Launch of Guidelines for Animal Shelters to establish benchmarks and best operational practices to safeguard animal welfare

-       New guidelines provide benchmarks and examples of best operational practices for animal shelters, covering management, housing, animal care, and healthcare

-       AVS to continue working closely with animal groups, caregivers and community partners to support rehoming efforts and maintain the high sterilisation rate for the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for free-roaming dogs even as original targets are exceeded 

Singapore, 28 August 2026 – The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), launched the Guidelines for Animal Shelters, which establish benchmarks and best operational practices for shelters in Singapore to safeguard animal welfare. Developed after engagements with key stakeholders and a public consultation, the guidelines include best practice recommendations to safeguard good animal welfare, strengthen accountability and transparency across animal shelters, and give potential adopters greater confidence of the standards that can be expected of shelters. 

The guidelines were shared at Paws in the City, AVS’ first adoption drive in the city, attended by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs. At the event, which is held over three days and timed together with Singapore Specials Day (29 August 2026), members of the public can meet animal groups and the animals under their care that are available for adoption, learn more about the adoption process, explore volunteer opportunities, and find out more about the importance of community support for animal welfare.

AVS also highlighted the progress of the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme that started in 2018, where approximately 80% of the free-roaming dogs in Singapore have been sterilised, exceeding its original target of 70%. This is a testament to the combined efforts of animal groups, caregivers, volunteers, and the wider community in managing Singapore's free-roaming dog population in a holistic and sustainable manner.

Establishing benchmarks and best operational practices for animal shelters to safeguard animal welfare

Animal groups and shelters have established themselves as key stakeholders in the pet sector, playing an important role in the care and rehoming of pet animals. There are currently about 15 animal groups operating shelters in Singapore known to AVS. These shelters are either self-funded or supported through public donations. 

While many animal groups and shelters have developed their own welfare practices over the years for the housing, care, and rehoming of animals, there are no benchmarks for shelter operational practices in Singapore. The new Guidelines for Animal Shelters seek to build on these efforts by providing benchmarks and examples of best operational practices that can be adopted by animal shelters, while taking into account the diverse operating models and circumstances of different shelters.

The development of the guidelines was informed by engagement with key stakeholders and the community. AVS first consulted its animal group rehoming partners for preliminary views before arranging a focus group discussion in September 2024 with stakeholders, including animal shelters, veterinarians and animal trainers. The discussions helped shape the proposed sections and content of the guidelines.

A public consultation on the proposed guidelines was subsequently conducted from 3 December 2024 to 2 February 2025. Over 600 responses were received, with 82% of respondents supporting the development of guidelines for animal shelters in Singapore. Respondents cited increased accountability, transparency and public trust in animal shelters as key benefits of having reference standards to safeguard animal welfare.

The finalised guidelines incorporated feedback received through the focus group discussions and public consultation, including suggestions relating to the definition of an animal shelter, record-keeping requirements, and housing enclosure standards.

The guidelines comprise four key sections:

• Management of Shelter Operations – covering accountability, record-keeping, staffing, training, security, emergency preparedness, resource management, and other operational considerations;
• Animal Housing and Environment – covering animal housing, environmental conditions, and housekeeping;
• Animal Management – covering feeding, enrichment, exercise, socialisation, animal handling and transport; and
• Animal Healthcare – covering health monitoring, disease prevention, and access to veterinary care and treatment.

The Guidelines are intended to serve as a reference for animal shelters and a resource for organisations seeking to strengthen their operational practices to safeguard animal welfare. AVS will conduct briefings and continue engaging shelters to support the adoption of the guidelines, gather feedback, and inform future refinements. The development of the Guidelines for Animal Shelters builds on AVS’ broader efforts to raise standards across the pet industry, including initiatives relating to pet breeding and boarding, the veterinary sector, dog training, animal adoption and rehoming, and responsible pet ownership.

Link to guidelines: https://go.gov.sg/guidelines-animal-shelters

TNRM programme for free-roaming dogs surpasses sterilisation target

Under the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for free-roaming dogs, which was launched in 2018, about 4,500 free-roaming dogs have been enrolled under the programme as of July 2026. Approximately 80% of the free-roaming dogs in Singapore have been sterilised, exceeding its original target of 70%. More than 65% of these dogs have since been rehomed, fostered or sheltered. Under the Project for ADOption and ReHoming (Project ADORE), which facilitates the adoption of local mixed-breed dogs (commonly known as Singapore Specials) into HDB flats, AVS has worked with animal groups to rehome over 2,700 dogs. Dogs that could not be rehomed were released at suitable locations where they could continue to be cared for by community caregivers. The programme has also contributed to a high sterilisation rate among Singapore’s free-roaming dog population.

With the programme now in its maintenance phase, AVS will continue to work closely with animal groups, caregivers, and community partners to maintain the high sterilisation rate, support rehoming efforts where appropriate, and ensure that Singapore’s free-roaming dog population continues to be managed in a humane and sustainable manner.

Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding animal health and welfare

AVS will continue to work with stakeholders across the pet sector to raise standards, promote responsible pet ownership and safeguard animal health and welfare. These efforts support Singapore’s vision of becoming a City in Nature, where community stewardship remains a key pillar in creating a harmonious shared environment for people and animals.

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