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The Singapore Veterinary Association (SVA) is aware of an online petition and social media posts calling for veterinarians practising in Singapore to be regulated. The notion that the local veterinary profession is unregulated is false.
The veterinary profession is one of the most regulated in the animal and pet industry to safeguard animal health and welfare. To practise veterinary medicine in Singapore, veterinarians are required to apply for and obtain a veterinary licence from the Animal Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster under the National Parks Board (NParks). As part of the licensing conditions, veterinarians must comply with the Code of Ethics. An existing complaints evaluation process and disciplinary system is also in place to ensure that standards are upheld within the veterinary profession. Veterinary clinics also have to be licensed, and undergo regular audits and inspections.
In general for Singapore, veterinary degrees from veterinary schools fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) are acceptable qualifications for obtaining a veterinary licence. These veterinary medical programmes are rigorous, have a duration of at least 5 years, and are internationally recognised.
Pet owners with complaints regarding suspected professional misconduct or negligence involving the veterinary profession can report the cases to the regulators. When cases are being investigated, owners should allow the authorities to complete their investigations and not post anything that may apply public pressure or prejudice the case.
We ask pet owners to be respectful and thoughtful toward their veterinarians as they provide essential care to your pets.