SINGAPORE - Singapore has introduced its first Code of Animal Welfare (COAW) specifically for dog training, aimed at promoting humane training practices. A key component of the revised code for pet groomers mandates that they must be physically present with animals during grooming sessions, a change prompted by incidents involving unattended pets at grooming facilities.
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The National Parks Board's Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) stated that these measures are essential to ensure that animal welfare standards remain current and aligned with global practices. The new dog training code emphasizes the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach, advocating for humane and evidence-based training methods that utilize positive reinforcement rather than harsh punishment.
On October 3, Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs Alvin Tan launched the new codes at an event celebrating World Animal Day. Previously, Singapore lacked a specific code to govern animal welfare and competency standards for dog trainers. Tan noted that these changes would strengthen standards in the dog training sector, instilling greater confidence in dog owners about the care their pets receive from trained professionals.
The COAW builds upon earlier initiatives such as the AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer Scheme, along with advisories against using aversive training tools like electronic collars, which can inflict harm. This initiative follows a series of viral videos revealing instances of dog trainers mistreating animals. Notably, one video from March 20, 2022, showed a trainer at K9 Connection abusing a dog, which resulted in a charge of animal cruelty against a director there on November 29, 2023.
Following a pattern of alleged grooming-related incidents, AVS reported investigating 54 cases over the past three years, some of which involved pet deaths. In July 2024, an unattended corgi died after becoming entangled in its leash at Pawkins SG, leading to a $10,000 fine for the salon's owner. Another incident in October 2025 involved a standard poodle named Buddy, who died at Pawsome.sg after being left unattended for about 1½ hours, resulting in animal cruelty charges against the facility's director.
The revised code for pet groomers includes guidelines for animal handling, competency demonstrations, client communication, and record-keeping. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to ensure their pets' well-being. An ongoing review of the 2017 COAW will ensure that welfare standards reflect global practices and the realities of pet ownership in Singapore.
The revision will detail minimum standards and best practices for pet care, catering to various species, including dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals. AVS plans to engage with pet owners, veterinarians, and animal groups through public consultations.
At the launch, Tan emphasized that the codes establish essential standards for housing, managing, and caring for animals. He stated that non-compliance with these minimum standards would be considered in future animal welfare investigations.