In Singapore, the growing trend of pet ownership has led to increased demand for veterinary care, particularly around-the-clock emergency services. The article highlights the experience at the Animal Wellness Referral Centre (AWRC), where a veterinary acupuncturist treats a 17-year-old dog suffering from a stroke. Pet owners like Carol Ang emphasize the emotional value of their pets, viewing them as family members rather than mere animals. Despite the rise in pet ownership, licensed dogs increasing from 59,000 in 2011 to 91,000 by early 2025 and licensed cats reaching 41,000 by August 2025, the availability of 24-hour veterinary care remains limited. Only four veterinary centers in Singapore currently provide continuous on-site care, while others rely on partial after-hours coverage or on-call services. This shortage has resulted in higher costs for pet owners and increased pressure on existing veterinary facilities.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses the growth of pet ownership in Singapore and the challenges faced by veterinary services in meeting this demand. It presents factual information about the increase in pet numbers, the current state of veterinary infrastructure, and quotes from professionals in the field. There

