Auto pet washer at Holland Drive sparks safety concerns, NParks suspends use

SINGAPORE: A 24-hour automated pet wash service at Holland Drive has raised concerns among animal welfare groups and members of the public, prompting the National Parks Board (NParks) to suspend its operation pending a safety review. The outlet, operated by Just4Pets, a local pet grooming salon chain, opened on 12 July. To use the machine, pet owners select their dog’s size and secure the animal to leashes inside the wash chamber. Once the door and gate are shut, the wash cycle begins automatically. The process includes two rounds of rinsing and shampooing, one round of conditioning, and a final rinse followed by a blow-dry. The cycle lasts 45, 55, and 65 minutes for small, medium, and large dogs respectively. Prices range from S$30 to S$50 depending on the dog’s size. An emergency stop button is included, allowing owners to halt the process if necessary. According to a demonstration video on Just4Pets’ Instagram page, the machine is designed to be user-friendly and safe. In one clip, a woman enters the unit to demonstrate its features. The company stated that “every part of the wash was carefully examined to ensure it’s not just safe, but also calming and stress-free.”

Public Backlash and Criticism

Despite the company's assurances, the service was met with scepticism and criticism online. Netizens questioned whether dogs would feel safe in such a confined and noisy environment, with many expressing concern over the potential stress it could cause. Some also criticised pet owners for relying on such services, suggesting that those unwilling to bathe their pets themselves should reconsider having one.

Company Defends the Service

In response, Belinda Goh, director of Just4Pets AutoWash, said the service was introduced to meet growing demand for more flexible grooming options. “We regularly receive feedback from pawrents that it is difficult to secure a grooming appointment, especially on short notice, after working hours and weekends,” she said. Goh added that the auto wash system was also intended to assist elderly pet owners who may find bathing their dogs physically challenging. She said the system was developed in collaboration with a company that has over four years of experience in automated pet wash technology. “Hundreds of trials and extensive testing” were conducted to ensure the machine is “robustly safe, highly user-friendly, and perfectly dog-appropriate.” Safety features include a smooth-surfaced wash chamber with no moving parts, and water temperature, air pressure, and noise levels regulated within pet-friendly ranges. Staff are also present from 10am to 9pm daily to assist first-time users. Since its launch, an average of five dogs have used the machine each day.

SPCA Flags Potential Animal Welfare Risks

In response to media queries, Walter Leong, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), cautioned that while such automated systems may offer convenience, they might not be in the best interests of pets. “Unlike a human groomer who can adjust their actions based on the pet’s reactions, the washer is unable to perform similar monitoring functions,” Leong said. He warned of potential risks, including shampoo or water entering a pet’s eyes or nose, strangulation from slipping while leashed, and anxiety from being confined in a small space. Leong also pointed out that while the machine includes an emergency stop button, its effectiveness relies on the vigilance of the owner, who may not always have a clear view of the animal inside. “Like any electronic device, the stop button is also liable to technical failure, which may endanger the pet’s life if the malfunction occurs at the time of use,” he added. The SPCA strongly advised pet owners to entrust their animals to reputable groomers and to enquire about grooming procedures to ensure their pets’ welfare.

NParks Suspends Machine Use

Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at NParks, said the agency had received public feedback about the service and is looking into the matter. This is the first time they have received such feedback, The Straits Times reported. “The Animal and Veterinary Service is concerned that the machine poses some safety and welfare concerns to animals.” NParks has since instructed Just4Pets to cease use of the machine from 18 July while the agency conducts its safety assessment.