Risks and Rules

Respecting Animals, Protecting Participants

At Animal Partners Singapore, the animals are an important part of our team. We recognise that each animal has individual needs, preferences and limits. Their welfare, comfort and willingness to participate are considered alongside the safety and wellbeing of everyone attending our programmes.

Animals can respond unpredictably, even with appropriate health screening, handling and risk-management measures. We take reasonable precautions to reduce foreseeable risks, prepare suitable environments and minimise stressors, but animal interactions cannot be made entirely risk-free. Click here to find out more about our Animal Welfare & AAS Standards.

Please review the possible risks and participation rules below before attending an animal-assisted service. This guidance is non-exhaustive; facilitators and handlers may provide additional instructions based on the species, venue and participants.

Possible Risks Participation Rules

Possible Risks

Please inform the organising contact before the session if you have an allergy, medical concern or other consideration that could affect your participation.

1. Allergies and Sensitivities

Animals, their dander, saliva, bedding or food (such as hay and grass) may trigger allergic reactions. Inform the organiser in advance if you or another participant has a relevant allergy. Animal Partners Singapore does not supply or administer allergy medication during sessions.

2. Scratches and Bites

Animals have natural defensive behaviours. Although handlers take precautions, scratches, bites or other minor injuries may occur, particularly if an animal is startled, restrained or uncomfortable. Follow handling instructions and report any injury immediately.

3. Natural Animal Behaviours

For their welfare and dignity, our animals are not declawed. Claws are maintained as appropriate to the species, but accidental scratches can still happen, including during play or movement. This is particularly relevant when interacting with cats.

4. Infection and Hygiene

Animals may carry microorganisms that can be transmitted to people, even when they appear healthy. Our animals undergo veterinary health screening and preventive care, but infection risk cannot be eliminated. Hand hygiene, appropriate cleaning and safe handling help reduce this risk.

Health considerations: Participants who are immunocompromised, have open wounds, are undergoing medical treatment or have other relevant health concerns should inform the organiser before attending. Additional precautions or an alternative activity may be appropriate. If unsure, seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Participation Rules

These rules protect both participants and animals. Please follow the instructions of our educators, facilitators and animal handlers throughout the session.

Animal Choice and Welfare

  1. Participation is voluntary for the animal. An animal may choose not to interact or may withdraw from an activity at any time. We will not force an animal to participate.
  2. Respect resting spaces. Animals will have a designated quiet area, enclosure or rest space. Do not enter, reach into or disturb an animal in that area.
  3. Respond to signs of discomfort. If an animal shows distress, fear, irritation or other signs that an interaction should stop, the handler will remove or pause the animal's participation. Do not approach or touch the animal until the handler says it is appropriate.
  4. Gentle handling only. Never hit, chase, restrain, pull tails or other body parts, or otherwise handle animals in a way that may cause discomfort. Animal Partners Singapore may stop an interaction or remove a participant if animal welfare is compromised.

Supervision and Interactions

  1. Follow the handler's directions. Interact with animals only when invited and under supervision. Animals may be carried only by the educator or handler unless the programme specifically permits otherwise.
  2. Keep the environment calm. Speak softly and avoid running, shouting, sudden movements or crowding around animals.
  3. Do not feed animals without approval. Treats, food and other items may only be offered when explicitly authorised by the handler.
  4. Ask before taking photographs. Photography must not disturb the animals or other participants. Follow the organiser's photography and consent arrangements; avoid flash where it may startle an animal.

Hygiene and Participant Safety

  1. Practise hand hygiene. Clean your hands before and after animal contact, and after touching enclosures, bedding or animal equipment. Do not eat or drink in the animal interaction area.
  2. Disclose relevant health concerns. Notify the organising contact in advance about allergies, significant animal-related fears or health conditions that may require adjustments.
  3. Report incidents promptly. Inform the handler or facilitator immediately about scratches, bites, allergic symptoms, animal waste incidents or other safety concerns so appropriate action can be taken.
  4. No smoking near animals. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in or near animal interaction and resting areas.

Caregivers and Programme Arrangements

  1. Young children. Caregivers of children below 10 years old may remain on the premises during their child's session, subject to venue and programme arrangements.
  2. Animal suitability comes first. If an animal is unwell, stressed or otherwise unable to participate, Animal Partners Singapore may substitute an animal, adapt an activity or cancel the animal interaction at short notice.
  3. Additional instructions may apply. Species-specific requirements and venue rules will be explained by the programme team where relevant.
Questions before attending? Please contact the organisation coordinating your session or email hello@animalpartners.sg. These guidelines describe foreseeable risks and reasonable precautions, but they do not replace any programme-specific consent forms or applicable legal requirements.