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

Singapore’s revised grooming code strengthens requirements on supervision, animal handling, staff competency and record-keeping. — Pexels pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 03 Oct 2026 2:16 PM MYT

SINGAPORE — Singapore has tightened animal welfare rules for pet groomers following a series of high-profile deaths involving unattended animals, while introducing the city-state’s first dedicated welfare code for dog trainers.

The National Parks Board’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) launched the two codes today, saying the changes were intended to keep welfare standards aligned with evolving global practices.

Under the revised grooming code, animals that are tethered or kept in group holding arrangements must remain under constant physical supervision, while pets with additional care needs should be monitored more closely.

The changes follow several cases in which animals were harmed or died after being left unattended at grooming facilities.

The Straits Times reported that AVS investigated 54 cases of alleged groomer-related pet harm, including deaths, over the past three years.

In July 2024, an unattended corgi died after falling from a grooming table and being suspended by its leash. The salon owner was later fined S$10,000.

In October 2025, a standard poodle named Buddy died at a grooming facility in Tanjong Katong Road after allegedly being left unattended for about 90 minutes. A former director of the facility was charged with animal cruelty last month and is expected to plead guilty on October 21.

The revised grooming code also strengthens standards on animal handling, staff competency, client communication, incident reporting and record-keeping.

At the same time, Singapore has introduced its first dedicated Code of Animal Welfare for dog trainers, setting minimum standards for welfare and professional competency.

The code adopts the “least intrusive, minimally aversive”, or LIMA, approach, which emphasises humane, evidence-based training and positive reinforcement over harsh punishment.

It builds on earlier efforts to curb potentially harmful practices. AVS issued an advisory in July 2025 on devices such as electronic shock and prong collars, warning that aversive equipment could cause 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, said the measures would raise confidence among pet owners.

“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,” he said, according to The Straits Times.

AVS said the codes go beyond voluntary best practice, with failures to meet minimum standards potentially taken into account during animal welfare investigations.

Tan said: “The codes set out minimum standards and best practices for how to house, manage and care for animals. These are more than guidelines. If you fail to meet the minimum standards, it will be taken into account in animal welfare investigations.”

Singapore authorities are also reviewing the 2017 Code of Animal Welfare for pet owners.

The proposed revision will cover owners’ responsibilities, housing, diet and nutrition, behaviour and enrichment, and healthcare, with species-specific standards for dogs, cats, birds and small mammals.

AVS said it would consult pet owners, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and the wider public through surveys and focus group discussions.