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SINGAPORE – Higher standards of service providers in the pet sector can be expected in the first half of next year, and the processes of relocation and adoption of dogs will also be improved, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said on Friday ( Dec. 18).
Additionally, AVS has stepped up its efforts to educate the public on how to care for pets, said Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How, launching new activities and educational resources on animals.
Mr. Tan said AVS is reviewing the licensing conditions for pet renters and breeders, as well as looking to increase the professionalism of veterinarians, among other things.
He has been consulting closely with key stakeholders such as animal welfare groups, pet companies and veterinarians, and will announce more details when ready.
In October, a multi-stakeholder Relocation and Adoption Working Group (RAWG) was formed to improve the relocation and dog adoption processes, Tan said.
The task force has been working on guiding principles for the rehabilitation and training of dogs, as well as measures to improve the competence and standards of dog trainers.
The public can provide feedback on the new community standards and guidelines on rehousing and adoption next year.
The announcements follow a comprehensive review of the pet industry, which led to the implementation of a single license for spayed dogs in September to make it more convenient for owners to track them.
In terms of public outreach, the AVS, a group under the National Parks Board (NParks), has implemented a variety of educational programs and resources.
Starting in January, preschoolers can interact and learn about small mammals like rabbits and hamsters for free in the new Animal Classroom at Jacob Ballas Kindergarten.
Under adult supervision, children will be able to touch these animals, depending on their temperament, said Dr. Chang Siow Foong, director of AVS’s professional and scientific services group.
Preschoolers can book this activity by emailing AVS at least one month in advance.
It is one of the new initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership from an early age.
Other activities include learning trips for secondary and tertiary students to AVS animal centers such as the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station.
AVS has also worked with the Ministry of Education and the Early Childhood Development Agency to integrate animal lessons into the school curriculum and programs. For example, books on pet care will be distributed to 1,700 preschools by March.
Other members of the public can access free online resources about animals.
The AVS is increasing the frequency of webinars on animal health, wellbeing and behavior, starting with one on Saturday on factors to consider before getting a pet.
The webinars, which will feature AVS veterinarians and pet industry professionals, will be held every fourth Saturday of the month.
Videos on basic care for popular pets will also be released next year.
AVS is also increasing volunteer opportunities for individuals and businesses.
A pilot animal-assisted intervention plan involves pairing animals with individuals to improve their psychological and physiological well-being. In November, pilot sessions were held between cats and young people from an outreach program by Fei Yue Community Services.
Individuals and businesses who wish to contribute to these programs and resources can contact NParks’ registered charity, Garden City Fund, or through the online platform Giving.sg.
Praising the initiatives, Mr. Tan said: “Owning a pet comes with many responsibilities, not only for our pets, but also for our neighbors and the community at large. Therefore, it is important that we equip ourselves with the knowledge about how to take care of our pets so that we create a positive environment for everyone. “
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