Free-roaming Dogs
How we manage the free-roaming dog population under the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) Programme
Last updated 22 April 2026
Watch "Singapore Specials | The Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Programme" to learn more about the TNRM programme for free-roaming dogs!
TNRM is a holistic and science-based approach to managing the free-roaming dog population. Under this programme, free-roaming dogs are microchipped, sterilised and ear-tipped after capture. Dogs that are rehomed may be ear-tattooed instead. Those that cannot be rehomed are vaccinated for rabies before being released at suitable locations to live out their lives naturally. Dog population management through sterilisation and return is recognised as a holistic approach by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
In November 2018, Mr Desmond Lee, then Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development, launched the five-year Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for free-roaming dogs. The TNRM programme is a collaboration between the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), TNRM Partners, veterinarians and other relevant stakeholders.
The target for the programme was to sterilise more than 70% of the free-roaming dog population in Singapore within five years. AVS supported TNRM Partners’ costs for pre and post-surgical boarding, microchipping, vaccination, and sterilisation of TNRM dogs.
Since its launch, about 80% of the free-roaming dog population has been sterilised. Over 4,400 dogs were captured with more than 65% rehomed, fostered, or sheltered. The TNRM programme for free-roaming dogs is currently in its maintenance phase.
TNRM Dogs Grant
AVS currently works with the following partners on the TNRM Dogs programme:
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Singapore (SPCA) - Lead Partner for TNRM Dogs
Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)
Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS)
Exclusively Mongrels (EM)
Mercylight Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (MARS)
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS)
Noah's Ark Companion Animal Rescue & Education Society (NA CARES)
Purely Adopts (PA)
SOSD Singapore
Through this grant, AVS provides funding support for trapping, sterilisation, microchipping, and pre- and post-sterilisation boarding of free-roaming dogs.
TNRM Dogs Grant Reimbursement Caps
Item | Reimbursement cap (GST inclusive) |
Microchipping | Up to $30 |
Sterilisation (Male Routine) | Up to $245 |
Sterilisation (Female Routine) | Up to $350 |
Sterilisation (Complex) | Up to $450 |
Treatment that are necessary for/after sterilisation | Up to $150 |
Pre- and post-sterilisation boarding/ hospitalisation Males: max. 1 day pre-sterilisation and max. 3 day post-sterilisation Females: max. 1 day pre-sterilisation and max. 5 days post-sterilisation | Up to $40/day |
Trapping | $324(Adult Dog) $154 (Puppy) |
Trapping and Sterilisation Support for Dog Caregivers
If you come across an unsterilised free-roaming dog and would like assistance with microchipping and sterilisation, you may contact the Lead Partner for TNRM Dogs, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
5 Years of TNRM
2023 marked the fifth year anniversary of TNRM. An update on the programme was released in an infographic, which covered the progress of the programme, statistics on the number of dogs trapped and rehomed, and more.
Download it here:
TNRM Programme for Free-roaming Dogs Update Infographic [PDF, 619KB]
Watch “Celebrating 5 Years of Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) Programme” to learn more about the TNRM programme after 5 years of its inception.
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