Contact Us 
Downloads 
16/06/2025
Veterinary expenses in Singapore have risen significantly in recent years. Industry reports indicate that veterinary clinics have increased their fees by up to 20% over the past two years, driven by rising medical supply costs, manpower shortages, and increasing demand for veterinary services
Chronic conditions such as dental disease, arthritis, and obesity are common in pets and often require long-term management. These issues not only affect your pet’s quality of life but also accumulate substantial treatment costs over time.
The good news? Many of these conditions can be prevented—or detected early—through consistent preventive care. From regular check-ups to parasite control, this guide outlines nine essential strategies to maintain your pet's health and reduce future veterinary expenses.
What Is Preventive Care and How Does It Help
Preventive care includes routine measures such as vaccinations, deworming, annual vet check-ups, parasite control, and good nutrition. The goal is to detect health issues early or avoid them entirely.
By detecting emerging problems before they become emergencies, preventive care reduces the need for costly treatments and supports better long-term health outcomes. It is a proactive approach that gives your pet the best chance at a healthy, comfortable life, while helping you manage veterinary expenses more effectively.
Types of Preventive Pet Care in Singapore
Preventive pet care goes far beyond a one-time vet visit. It's a continuous set of practices that help your pet stay healthy, comfortable, and protected from avoidable health issues. By investing in routine care, pet owners in Singapore can significantly reduce the chances of costly treatments down the line. Here's a breakdown of the most important types of preventive care:
#1 Routine Vet Examinations
Regular check-ups are key to identifying potential health problems before they become serious. During these visits, vets will assess your pet’s weight, vital signs, dental health, and coat condition, and ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Puppies and kittens should visit the vet at 6 to 8 weeks of age, for every 3 to 4 weeks until they are around 16 to 20 weeks old. Adult pets should be checked annually, while senior pets benefit from visits every six months.
Routine vet consultations in Singapore typically range from S$40 to S$120, depending on the clinic and complexity of care. These exams allow for early intervention, often reducing the risk of long-term complications and keeping your pet healthier over time.
#2 Teeth Cleaning / Polishing
Your pet’s dental health affects far more than just their teeth. Plaque buildup and untreated gum disease can lead to pain, infections, and in severe cases, affect overall organ health.
In Singapore, professional dental cleaning typically ranges from S$150 to S$300, depending on the clinic and the size of your pet. If dental issues are left untreated, procedures like tooth extractions may be needed—these can exceed S$500, especially if multiple teeth are involved or general anaesthesia is required.
Scheduling dental assessments during annual vet check-ups allows for early intervention. Your vet may recommend scaling or polishing to prevent long-term damage. Regular cleaning supports your pet’s comfort and may help you avoid far higher treatment costs down the line.
#3 Vaccinations
Vaccines are a vital part of preventative care, significantly lowering your pet's risk of serious and highly contagious diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
While no vaccine offers full immunity in all cases, timely vaccination can reduce the likelihood of infection and help prevent severe complications.
In Singapore, each vaccine typically costs between S$45 and S$90 per dose, depending on the type of vaccine and the clinic. This is relatively low compared to the cost of treating these illnesses. Conditions like parvovirus or tick fever often require hospitalisation, medication, and follow-up care, which can quickly add up to several hundred dollars.
For dogs, core vaccines, such as those for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, are recommended for all. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella, Leptospirosis, or Giardia may be recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risks.
It’s important to understand that no vaccine offers 100% protection. For example:
- Leptospirosis: The vaccine doesn’t cover every strain of the bacteria, but lowers the risk of serious illness and complications if infection occurs.
- Bordetella (kennel cough): The vaccine is highly effective, yet rare breakthrough cases can happen. In such instances, vaccination greatly reduces the chance of severe or prolonged symptoms.
Despite these nuances, vaccinations remain essential. They protect your pet, reduce the risk of outbreaks among animals, and contribute to public health by limiting the spread of preventable diseases. Your vet can recommend the most appropriate vaccines based on your pet’s breed, lifestyle, and environment.
#4 Parasite Control (Fleas, Ticks, Worms)
Preventing parasite infestations is both safer and more cost-effective than treating severe cases. Fleas, ticks, and worms can cause skin conditions, anaemia, and parasitic infections that may lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
Routine preventative treatments generally cost between S$50 and S$90, depending on your pet’s size and needs. Severe infestations may require lab tests and multiple treatments, potentially costing up to S$450. Staying consistent with prevention lowers both health risks and financial strain.
#5 Nutritional Guidance & Weight Monitoring
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing chronic conditions. Obesity, commonly seen in both cats and dogs, is linked to increased risks of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
During routine vet visits, your veterinarian can assess your pet’s weight and offer diet recommendations tailored to their age, breed, and activity level. Monitoring your pet’s body condition over time helps ensure they stay within a healthy range.
