Pet groomers must maintain 'constant physical supervision' of tethered animals as part of minimum standard: AVS

The code of conduct for pet groomers has been revised and a new code has been created for dog trainers in Singapore.

Launched on Oct. 3 by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) of NParks, the updated code includes a slew of new minimum standards and best practices.

These include ensuring "constant physical supervision" of tethered animals for pet groomers, a move that comes after several high-profile cases involving unattended pets in recent years.

AVS added that licencing and accreditation of pet groomers is a "separate consideration" that bears further consultation with stakeholders.

Other minimum standards

The revised code for pet groomers follows a stakeholder survey and two focus group discussions in March and April this year.

There was a "broad consensus" on the need to strengthen industry standards, AVS said in its statement.

Meanwhile, in the revised code for dog trainers, aversive strategies — which include the use of shock and prong collars — are discouraged.

Instead, the "Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive" (LIMA) approach is recommended, promoting the use of evidence-based training methods and positive reinforcement, AVS said.

New requirements were also set for the transportation and boarding of dogs.

You can read the full revised code here.

Review of code of animal welfare for pet owners

While a code of conduct is not enforceable in itself, it sets out minimum standards and best practices that should be adhered to by members of the pet industry.

Failure to meet the minimum standards may be used as evidence to support prosecution for offences under the Animal and Birds Act.

In addition, AVS will soon commence a review of the code of animal welfare for pet owners as well.

Over the coming year, it will engage pet owners, veterinarians, animal groups, and the wider community through public consultations to refine proposed revisions.

The revisions will target areas such as accountability of pet owners, diet and nutrition, housing and environment, and more.