Auto pet washer at Holland Drive sparks concerns on pet safety, NParks tells operator to stop use

An auto pet wash service at Holland Drive recently faced concerns and scepticism from members of the public.

This 24-hour auto pet wash service has a machine that shampoos, conditions, and dries pet dogs.

The shop is operated by Just4Pets, a local pet grooming salon chain, and it opened just last week on Jul. 12.

However, the National Parks Board (NParks) told Mothership it has since informed Just4Pets to stop the use of the machine while it evaluates its safety on animals.

Walter Leong, the executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), also told Mothership that such services seem like a convenient option but may not be in the best interests of animal welfare.

Leong urged pet owners to exercise utmost caution in deciding to use auto pet wash services and strongly recommends them to look for reliable groomers instead.

Safe for dogs?

According to a demonstration video on Just4Pets' Instagram, pet owners first secure their dog's leash to a safety ring inside the machine.

The wash will automatically begin once the gate and door are closed.

The wash cycle has four rounds: two rounds of rinsing and shampooing, one round of conditioning, and a final rinse and gentle blow-dry.

The washing process takes between 45 minutes to 65 minutes, costing S$30 to S$50, depending on the size of the dog.

Another video posted by the company shows a woman entering the machine in an attempt to demonstrate that it is safe for use.

The post also wrote that every part of the wash "was carefully examined to ensure it’s not just safe, but also calming and stress-free".

However, it doesn't seem to convince the general public well.

The comment section of both videos were plagued with criticism, as these people believe a dog would feel stressed in such an enclosed space.

Belinda Goh, the director of Just4Pets AutoWash, told Straits Times that the service was born due to a demand from pet owners for more accessible and flexible grooming options, as they found it difficult to secure a grooming appointment after working hours and weekends, especially on short notice.

She said that hundreds of trials and extensive testing were conducted to ensure the machines were safe and "perfectly dog-appropriate".

An average of five dogs a day reportedly used the service since its launch.

SPCA highlights potential safety risks

In SPCA's response to Mothership, Leong remarked that as the washing and drying process takes place in a small, enclosed space, it can frighten pets due to its unfamiliar sight and noises.

"Unlike a human groomer who can adjust their actions based on the pet’s reactions, the washer is unable to perform similar monitoring functions," he noted, such as how automatic shampoo and water jets may lead to residue entering the pet's eyes and nose, causing irritation and anxiety.

There is also a risk of strangulation or injury from the pet's leash if the pet were to slip and lose control over their legs.

Leong also remarked that while the auto pet wash features an emergency stop button, proper activation entirely depends on the vigilance of the pet owner who is observing from outside and may not have a clear view of the pet’s discomfort.

"Like any electronic device, the stop button is also liable to technical failure, which may endanger the pet’s life if the malfunction occurs at the time of use," he said.

SPCA strongly recommends that pet owners entrust their pet’s care to reliable pet groomers and advise owners to enquire about the grooming process to ensure their pet's safety is prioritised.

NParks looking into the matter

National Parks Board's (NParks) group director of enforcement and investigation, Jessica Kwok, said that the agency has received feedback on the service and is looking into the matter.

This is the first time they have received feedback on such services, the Straits Times reported.

Kwok said the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) is concerned that the machine poses some safety and welfare concerns to animals.

NParks has informed Just4Pets to stop the use of its machine from Jul. 18 while the agency evaluates its safety on animals.

Top image via @just4pets_autowash/Instagram