Regulating and Licensing Pet Service Providers to Ensure Pet Welfare

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider implementing more regulations over pet service providers to ensure the welfare of pets, such as requiring pet service providers to be trained by approved institutions and licensed.

Commercial pet boarders, breeders, pet shops and veterinary clinics require licences to operate. Under the respective licensing conditions, key personnel are required to have the relevant accreditation and certification. For instance, licensees and employees responsible for the day-to-day management and care of animals at commercial pet boarders, breeders and pet shops must attend mandatory training on pet care and management at a teaching institution approved by the National Parks Board.

In addition, all individuals working in animal-related businesses, including pet groomers and trainers, are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare, given that they are entrusted with the care of their clients' pet animals. Under the Animals and Birds Act, any person who is found guilty of animal cruelty or failure of duty of care will be taken to task. Penalties are more severe for individuals operating or employed by an animal-related business. The Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) also sets out minimum animal housing, management and care standards for pet service providers and failure to meet minimum standards stipulated in the Code may be used as evidence to support enforcement action.