Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on regulating pet boarding businesses

Feb 13, 2019

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will introduce a licensing requirement for pet boarding businesses in addition to the standards and best practices listed in the Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry).

Answer:

All pet business operators, including pet boarders, have a duty of care towards the animals they handle.  Beyond the Code of Animal Welfare, AVA can take enforcement action against pet boarding businesses under the Animals and Birds Act for failing in this duty of care, or for animal cruelty.

AVA currently licenses pet shops and pet farms, some of which have commercial pet boarding facilities.  AVA intends to undertake a holistic review of the regulatory approach for the pet industry, including how best to regulate pet boarding businesses. As part of this review, AVA will engage its stakeholders, including pet owners, industry players and Animal Welfare Groups, to find the right balance across their various needs and interests.