The Animal & Veterinary Service is engaging stakeholders to raise professional standards in the veterinary sector

- SVA’s ‘Vets at Work’ book launch on World Veterinary Day to highlight contributions of Singapore’s veterinary professionals

Following the second phase of focus group discussions as part of the veterinary sector review conducted by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), stakeholders identified a few areas to work on and highlighted the importance of raising professional standards in the veterinary sector. In conjunction with World Vet Day, ‘Vets at Work’, a book chronicling the contributions of veterinarians in Singapore, was also launched today with the Singapore Veterinary Association (SVA).

AVS has been looking into raising the professional standards and practices of the veterinary sector in Singapore. Together with SVA, AVS had launched a survey in early 2021, targeted at the veterinary profession, to assess the key trends and challenges faced by the veterinary sector in Singapore. In the second half of 2021, AVS conducted focus group discussions with members of the veterinary industry and users of vet services to gather views on advancing professional standards of the veterinary sector. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of upholding professional standards for the vet sector. They acknowledged the critical role of vet paraprofessionals, and to look into better defining the scope of veterinary activities. The discussions also pointed out the importance of promoting lifelong education in the vet profession. Stakeholders had also suggested to consider the formation of a veterinary professional body. AVS will continue to engage stakeholders, take into account their views and feedback, and will share its recommendations when ready.

In conjunction with World Veterinary Day (30 April), MOS Tan Kiat How launched the book ‘Vets at Work’ today. The book is produced by SVA, in collaboration with AVS and other partners. It highlights the history of SVA and the significant contributions that Singapore’s veterinary professionals have made to society over the years. For example, in addition to looking after pets, vets play a critical role in biosurveillance programmes to detect and manage diseases, especially zoonotic ones. Members of the public can read the soft copy of the book at www.sva.org.sg.

The ongoing vet sector review comes after recent policy and regulatory changes to the breeding and boarding sectors, dog rehoming and adoption, and dog training and behaviour rehabilitation.

Raising awareness of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through community engagement

Engaging the community and stakeholders has been a key focus for AVS since its formation in 2019. In its 13^th edition, Pets’ Day Out is AVS’ main outreach platform to engage with the pet community including animal welfare groups, pet businesses, veterinarians, and pet owners. It is a regular platform to promote and encourage the rehoming of shelter animals, and where public can learn about pet care and animal health through free pet health check-ups, talks and workshops.

The 13^th Pets’ Day Out returns at Jurong Lake Gardens with three zones – free pet health check, an adoption drive in partnership with four Animal Welfare Groups, and a workshop to learn about dogs in animal-assisted interactions. Since launching in August 2019, Pets’ Day out has reached more than 10,000 viewers and attendees, with continued engagement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with online offerings. This includes production of over 20 webinars, six Pets’ Day Out event livestreams and videos on topics such as pet care. These resources are available for free on NParks’ YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/NParksSG.

AVS will continue to forge relationships with like-minded individuals and communities to spread awareness on the science behind animal care and promote responsible pet ownership in Singapore. This is in line with the vision to transform Singapore into a City in Nature, for which community stewardship is a key thrust.

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