After pet deaths, Singapore orders closer supervision by groomers and rolls out first dog trainer welfare code

Singapore has tightened animal welfare regulations for pet groomers following a series of high-profile incidents involving unattended animals. The National Parks Board's Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) unveiled two new codes today, aimed at maintaining welfare standards in line with global practices. Under the revised grooming code, animals should be under constant physical supervision when tethered or held in groups, while pets with additional care needs should receive more vigilant monitoring.

Investigations by AVS over the past three years have revealed 54 cases of alleged groomer-related pet harm, including deaths. In July 2024, an unattended Corgi fell from a grooming table and died after being suspended by its leash, resulting in a S$10,000 fine for the salon owner. In October 2025, a Standard Poodle named Buddy passed away at a Tanjong Katong Road grooming facility after reportedly being left unattended for around 90 minutes.

A former facility director was recently charged with animal cruelty and is expected to plead guilty on October 21. The grooming code also reinforces standards around animal handling, staff competency, client communication, incident reporting, and record-keeping. Simultaneously, Singapore has introduced its inaugural dedicated Code of Animal Welfare for dog trainers, outlining minimum standards for welfare and professional competency based on the "least intrusive, minimally aversive" (LIMA) approach, which prioritizes humane, evidence-based training and positive reinforcement over punitive methods.

AVS Director-General Lim Soo San emphasized that these measures aim to bolster trust among pet owners, stating, "These efforts will further strengthen standards in the dog training sector and give dog owners greater confidence that their pets are cared for by trainers guided by clear standards of animal welfare and professional competency."

AVS has advised against aversive equipment such as electronic shock and prong collars due to potential serious harm. Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs Alvin Tan, who launched the codes during World Animal Day at the National Library Building, emphasized that the new regulations set minimum standards for animal housing, management, care, and beyond voluntary best practices.

Failure to meet these standards could be considered during welfare investigations. Tan also announced that Singapore authorities are reviewing the 2017 Code of Animal Welfare for pet owners, which will encompass owners' responsibilities, housing, diet and nutrition, behavior and enrichment, and healthcare, with species-specific guidelines for dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals.

Public consultation through surveys and focus group discussions will precede the proposed revisions.