Owners roll up for free pet health checks

SINGAPORE - More than 70 pet owners took their animals to the Jurong Spring Community Club for free health checks last Sunday.

Private veterinarians from five clinics in the Jurong area conducted the clinical examinations and microchipping of the pets.

Twenty veterinary technology students from Temasek Polytechnic also helped out at the booths.

There were five stations, including an educational booth.

The session was the first in a series of free pet health checks planned by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) in partnership with private vets to educate owners on the importance of routine veterinary care and preventive care.

There will be more sessions organised for pet owners at other locations. Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee, who was guest of honour at the event, was given a tour of the booths.

Said Mr Lee, who is also an adviser to grassroots organisations in Jurong: "With the growing number of pets in Singapore, it is vital for pet owners to recognise the importance of regular veterinary care for their pets... This initiative is a useful platform to educate pet owners, promote responsible pet ownership and foster good understanding between AVA, private veterinarians and the community."

Jurong resident Ms Ganesan Mahalatchimi, 49, a civil servant, brought her five-month-old Japanese spitz puppy, Simba, for a health check. She also had her dog microchipped and applied for a licence.

"Usually we consult the vet only when the condition of our pets is deteriorating. But it's good to bring pets for regular check-ups because you never know what goes on inside," she said.

"It was also nice to meet other pet owners in the community and share tips on how to groom and train our puppies."

ateng@sph.com.sg

Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.