Rabbit & Small Pet Care Guide for Singapore Owners (2025)
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small animals are popular pets in Singapore's HDB flats. While they require less space than dogs, they have specific care needs that many owners underestimate. This guide covers essential care for small pets in Singapore's tropical environment.
Are rabbits and small pets allowed in HDB flats?
Unlike dogs (which are restricted to 62 approved breeds), rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and domestic mice are permitted in HDB flats without restriction. However, all pets must not cause nuisance to neighbours. Exotic pets like hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and certain reptiles are not permitted in Singapore. Check the AVS website for the complete list of animals allowed as pets in Singapore.
Housing and environment for small pets in Singapore
In Singapore's heat, temperature regulation is critical for small pets. Rabbits are especially heat-sensitive and can die from heatstroke above 30°C. Keep rabbit and guinea pig enclosures in air-conditioned rooms or use cooling mats and frozen water bottles. Hamsters and gerbils are more heat-tolerant but still need a cool, well-ventilated environment. Enclosures should be spacious — rabbits need at least 4 times their body length in floor space.
Feeding small pets in Singapore
Rabbits need unlimited timothy hay (80% of diet), fresh leafy greens (10%), and limited pellets (10%). Avoid sugary fruits and starchy vegetables. Guinea pigs require vitamin C supplementation as they cannot produce it themselves — provide fresh bell peppers, leafy greens, and guinea pig-specific pellets. Hamsters eat a mix of seeds, grains, and fresh vegetables. Fresh water must always be available. Avoid feeding any pet food that has been left out in Singapore's heat for more than 2 hours.
Health care for small pets in Singapore
Find a vet who specialises in exotic and small animals — not all Singapore vets are experienced with rabbits and guinea pigs. Rabbits should be vaccinated against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) annually. Dental health is critical for rabbits and guinea pigs — their teeth grow continuously and require proper diet and chews to prevent overgrowth. Spaying female rabbits is strongly recommended to prevent uterine cancer, which affects up to 80% of unspayed females by age 5.
Enrichment and socialisation for small pets
Small pets need mental stimulation and social interaction. Rabbits and guinea pigs are social animals and do best in pairs or groups. Provide tunnels, chew toys, and foraging opportunities. Allow rabbits supervised free-roaming time outside their enclosure daily. Handle small pets gently and regularly from a young age to build trust. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements — small animals are prey animals and can be easily stressed, which can cause serious health problems.