Leases for 8 out of 35 tenants at The Animal Lodge will not be renewed after failing tender requirements: AVS

Mr Teo, who said he had been in the industry for about 15 years, also questioned how his tender proposal had been assessed.

He said his premises already had measures aimed at improving the animals’ welfare, including air-conditioning, and that his workers walked the dogs. 

However, he said he had not included all of these existing practices in his written proposal because he regarded some of them as basic aspects of animal care.

He said he had sought clarification from the authorities on why his bid was unsuccessful but felt he had not received a sufficiently specific explanation.

Mr Teo maintained that his premises were well-kept and said he had complied with existing AVS licensing requirements, including requirements relating to vaccination, microchipping and veterinary care.

Rayru Kennel owner Raymond Toh also felt that the decision for his business to move out in three months was unreasonable.

“My dogs are fine, there is no issue with them, but they suddenly told me I don’t get the lease extension because my proposal is not good,” Mr Toh said in Mandarin.

The owner of Tara Pet Care, the lone pet boarding operator that failed in its tender, expressed anger at the way things unfolded.

Ms Esther Wong said she had been operating at The Animal Lodge since it opened and had attended consultations ahead of the tender exercise.

The operator said she runs her business alone and deliberately keeps the number of long-term boarding dogs low. She also takes in abandoned animals, which she will have to rehome when the deadline comes. 

Ms Wong also said she had spent a few thousand dollars improving her premises in recent months, including installing additional fans to improve ventilation and replacing ageing doors. 

The operator said she was upset because the improvements were made before she knew whether her tenancy would be renewed.