Bigger representation of animal lovers at Nat Geo's Free Pet Shop weekend

Bigger representation of animal lovers at Nat Geo's Free Pet Shop weekend

SINGAPORE - Singapore's largest dog adoption event returned on a bigger scale as more animal welfare groups, government and private partners came together with a common aim to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and encourage animal compassion.

The 3rd edition of National Geographic Channel (NGC) Free Pet Shop kicked off on Saturday, Oct 4 and will also be open to the public on Oct 5 at Big Splash, East Coast Park, from noon to 6pm.

The NGC Free Pet Shop features about 150 dogs up for adoption, presented by eight participating no-kill dog shelters - Action for Singapore Dogs, Animal Lovers League, Causes for Animals, Gentle Paws, Noah's Ark Cares, Save Our Street Dogs, Three Legs Good, and Uncle Khoe's K9 Shelter - over the weekend.

This doubles the number of participating dog shelters since its inaugural edition, matched by a 60 per cent growth in the community of partners like the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), Subaru, Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group, StarHub and other private organisations.

Dog shelters have reported a rise in public awareness of Project ADORE as they observe a majority of HDB dwellers enquiring about dog adoption, out of over 100 interested potential adopters.

Dog owners and the public were treated a delightful weekend out as participating industry partners such as The Barkery SG, Furry Photos, Solid Gold, A Pawz Dog Sports Academy gave out free dog treats, dog obedience tips, built an obstacle course for furry friends to test their agility. Presenting sponsor Subaru also built Singapore's largest dog water dish for canines to splash in for a dip from the heat.

Vice-President of Action for Singapore Dogs, Ms. Wendy Low, who is in her 40s, said, "It was heartening to meet people whose mindsets have changed when they brought a dog into their lives. I met a Singaporean married couple who have rescued a Singapore Special mixed-breed dog who proved that adopted dogs are no different than pure breeds sold in pet shops. They have not looked back since and have registered interest in their second dog this afternoon."

spanaech@sph.com.sg

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