Getting a pet in Singapore generally means getting a cat, dog, hamster, or maybe even a bunny. But while certain exotic or protected species like snakes or eagles are illegal to own in Singapore, there are less conventional pet options that are still above board. Here are 6 unusual but perfectly legal pets you can own in Singapore.
1. Pigeons
No, we’re not talking about the ones below your HDB. Those ones are known as feral pigeons (Columba livia) and are off limits. However, there are plenty of other species of pigeons that you can actually keep as pets, ranging from the common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) to the fancier fantail pigeon.
2. Moon Jellyfish
There’s just something otherworldly and therapeutic about watching these strangely beautiful creatures float through water. You’ve probably seen whole tanks of them in aquariums, but it’s actually legal to keep Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) in your own home too.
This species of jellyfish is relatively safe for humans, given their low stinging power which cannot pierce our skin. They are also pretty fragile, so you’ll need a special curved tank with low water flow to house them in.
3. Ants
Ants are usually thought of as pests, but they can also make interesting pets. Not only do they maintain their own colony, but it can also be fascinating to watch them work and care for their queen. The hobby is rising in popularity in Singapore and even has its own Facebook group with thousands of ant-thusiasts.
While anyone can catch their own queens and build their own formicariums (nests), there’s also a dedicated ant shop in Singapore called Just Ants where you can get almost anything you need to start your own ant farm!
4. Crab-Eating Frogs
Despite its tiny stature of less than 7cm, these amphibians have been known to eat small crustaceans, including crabs. Of course, they are also known to eat most things that fit into their mouth, including insects. These are one of the few frogs that tolerate salt water, and they have a pretty loud rattling call as well.
5. Sea Monkeys
While they are actually a species of brine shrimp that don’t look much like primates, sea monkeys are also known as “instant pets”, thanks to their unique ability to undergo cryptobiosis. This means that they can be preserved in a state of inactivity for long periods of time before being brought back to life in the right conditions, sort of like those sci-fi movies. You can order an entire colony online and have it shipped to you, and each colony can last for a year or more.
6. Chinchillas
These adorable little furballs have the densest fur of all the mammals that live on land. They also don’t sweat, so taking care of them in sunny Singapore requires some temperature management. But the upside is that they’re really cute. They can grow pretty big too, up to 30 centimetres, and they have a lifespan of 15 years. With gentle handling from a young age, they’re also pretty tame. And have we mentioned how cute they are yet?
Unusual Pets in Singapore
There are some pretty unconventional pet options in Singapore, and you can find a full list of them here. But if you’ve already got a canine best friend, then check out the activities you can enjoy with your dog here!
