across Singapore, which breeds dominate in terms of popularity, how ages cluster, and the prevalence of pain or mobility challenges. We believe these data-driven insights will serve as a valuable guide for both new and long-standing clients, offering tips on pet care, rehabilitation methods, and regional trends. After all, your pet’s well-being is influenced not only by genetics and breed but also by the environment in which you live and the resources available around you.
Singapore’s postal codes begin with two digits that roughly align with different parts of the island: Central, North, North-East, East, and West. By extracting the first two digits, we categorised each rehab client’s location accordingly. Of the 691 valid entries, here is the breakdown:
The North-East region leads with over 30 per cent of entries. Though this may surprise some, it does reflect Singapore’s residential patterns and the presence of pet-friendly amenities and specialised veterinary services. Meanwhile, the Central region follows closely at about 25 per cent, underscoring how people living in areas with higher-density housing still find ways to care meticulously for their pets, even when space might be limited.
North-East (224 pets)
Boasting neighbourhoods like Serangoon, Hougang, and Sengkang, the North-East has become a hotspot for owners committed to preventive healthcare and advanced veterinary interventions. The presence of multiple reputable vets and rehab centres could be driving this high intake.
Central (170 pets)
Residential estates in Toa Payoh, Novena, and Orchard bring together a broad range of pet owners. High-rise living often means pets need more creative forms of exercise, such as dog-friendly rooftop gardens or frequent park visits. Many owners here opt for routine check-ups, emphasising convenience and early detection.
East (120 pets)
Known for places like Bedok, Tampines, and Changi, the East offers large parks (e.g., East Coast Park) where dogs can run and socialise. This environment is ideal for both large and small breeds, and it might explain the diverse range of pups we encounter from this region.
North (98 pets)
Neighbourhoods such as Woodlands and Sembawang are relatively calmer and greener. Families here often have medium-to-large breed dogs, taking advantage of nearby dog runs and spacious HDB surroundings. However, travelling to rehab centres can be a challenge; many North-side clients prefer in-home visits or scheduled weekend sessions.
West (67 pets)
Spanning areas like Jurong, Clementi, and Bukit Batok, the West shows the smallest number of RehabVet clients in our dataset. Nonetheless, it’s a developing sector; as new residential projects sprout, the number of pets may well increase in future.
(Refer to Chart 1: Distribution by Region at the end of the blog for a visual representation.)
When sorting the data by breed, we found that small and medium-sized dogs overwhelmingly dominate. Here are the top 15 breeds by frequency:
Breeds like Maltipoo, Pomeranian, and Toy Poodle top the list, which aligns with Singapore’s penchant for “apartment-friendly” dogs. Their size, coupled with typically sociable temperaments, makes them ideal for smaller living spaces. Nevertheless, these small breeds can still face orthopaedic issues (e.g., patellar luxation), emphasising the need for regular check-ups and possibly rehabilitative exercise to ensure they remain agile and pain-free.
Golden Retrievers (listed twice in top 10 due to name variations) and Corgis consistently appear. Despite being larger, these breeds are renowned for friendly, family-oriented personalities. They need adequate exercise and space; some owners living in high-density neighbourhoods commit to regular dog park visits or structured in-home workouts to maintain fitness levels.
The Singapore Special — a colloquial term for local mixed-breed dogs — also emerges in the top 15. This symbolises a growing movement towards adoption, reflecting increased compassion and awareness of local rescue programmes. Whilst these dogs can vary in size and personality, they often adapt well to rehab protocols and can be incredibly resilient.
(See Chart 2: Top 15 Breeds at the end for a visual bar chart.)
Amongst 691 entries, we filtered out implausible ages (some entries had erroneous values like 999999) and looked at 674 valid ages between 0 and 30 years. The findings were:
The median age of 7 underscores that many of RehabVet’s clients are approaching senior status, typically a stage where issues like joint pain or arthritis become more pronounced. Yet, pets of all ages come through RehabVet’s doors, including puppies needing early rehab for congenital conditions or as a proactive measure to avoid future mobility problems.
Puppies and Adolescents (up to ~2 years)
This is the time to address congenital issues like hip dysplasia in large breeds, or patellar luxation in smaller ones. Early detection and targeted physiotherapy can drastically reduce complications down the line.
Adults (3–6 years)
Often prime for sporting activities. If your dog is a regular at agility training or brisk runs, physiotherapy can help sustain muscle strength and reduce injury risk.
Seniors (7 years and older)
Considered the ‘golden years’, senior pets require close monitoring for common age-related issues: arthritis, weakened muscles, and declining stamina. Joint supplements, hydrotherapy, and gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate discomfort and maintain mobility.
(See Chart 3: Age Distribution for a histogram illustrating how ages are distributed.)
RehabVet’s data includes responses to the question: “Does your pet display symptoms of pain?” The results:
Nearly half of the pets are reported to show discomfort or pain, which is significant. That said, the data is skewed because many owners seek out RehabVet explicitly for pain management or mobility concerns, so we would naturally expect a higher incidence of such cases.
