Singapore has introduced its first Code of Animal Welfare (COAW) specifically for dog trainers, alongside updated and stricter standards for pet groomers, in an effort to improve animal care following several high-profile cases of mistreatment and fatalities. The new measures were announced on October 3 during the World Animal Day event at The Plaza, National Library Building, by Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs Alvin Tan.
The COAW for dog trainers enforces the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) method, which emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement and humane, evidence-based training techniques. Under this approach, harsh punishments such as electric shock collars are prohibited, favoring reward-based methods to encourage desired behavior. Until now, Singapore had no specialized welfare and competency standards governing dog trainers, prompting concerns over the treatment of animals in the sector.
Tan stated that the new codes aim to elevate standards within the dog training industry and bolster confidence among pet owners by ensuring trainers adhere to clear guidelines on animal welfare and professional conduct. The initiative builds on previous efforts including the AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer Scheme and a July 2025 advisory warning against the use of aversive devices like shock and prong collars due to their potential to cause serious harm.
The revisions also address pet grooming practices, mandating groomers to remain physically present with animals throughout grooming sessions to prevent neglect-related incidents. This requirement follows several cases investigated by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), including a July 2024 incident in which a corgi died after falling from a grooming table at Pawkins SG while left unattended. The salon’s owner was fined $10,000. Similarly, on October 30, 2025, a white standard poodle named Buddy died after reportedly being left alone for approximately 90 minutes at Pawsome.sg. The former director of that facility faces animal cruelty charges and is set to plead guilty in an upcoming hearing.
Since 2021, AVS has investigated 54 allegations related to harm caused by pet groomers, highlighting the need for stricter oversight. The updated grooming code includes guidelines on animal handling, record-keeping, competency demonstration, and client communication to promote better standards sector-wide.
Angie Tan, founder of Puppy Love SG, welcomed the introduction of the dog trainer code, noting the industry’s shift from traditional punitive methods to creating a partnership between dog and owner based on trust, clear communication, and positive reinforcement.
The new COAW will complement the 2017 animal welfare code, which is currently under review to ensure alignment with international best practices and the evolving context of pet ownership in Singapore. The revised code will outline minimum standards and best practices both broadly for all species and specifically for dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters.
AVS plans to engage the community, including pet owners, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups, through public consultations comprising online surveys and focus group discussions to gather input on the updated codes.
Alongside these efforts, the government continues to enforce penalties for animal neglect and cruelty. On September 23, a man was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment and banned from pet ownership for 12 months after abandoning 71 cats in unsanitary conditions over nearly two years, resulting in the deaths of nine animals.
Minister Alvin Tan emphasized that the new codes establish minimum requirements that go beyond voluntary guidelines, stating that failure to comply will be considered in future animal welfare investigations.