Best for pets – food, toys and more

We round up some great services available for the furrier members of the family.

Since living in Singapore, we’ve owned a myriad of pets – entertainment for the children mainly, but they’ve all been loved (well, mostly!). We’ve had dogs, cats, hamsters, terrapins, rabbits and fish – and those are just the ones I can remember!

Pets do need a lot of looking after, from grooming and good food to medical care. We’ve gone through unwanted pregnancies, caesareans, rotting teeth, matted fur and funny hook claws! A few of them have been emergencies, too, so it’s worth being pre-emptive and knowing who to call if you (they) need some help.

Here we interview a couple of pet owners and ask them which pet service they use and why. Remember to take some notes and have the numbers on your fridge just in case.

Carole Hickman, British

“I have one dog, Jasmine, who’s a German Shepherd, and three cats: Oscar, Poppy and Red.”

How did you hear about your vet?

We heard about Vets for Life (Tanjong Katong branch) through our Pet Relocation Expert, Kelvin Koh. We needed a trusted family vet who could provide a good quality of service.

What service do they provide for your pet?

They provide everything we need from general annual vaccinations to emergency care. We’re very happy with their service and cannot recommend them enough. We continue to receive the great quality care that we depend on, and, in addition, they provide excellent aftercare service to check how our pets are doing. In the three years that we’ve been in Singapore, we’ve had around 50 or so visits to the vet ranging from minor to major health issues so it’s been extremely important to receive a high standard of care for our family.

Would you recommend them to others?

I would absolutely recommend Vets for Life. The vets at the Tanjong Katong branch are very professional and knowledgeable, and most of all treat us like family.

Any tips for readers who might be looking for pet services in Singapore?

Choosing a vet is a critical task as you want to ensure that you have the best possible care for your pets. Finding a clinic as professional as Vets for Life has been a lifesaver for us.

Vets for Life Animal Clinic
Locations in Tanjong Katong and River Valley
6348 8346 | vetsforlife.com.sg

Julie Quek, Singaporean

“I have a little dog called Joy; she’s a Shihtzu.”

How did you hear about Fur & Away?

I was always on the lookout for a good groomer (I had two dogs at the time), and I happened to see them featured in an article on groomers; that was 12 years ago.

Why were you encouraged to engage their services?

The thing that attracted me at the time was that their focus was only grooming, and it was also an open concept where I could watch how my pets were being groomed – unlike others offering a similar service. What service do they provide for your pet? Weekly bathing, with full and basic grooming.

Were you happy with the service?

Of course. Alex is always ready with advice on how to care for my pets. The staff are friendly and my dogs are very comfortable with them. Each week, they help me to check on my pet to ensure she is well and there are no skin problems. And they advise me when she needs a basic or full groom.

Would you recommend Fur & Away to others?

Yes, because of the great services rendered over the past 12 years for both my pets. Unfortunately, my boy Cheer passed on three years ago but they treated him with so much love!

Any tips for readers who might be looking for pet services in Singapore?

Always look for a groomer who has the passion and love for pets and not one who is just operating as a business. Also, find one who doesn’t sell dogs, and make sure the environment is clean.

Fur & Away
Three locations in Sembawang, Turf City and Johor Bahru
6853 7549 | furnaway.com

Michelle Owen, Australian

“I have a golden retriever called Marmalade.”

How did you hear about Singpet?

I came across them when I was doing my online research for pet food in Singapore. I was specifically looking for the same brand of dog food that our breeder gave Marmalade before he joined us in Singapore, and was very pleased to find the right dog food online at a great price.

What service do they provide for your pet?

Singpet sells pet products both online as well as in their spacious showroom at Midview City in Upper Thomson. They sell a wide variety of dog and cat products, some of which I’ve not seen elsewhere; you can buy pet food, pigs’ ears, treats, shampoos, dog bowls, worming tablets and, my personal favourite, a wide selection of quality dog toys, including a realistic-looking furry mallard duck that Marmalade loves as much as me!

Have you been happy with the service?

Yes, very happy, both online and via the phone when I’ve had questions, as well as at their store. I’m a member of their Singpet Club, an annual membership that entitles you to wholesale prices on all their items. Plus, they offer free delivery with an $80 spend for both members and nonmembers. I’ve taken Marmalade along with us to the store, something you generally can’t do at pet shops in a mall. The staff were very welcoming and obviously pet lovers themselves.

Would you recommend Singpet to others?

Absolutely! Why pay retail prices when you can pay wholesale prices?

Any tips for readers who might be looking for pet services in Singapore?

Do your research and always ask for personal referrals where possible. I’ve found that dog lovers are always willing to share their favourite places to take their dogs, as well as tips on looking after their health and wellbeing.

Singpet
18 Sin Ming Lane, #01-16 Midview City
6509 4625 | singpet.com

For more helpful tips head to our living in Singapore section.

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This article first appeared in the November 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!