NParks told pet auto washer service to stop using machine amidst safety evaluation on 18 July
Recently, MS News reported on a pet auto washer service in Holland Drive, where a machine instead of a human groomer washed and dried pet dogs.
The service caught flak online from pet owners, who criticised the machine, citing potential safety concerns.
Ms Jessica Kwok, Group Director for Enforcement & Investigation in the National Parks Board (NParks) told MS News that NParks has received feedback on the auto washer situation.
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) raised concerns that the machine poses some safety and welfare concerns to animals.
Source: just4pets_autowash on Instagram
“We have informed the operator to cease using the machine as of 18 July 2025 while we evaluate the product and the safety of using it on animals,” NParks told MS News.
Auto washer sparks outrage among pet owners online
Just4Pets AutoWash, which began operating on 12 July, advertised itself as having Singapore’s first all-in-one pet washer, conditioner, and dryer.
Pet owners would leash their dog inside a washer compartment and close the door.
Source: just4pets_autowash on Instagram
The machine would then begin a wash cycle, drying the dog at the end.
Horrified netizens questioned the machine’s effects on the dog, from both a safety and stress standpoint.
Source: Instagram
An anonymous professional pet groomer also questioned if it was “humane” and gave extra stress to pets. She further raised concerns over potential mechanical malfunctions.
Just4Pets alleges hundreds of safety trials
In a previous response to MS News, Just4Pets claimed the auto washer had “multiple layers of safety measures”.
They purported that everything is precisely regulated to ensure a comfortable and safe experience, with “hundreds of trials” to ensure pet safety.
Source: Just4Pets AutoWash on Google Maps
“We are confident that as the public becomes more familiar with the Autowash system, the careful thought, design integrity, and animal welfare considerations behind it will become increasingly evident.”
They invited members of the public to visit and observe the process for themselves.
“This is not a replacement for traditional grooming,” they clarified.
SPCA gave warning to pet owners over using auto washer
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has also warned others about the auto washer.
“The SPCA urges pet owners to exercise utmost caution in deciding to use auto pet wash services,” said Mr Walter Leong, Executive Director of the SPCA.
He highlighted potential issues such as the unfamiliar sights and sounds of washing in an enclosed space causing stress in pets.
Source: just4pets_autowash on Instagram
Mr Leong also mentioned that the emergency stop button on the machine relied entirely on the owner’s vigilance and the lack of malfunctions.
“The SPCA strongly recommends entrusting a pet’s care to reliable pet groomers,” he said, noting that human groomers could adjust based on a pet’s reaction.
Also read: New pet auto washer service springs up in Holland Drive, draws safety concerns from netizens
New pet auto washer service springs up in Holland Drive, draws safety concerns from netizens
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Featured image adapted from Just4Pets AutoWash on Google Maps and Instagram.
