Work Shadowing 

 22/11/23 - 1/12/23

Animal & Veterinary Service 

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) is a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks). It is the main touch-point on animal and veterinary matters in Singapore and the First Responder for all animal-related feedback

Pre Work Shadowing Thoughts:

I was initially excited and anticapted to venture into animal sector that government is doing. I chose to join under this AVS as I was keen to find out how government manage different types of animals that vary from strays to wildlife.  As such, I was grateful for the opportunity that allowed me to be immerse myself into this field of work. 

Day 1: 22/11/23



The first day started off filled with nervousness. As I did not know anyone from the same programme as me, I was afraid that I could not get along well with any of them. However, I was thankful and relieved that they were very friendly to approach me 


P.S: Here is my first meal with my AVS mates at NUS canteen!

We were taught on responsibe pet ownership. This was an eye opener for me as I got too be engaged from a pet owner point of view. There were many misconceptions and myths that many pet owners are unaware of.  From this lesson, I was able to engage and delve into many pet mistreatment as well as abandoment issues. 


Did you know? Rabbits do not eat carrots as their dietary? Carrots are considered as treats for them and should be regulated when it comes to feeding them. 

My favourite activity of the day: 

It would definitely be animal husbandry. When we were tasked to do animal husbandry, I was a bit confused as I was unsure on how to clean up their area. Thankfully, the support from my AVS mates were by my side to help me out. 

P.S: Look at these adorable animals found in The Animal Classroom ( They were all rescued animals ) 

Day 2: 23/11/23



For the 2nd day, we had to do animal husbandry in the morning as usual. Afterwards, under the guidance by Xin Hui ( NParks staff ), she guided us along on a challenge statement that was needed for presentation on the last day of work shadowing. 

Jodi and I came up on a challenge statement with regards on pets dietary. 

In the afternoon, we had to conduct a learning journey to the animal classroom for students whom are of same level as us ( JC students ). 

During the presentation, I was able to learn more about the animals. One example was that guinea pigs are sociable animals. As such, they should be purchased or adopt as a pair than alone itself. This intrigued me as I previously was unaware about this fact. 

Furthermore, I was grouped with AVS mates who were not from the same JC as me. This helped me to gain more insights and perspectives from the way they view situations. It also further boosts my confidence to share my own thoughts. 


P.S: Look at how Dumpling ( one of the cats from The Animal Classroom ) decided to scratch and ripped my group's paper for presentation!

Day 3: 24/11/23



For day 3, we spent the morning doing animal husbandry as usual. Afterwards, we were given time to work on our paired challenge statements. 

Here's a photo of my AVS mates as we headed for lunch to fill us up for the remaining day that was filled with exciting programmes. 

After lunch, we had Doctor Ian who is a vet under AVS. He shared with us on his experience as well as pathway into a vet school abroad. Through his talk, I was able to gain deeper insights on how stressful being a vet could be. It not just require hard work physically but mentally as wel upon dealing with animals. However, I believed that passion and love for animals would make life as a vet to be worth it. 

Day 4: 27/11/23

For day 4, I did not manage to capture any photos as we were at JEM officie tower where some department under AVS are located. 

In day 4, I was able to get close with members under investigation team. This investigation department often work on cases related to abandonment and mistreatment. This is done so as to protect animal welfare. 

Did you know that to get into this department, no degree related to life sciences is required? I did not know about this until the member shared with us on his progress on becoming an investigator for animals. 

In the second half of the day, it was an eye opener as I got to understand how AVS manages pubic feedback. This further explained on how they manage conflict between members of public and be sensitive in how they react. Also, I was given opportunity to roleplay as a member of public of AVS officer to appropriately deal with complaint from public. 

Day 5: 28/11/23

For Day 5, I did not manage to capture any photos taken unfortunately. 

In Day 5, I was exposed on various job scopes that AVS offer. In AVS, it does not mainly focus in protecting the welfare of animals. I was exposed that vets and SFA carefully monitor sites to decide whether Singapore can continue to import from certain countries. 

Also, there are departments under AVS such as legislations. This department often draft policies and write reports to provide regular updates. 

Day 6: 29/11/23

I was really looking forward to Day 6 as I got to visit The Animal Lodge, whereby many organisations would have pets for adoption here. I was fascinated by the number of volunteers that walk the dogs here early in the morning. 

After the visit to TAL, we walked  over to Animal Quarantine Centre whereby animals that were found by the ivestigation team department would send over here to further monitor. At AQC, I was able to take a glimpse by the number of animals who were confiscated due to certain reasons. Also, they were checked if they had any health condition. I was able to interact with a few number of cats over here. Moreover,  I was taught on how to handle the cats by wrapping them in a 'burrito' form. 

Afterwards, we walked down to SPCA, who is one of the closest partners that AVS works with. I was beyond shocked to see the number of pets that were up for adoption due to health conditions. Admittedly, I felt very attached to the animals upon seeing them in kennels. 

I also realised that to adopt a pet, there were many regulations for adopters to comply with. One example is that these adopters are required to take a video of their homes before adopting a cat. This is to ensure that the windows and doors are gauzed such that the cats do not jump off the building. 

Day 7: 30/11/23

For Day 7, we went on a tour to Animal and Plant Health Centre. I was unable to take photos due to respcted privacy needed. However, I was grateful for the chance to look at wildlife animals. 

These wildlife animals are often caught and they undergo rehabilitation here before ensuring that it is safe to release them into the wild. Also, these wildlife animals are microchipped for traceability. 

I also encountered stray dogs, known as Singapore Specials that undergo rehabilitation here. What amazed me was that I did not know there was a job scope under AVS that worked closely with these stray dogs. I was taught on how to read the dog behaviours properly and not neglect small details such as flat ears. When dogs show flat ears, it often means that they are fearful. 

I was able to experience feeding a stray dog. I was actually fearful of them as i was scared that the dog would attack me. However under the control of dog trainer, 

Day 8: 1/12/23 ( Last day )

The final day had arrived. In the morning, we had to do our usual animal husbandry. My heart started feeling heavy as I realised how I am no longer able to interact with animals in this classroom. 

P.S: Look at Dumpling, my last interaction with this cat!

I was so  emotional as this was my last meal with my AVS mates. For the last meal, we went over to Mr Prata and devoured our meal there. ]

Through the past 8 days, I consistently have my meals with these people. We forged our memories here and I am truly grateful for my unexpected friendship with them 

Afterwards, we did a presentation on our challenge statement in front of everyone, including a director from AVS. 

Here's Jodi and I presenting our slides. It was admittedly a nervewrecking experience as we had to come up with strategies to combat the challenge we came up with. 

We ended the day with a group discussion on how these AVS staff could do to reach students of various ages, and also the main age target group to focus on. 

This is my last group picture of my AVS mates, including the Eunoia JC students. Featuring: Ginger and Dumpling!

Post Work Shadowing Thoughts:

After going through 8 days of work shadowing under AVS, I was grateful fo the vast opportunties I had to be engaged with different sectors under AVS. It had helped me to shift and widen my perspectives under the animal sector that Government is doing their part in. This further expand my knowledge in the signifcance of welfare of animals. Also, I could think of different pathways that I can work in future related to animals, that is not neccesarily a vet. My greatest takeaway would be the memories and the unexpected friendship that was forged out of this programme. 

Here's some other pictures