Water play, picnics and paw-ties: 4 ways to celebrate Pet Wellness Month in October

SINGAPORE – The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) declared October as Pet Wellness Month in 2004, focusing on enhancing the overall health and quality of life of pets to promote longer and healthier lives.

Pet wellness encompasses all aspects of your pet’s health, from ensuring its vaccinations and parasite prevention are up-to-date to scheduling regular dental checks. Its emotional well-being must not be overlooked too, as exercise, mental stimulation and socialisation are just as important.

Here are some ways to spend quality time with your furry companion.

Water play at Wag & Wild

Exercise is essential for keeping your pet physically fit and mentally stimulated. According to the AVMA, most adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, with exercise needs varying based on age, breed and health.

Swimming is a low-impact and all-around activity for dogs, and it also helps keep their body temperature cool. 

Located within Jurong Play Grounds, a 15-minute walk from Jurong East MRT station,

Wag & Wild is a 19,000 sq ft dog water park

where owners can take their dogs for a dip. Described as Singapore’s largest dog water park, it boasts swimming pools, slides and play zones designed for man’s best friend to expend its energy.  

Playtimes are based on 1½-hour time slots. Entry is priced at $34.56 for weekdays and $37.80 for weekends for one dog and two human guests. Pawrents must present proof of vaccination or results of a titer test to show the level of antibodies present in your dog’s bloodstream. 

Go to Wag & Wild’s website (

www.wagnwild.com

) for more information.

Eat, drink and be merry at Chijmes

Since April, Chijmes has become a pet-friendly venue, with 10 pet-friendly restaurants across a wide range of cuisines for pawrents to enjoy a day out with their pets. 

The heritage site in Victoria Street will be hosting two events at its Main Lawn, starting with The Botanist Picnic Pawradise on Oct 18 from 3 to 10pm. 

Spoil your furry friends with special treats while you mix and sip your own Botanist Gin cocktail. End the day with an outdoor screening of family comedy Marley & Me (2008), starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. Prices for admission tickets range from $12 to $88 and are available at

str.sg/p8mz

On Oct 25 and 26, the Main Lawn will be turned into the free-entry Pets Wanderland, an outdoor dog play area. Pamper your pets – dogs, cats and parrots – at the grooming station, then treat them to freshly prepared gourmet delights at the Pets Wander Cafe pop-up. 

More information on Chijmes’ pet-centric October events is available at

chijmes.com.sg/happenings

Reserve a table for your pet at Surrey Hills Grocer

Surrey Hills Grocer’s pet-friendly outlets at One Holland Village (03-29), The Woodleigh Mall (01-52/53) and VivoCity (03-02) launched the Paws at the Table campaign on Oct 8, welcoming pet owners to have a date with their four-legged companions over a meal.

Help your pet choose from a wholesome menu made with nutritious human-grade ingredients, such as Furry Hills’ Beef Bowl ($14++), a hearty mix of beef, egg, beef liver, sweet potato, bell peppers and bok choy.

There is also the Furry Hills Kangaroo Meatballs ($25++), which is a premium option made with lean minced kangaroo meat, red cabbage and broccoli.

For Surrey Hills Grocer Paddock Club members, there is an ongoing promotion, including 50 per cent off one pet meal and a complimentary Pup Cup sweet treat (while stocks last) with every main course ordered.

Go to

str.sg/JTNLa

to make a reservation.

Pilates and paw-ties at Pop Pop Pets

Multi-label pet concept store Pop Pop Pets at New Bahru (03-09) is also a community playground that holds pet socialising events, such as the Paws & Pilates lessons, conducted by pilates studio Off Duty Pilates.

The inaugural pet-and-owner bonding session, where pawrents and their pets can roll and stretch on a mat, was launched in August.

While the second edition on Oct 18 is fully booked, interested pawrents can e-mail Off Duty Pilates at

hello@offdutypilates.com

to join the wait list. A 1½-hour session is priced at $38.

Pop Pop Pets will host a Howl-o-ween Pawty on Oct 25 at 7.30pm, where your pets can show off their Halloween costumes and take part in tricks for treats games. 

Each ticket, priced at $30, admits up to two people and a dog. Each pooch will get a pupcake and a goodie bag. Register your spot at

str.sg/LC8w