Addressing weight gain early is far more effective—and less costly—than managing conditions such as arthritis or metabolic disorders later in life. Preventive nutrition advice plays a key role in long-term health and cost control.
#6 Exercise and Physical Activity
Daily physical activity is essential for your pet’s physical and mental health. It helps manage weight, maintain mobility, and reduce behaviours linked to stress or boredom.
Exercise needs vary based on your pet’s breed, age, and energy level, but most pets benefit from a combination of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Indoor-friendly options like puzzle feeders, tug-of-war, or short hallway games can be useful, especially in apartments.
In Singapore’s climate, walking your pet in the early morning or evening can help prevent overheating during outdoor activity.
#7 Microchipping
Microchipping enables pet identification and recovery and is legally required for licensing in Singapore.The procedure costs between S$50 and S$90 and involves registering your pet’s microchip ID in the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). Under the Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024, all cats and dogs in Singapore must be licensed. Before a licence can be issued, the pet must first be microchipped. Microchipping not only fulfils legal obligations, it also improves your chances of recovering a lost pet and ensures clear identification in emergencies.
#8 Blood Tests & Diagnostics
Many serious health conditions in pets, such as kidney disease, liver issues, or hormonal imbalances, develop silently, without visible symptoms in the early stages. Routine blood tests and diagnostic screening allow for early detection and timely intervention.
These tests typically cost between S$100 and S$300. Early detection can make treatment more manageable and may reduce long-term costs. Left unchecked, these conditions may require surgery, hospitalisation, or specialist care, which can cost several thousand dollars.
#9 Behavioural Guidance
Common behavioural issues, such as separation anxiety, aggression, or destructive behaviour can lead to injury, stress, or property damage if left unmanaged.
These problems are often best addressed early. During routine vet visits, your veterinarian can assess for early signs and, when necessary, refer you to qualified trainers or behavioural specialists. Early intervention helps improve your pet’s quality of life and lowers the risk of preventable emergencies at home.
How Prevention Reduces Long-Term Medical Costs
Preventative care is a long-term investment in your pet's health. While it usually involves out-of-pocket spending, some insurance plans may offer support for selected preventive treatments, varying based on coverage levels and benefits.
In many cases, preventive measures cost significantly less than treating advanced medical issues. Here’s how small, consistent actions today can help reduce larger expenses in the future:
| Issue | Preventive Cost | Treatment Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Scaling | S$100 - S$200 | Extraction: S$500+ |
| Parasite Control | S$50-S$90 | Up to S$450 for severe infestations |
At Liberty Insurance, our PetCare plan is built to support pet owners with coverage for accidents and illnesses. Selected plans also include optional wellness benefits, which may help with routine preventive care depending on the tier chosen.
What to Expect in PetCare Coverage
Liberty's PetCare plan includes wellness benefits for selected preventive treatments, depending on the tier selected:
- Vet Bills Coverage
- Freedom of Vet Choice
- Wellness Benefits (on higher-tier plan only)
- Annual cap: S$200,
- Covers: Vaccination, teeth cleaning or polishing, spaying or neutering
- No deductible or co-payment for wellness claims \
Liberty PetCare doesn’t cover certain conditions and treatments, such as:
- Pre-existing, hereditary, or congenital conditions
- Illnesses during the waiting period or outside Singapore
- Behavioural issues, dental problems (unless due to accidents), and parasite-related illnesses
- Pregnancy, breeding, grooming, cosmetic or elective procedures
- House calls, after-hours treatment, and supplements not included in your plan
- Injuries from neglect, intentional harm, or if your pet is used for commercial purposes
See the full list of details in the PetCare policy.
Wellness Checklist for Pet Owners in Singapore (By Pet Life Stages)
| Life Stages | Recommended Wellness Actions |
|---|---|
| 🐶 Puppies & Kittens |
|
| 🐕 Adults |
|
| 🐾 Seniors |
|
Conclusion
Preventive care isn’t just good for your pet—it’s smart financial planning. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleaning, and early diagnostics all play a vital role in keeping your pet healthy and avoiding the shock of high vet bills later. As veterinary costs continue to rise in Singapore, prevention gives pet owners more control over both health outcomes and expenses.
The most effective way to reduce long-term medical costs is to act early and stay consistent. Whether it’s booking that overdue check-up or reviewing your pet’s diet and exercise habits, small steps today can save you thousands tomorrow.
Check if PetCare suits your pet’s preventive care needs—and make sure you're not caught off guard when health issues arise.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information only and is not intended to provide a complete descriptions of all terms, exclusions, and conditions applicable to every insurance product or service offered by Liberty Insurance. Liberty Insurance makes no representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever that the information and materials contained on our website are suitable for your needs, are complete, timely, reliable, or are free from errors, inaccuracies or typographical mistakes. Please refer to our website terms and conditions (Terms and Conditions | Liberty Insurance Singapore) for the terms of use and refer to the policy wordings of the products for more details on the relevant terms and conditions