However, Dr Siew Tuck Wah, president of animal welfare group Save Our Street Dogs, pointed out that there are 57,000 registered dogs in Singapore, where most people live in high-rise buildings with little room for dogs to manoeuvre.
“The 15 pet eateries in Singapore are unlikely to be a sufficient number to meet the demand,” he said.
Ms Loh Weilin, co-owner of The Group Therapy, a cafe that does not allow pets, said the NEA’s guidelines for pet eateries are too restrictive. Having two separate preparation and storage areas means less space available for seating, she said.