Recognising these signs early and consulting a vet or a rehab specialist can prevent chronic conditions. Treatments at RehabVet often include hydrotherapy (ideal for buoyancy and reduced strain), laser therapy (to ease inflammation), and tailored exercise plans to rebuild strength without overloading the joints.
(Check Chart 4: Pets Displaying Pain Symptoms for a straightforward bar chart.)
North-East
This region’s high intake suggests a robust community that values specialised care. Accessibility to veterinary rehab centres or knowledge about rehab might lead to more owners seeking preventive measures early.
Central
Residents often live in compact apartments or condominiums, prompting creative solutions for pet exercise, like scheduling regular dog park visits or rooftop garden playtime. Many owners also invest in home modifications — anti-slip mats, ramps, or indoor obstacle courses — to protect joints and encourage activity.
East
The East Coast Park area remains a favourite, and the coastal breeze offers a refreshing setting for daily walks or physiotherapy in a relaxed outdoor setting. However, tropical heat and humidity may necessitate breaks and ample hydration to keep your pet comfortable.
North
Wide green spaces and dog runs in Sembawang and Woodlands facilitate large-breed ownership. Families here, however, might face challenges in commuting to advanced rehabilitation facilities, a factor that leads some owners to opt for at-home sessions or comprehensive weekend appointments.
West
Though the dataset shows fewer participants from Jurong, Bukit Batok, and Clementi, this region is undergoing development. As more residents move in, it is likely we’ll see a parallel growth in pet ownership and, consequently, the need for rehab services.
Regardless of your pet’s age or breed, early detection of issues — from gait abnormalities to minor limps — can reduce long-term complications. Regular vet check-ups and, if necessary, a referral to a rehab specialist, are essential. Physiotherapy exercises, hydrotherapy, and massages can help maintain muscle tone and joint health, especially for breeds predisposed to problems (e.g., Dachshunds with back issues, Golden Retrievers with hip dysplasia).
In a city where high-rise living is the norm, it’s crucial to adapt your indoor setting for pet safety and comfort:
Every breed needs an outlet for energy, but the type and intensity of activity vary. Smaller breeds benefit from shorter, more frequent walks or gentle play sessions. Larger, more active breeds might enjoy dog runs, agility classes, or swimming sessions. Always observe your pet for signs of overexertion, especially in Singapore’s warm climate.
Senior pets and those at risk of developing joint issues may benefit from supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3 fatty acids. Maintaining an ideal weight is equally important: being overweight puts extra strain on the joints and can exacerbate existing conditions.
Joining local pet interest groups on social media (e.g., Facebook, Telegram) or neighbourhood WhatsApp chats can help you connect with other owners, share recommendations, and organise meet-ups. Community wisdom can be invaluable in finding reputable dog groomers, quality pet sitters, or even group rates for certain rehab services.
Although privacy concerns prevent us from revealing personal details, we have observed various success stories among RehabVet clients:
These results highlight the power of dedicated, empathetic care and the vital role that owners play in ensuring consistent follow-through at home.
The fact that Singapore Specials feature prominently in our data showcases a shift towards ethical adoption. As more families choose to rescue, rather than buy, local strays or rehomed dogs, the demand for rehab services could rise, especially for pets with traumatic pasts or uncertain health histories.
Rehabilitation methodologies are advancing at a rapid clip. Laser therapy for post-operative care and improved pain management is becoming more commonplace. Some centres even explore tele-rehabilitation, where owners can receive guided exercise plans via video calls, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.
Singapore’s limited land space means multi-storey housing is likely to remain the norm. Future developments might feature built-in dog runs or even small “rehab corners” in communal areas. Some property developers have already begun offering dog-washing stations or designated lifts to encourage pet-friendly environments.
Our examination of RehabVet’s customer data paints a vivid picture of Singapore’s dedicated pet owners who go the extra mile for their beloved companions. Whether you live in a cosy flat in Central, a spacious landed property in the North, or a bustling condominium in the East, the drive to provide top-quality care and early intervention remains a shared ethos.
From the region that tops the list (North-East) to the more understated community in the West, pets across Singapore benefit from an increasingly comprehensive network of veterinary services, community support, and specialised rehab options. With about 46 per cent of pets displaying pain symptoms in our dataset, it’s evident that more owners than ever recognise the importance of proactive measures. The data also highlights how small breeds dominate the scene, reflecting the city-state’s preference for compact canines — though bigger dogs, from Golden Retrievers to Corgis, are no less cherished.
If you’re a new or prospective client at RehabVet, let these figures remind you that you’re far from alone. A thriving community of fellow pet lovers stands ready to share experiences, advice, and insights. Meanwhile, RehabVet’s staff remain steadfast in their mission to provide holistic and evidence-based treatments tailored to the unique needs of every cat or dog walking (or limping) through their doors.
Remember:
Ultimately, the Singaporean pet landscape is as vibrant and layered as the nation itself, and with the continued growth of innovative veterinary rehabilitation, the future looks bright for our canine and feline friends.
