There's something to celebrate for pet parents this new year. Singapore has made it easier for restaurants to welcome pets at their outdoor dining areas. Albeit al fresco, this is a first step in the right direction - and we will absolutely take it.
Prior to this, all retail food businesses must convert their licence to a pet cafe licence to allow customers to dine-in with their pets.
On 2 December 2024, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced that starting 1 January 2025, private food establishments will no longer be required to seek approval to allow pets at their outdoor dining areas, as long as they are not serving pet food. Definitely a win if you ask me!
What does this mean for pet parents?
We are all thinking this - it really has been about time.
Clingy pups get to have a breather - with you
While pandemic babies are a thing, we can’t forget about the dogs that we have welcomed home during the height of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Think clingy, anxious pups and sufferers of separation anxiety that may benefit from the new regulations.
While training and conditioning are crucial, any handler of an anxious dog would know that separation anxiety is not simply ‘just a phase’ and neither would they ‘grow out of it’, in a finger snap.
As the owner of an anxious 6kg Maltipoo that can’t be left alone at home, if I could keep her in my jeans pocket all the time and bring her with me everywhere I go like a Polly Pocket, I would!
In fact, research has suggested that at least 8 out of 10 dogs find it difficult to cope when they are left alone, even when they are not displaying obvious signs or symptoms.
Ever wondered why your pup might be chewing or bulldozing items around your house or chasing down rolls of toilet paper while you’re away? More than just being playful and ‘naughty’, destructive behaviour may sometimes signal separation anxiety or lack of mental and physical stimulation.
So, with the introduction of the new rule, you can now bring your favourite kids (nobody’s telling!) with you for a nice day out and to spend more quality time together.
More places to dine with your pets
Up to end 2024, there were only about 120 food businesses that held the pet licence required for us to dine al fresco with our fur friends. With this change, some 40 new food establishments are expected to open up their space to our pets annually.
Providing mental stimulation for your pups
Rather than keeping your pets cooped up at home alone while you run your errands, why not bring them along with you this time? The more adventures lined up for them, the more pee-mail to check and the more soundly they would sleep!
For pets that are often bored with nothing to do at home, going out more often, especially with you, can promote a more active mind and overall better physiological health.
Step in the right direction
While we still have a long way to go in terms of being a proper dog-friendly country like Europe, America or even South Korea, it is heartening to know that our little red dot has recognised the increasing demand for such measures.
Though we may never achieve totally leash-free-beaches, dog-in-public-transport level of freedom in Singapore due to our mix of cultures, it is obvious that our society is becoming more receptive and tolerant of our loveable 4-legged friends and their silly (but adorable) antics.
How do we identify pet-friendly establishments?
General guidelines
According to SFA, pet-friendly spaces or outdoor refreshment areas refer to food premises that are not enclosed (even under the presence of a shelter), and must also be accessible without having to go through the main restaurant floor.
Look out for the signs
Literally. Food establishments that are ready to welcome you and your pets are required to put up adequate pet-friendly signages, so nobody’s confused.
Verify with a call
Do you want to check out a new al fresco place with your pup but don’t live in the vicinity to suss it out beforehand? It would be wise to give them a call and even wiser to get a reservation!
Prohibited areas
Hawker centres and coffee shops (aka kopitiams) are still shared communal spaces, as compared to F&B establishments privately managed by business owners. Hence, it is crucial to keep in mind that pets are still not allowed within these spaces, even outdoors.
Pets are also understandably prohibited at halal-certified establishments.
Vanillapup pet-friendly restaurants list
You may find our long list of pet-friendly restaurants (non-exhaustive) helpful. It is updated frequently.
How can you make it a pleasant experience for everyone?
Respect goes both ways. Like a relentless crying child and their nonchalant parent that could disrupt everyone else’s otherwise peaceful dinner, a dog that is constantly lunging or barking at others might cause inconvenience to patrons as well. To keep your experience stress-free and pleasant for all parties, here are some things you can take into consideration before heading down.
Do not visit with reactive or fearful pets
Some pets are just not ready for potentially high-stress situations. You know your dog best. If they are unable to relax in a shared space with other dogs or people, do not bring them along until they are ready.
Bring along a stroller / pram
If your pet is comfortable in a stroller, bringing their ‘safe space’ along may be a good idea. Not only do they get their own private space, they are also higher up and nearer to you. Plus, there's no chance for them to pick up scraps on the ground.
Tip: line the stroller with a cooling mat and/or pee pad especially if you’re planning to be outside for more than an hour to keep them cool in the sun.
Keep your pup busy
For pets that prefer not to people-watch, keep them entertained by bringing along some enrichment toys. Small snuffle mats, nosework items, lick mats, frozen treats, and puzzle toys can keep their minds occupied and busy while you chat away at brunch. You will be able to find something in our toy collection.
Other travel-friendly options include chews and bones; just be sure to watch them and check for any smaller pieces that may break away and cause potential hazards or choking.
As always, prepare plenty of water for your pets to cool off and hydrate.
Keep your pets close by
Keep a watchful eye on your dog at all times and ensure that they are leashed. It would be respectful to not let your dog near other diners's space unless they explicitly say they don't mind.
If you prefer to sit your pets on your lap or the food establishment’s chairs, do first check with the staff on whether it is possible to do so. After all, every establishment has their own policy and comfort level.
Clean up after your pets
Needless to say, cleaning up after your pets in the event that they do make an accident within the premises of the restaurant’s outdoor area is a given.
If possible, try to allow your pets some time before your reservation to relieve themselves if necessary, away from the food establishment so you don’t have to go ‘want to go potty?’ every 5 minutes. This saves yourself some hassle too!
Prove concerned citizens wrong
With each implementation comes two schools of thoughts. One that can see its potential, and one that is against. Of the many comments I’ve come across since the release of the news, the most common ones were “but I’m allergic!”, “it’s unsanitary!” and “flying fur everywhere!”.
While they are able to opt for indoor seats instead, we must understand that food establishments might be too full to accommodate their requests at times. Though we cannot control the shedding of our pets, we can at least keep our pets' behaviour in check.
Final Thoughts
This change is such amazing news and it gives us hope that Singapore would get pet-friendlier with time. It takes everyone's cooperation to ease into new changes. So, let's all do our part!
Written by Georgia Lam
Georgia is a freelance writer and multi-hyphenate that specialises in beauty, lifestyle, and pets for local magazines. She also has an apricot Maltipoo that serves up an attitude with the personality of a feline, but we love her and her stinky paws all the same.
