More assistance dogs allowed in Singapore eateries from Nov 1

SINGAPORE – Individuals with physical or hearing impairments will soon also be able to bring their assistance dogs into eateries, under updated regulations that expand permissions beyond guide dogs for the visually impaired.

From Nov 1, these trained canines will be allowed to accompany their handlers into licensed retail food businesses, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and SG Enable, Singapore’s focal agency for disability and inclusion.

In a Sept 28 circular announcing the updated rules, they said the animals would be allowed in the dining or refreshment areas, as well as the toilets, at such establishments.

Under previous regulations, entry to these establishments was limited to guide dogs assisting individuals with visual impairments.

Operators need not apply for a separate licence to allow assistance dogs into their premises, as the animals are officially recognised as working animals, rather than pets.

SFA, MSF and SG Enable said: “Operators of retail food businesses are encouraged to allow people with disabilities and their assistance dogs into (their eateries) to foster a more inclusive dining environment for all.”

Under the expanded regulations, assistance dogs in retail food establishments are required to be:

kept under control, and

restrained from straying or causing annoyance or nuisance, or from damaging any property.

The animals should also not be fed within the premises, except in pet cafes.

Assistance dogs are specially selected and trained to help persons with various disabilities live more independently.

They can be identified in Singapore by a harness, vest or other equipment worn on their bodies that may display the words “Service Dog” or “Working Dog”.

Greater independence, dignity for handlers

The updated rules are part of the Government’s efforts to ensure that Singapore’s physical and social environments are accessible and inclusive for everyone.

The initiative also aligns with the Enabling Masterplan 2030, which aims to support people with disabilities in living independently.

Singapore has been expanding public access for assistance dogs across public housing, public transport and eateries in recent years.

In June 2024, then Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua said assistance dogs that were matched by charity organisation K9Assistance to people with disabilities were allowed to live in their handlers’ flats.

Trained guide dogs accompanying visually impaired commuters are also allowed on MRT trains and buses.

Cassandra Chiu, the 47-year-old co-founder and executive director of K9Assistance, told The Straits Times that the new provision will make daily life less stressful for persons with disabilities.

“The practical benefit is not just being allowed through the door. It is reducing the need for a person with a disability to repeatedly explain what their assistance dog does, negotiate access or worry about being turned away.

“The real measure of progress is whether a person with a disability can enter a food establishment with their assistance dog and be welcomed with clarity, dignity and confidence.”

K9Assistance, founded in 2020, promotes the use and public acceptance of assistance dogs.

Chiu noted that there may be some initial uncertainty among food and beverage operators and the public over the new regulations, particularly around hygiene, food safety and the distinction between assistance dogs and pets.

“The important thing is that businesses understand what an assistance dog is, what the updated provisions allow, and what is expected of both the business and the assistance dog handler,” she said.

“Clear and consistent information will help reduce unnecessary confrontation at the point of entry and give both operators and persons with disabilities greater confidence.”

This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.

新加坡——根据更新后的法规，肢体或听力障碍人士很快也将能够携带他们的辅助犬进入餐馆，该法规扩大了许可范围，不再仅限于视障人士的导盲犬。

新加坡食品局 (SFA)、社会及家庭发展部 (MSF) 和新加坡残疾人及包容事务中心机构 SG Enable 表示，从 11 月 1 日起，这些训练有素的犬只将被允许陪同其训导员进入持牌零售食品企业。

在 9 月 28 日发布的一份通告中，他们宣布了更新后的规则，称动物将被允许进入此类场所的餐饮区、茶点区以及厕所。

根据之前的规定，只有导盲犬才能进入这些场所，导盲犬是为帮助视力障碍人士而携带的。

经营者无需申请单独的许可证即可允许辅助犬进入其场所，因为这些动物被正式认定为工作动物，而不是宠物。

新加坡食品局 (SFA)、社会及家庭发展部 (MSF) 和新加坡无障碍组织 (SG Enable) 表示：“我们鼓励零售食品企业的经营者允许残疾人士及其辅助犬进入（他们的餐馆），以营造一个更具包容性的用餐环境。”

根据修订后的规定，零售食品场所的辅助犬必须符合以下条件：

保持在控制之下，并且

不得游荡、造成烦扰或妨害，或损坏任何财产。

除了宠物咖啡馆外，不应在场所内喂食动物。

辅助犬经过专门挑选和训练，旨在帮助各种残疾人士更独立地生活。

在新加坡，可以通过佩戴在身上的背带、背心或其他装备来识别它们，这些装备上可能会显示“服务犬”或“工作犬”的字样。

训练员拥有更大的独立性和尊严

更新后的规则是政府为确保新加坡的物理和社会环境对所有人无障碍且包容而采取的措施之一。

该举措也与《2030 年赋能总体规划》相一致，该规划旨在支持残疾人独立生活。

近年来，新加坡一直在扩大辅助犬在公共住房、公共交通和餐饮场所的准入范围。

2024 年 6 月，时任文化、社区及青年部高级政务次长蔡志强表示，由慈善组织 K9Assistance 为残疾人士配对的辅助犬可以住在其主人的公寓里。

训练有素的导盲犬可以陪同视障乘客乘坐地铁和巴士。

K9Assistance 的联合创始人兼执行董事 Cassandra Chiu（47 岁）告诉《海峡时报》，这项新规定将减轻残疾人士的日常生活压力。

“实际的好处不仅仅是被允许进入。它减少了残疾人反复解释他们的辅助犬的功能、协商进入权限或担心被拒之门外的需要。”

“衡量进步的真正标准是，残疾人士能否带着辅助犬进入餐饮场所，并受到清晰、有尊严和充满信心的欢迎。”

K9Assistance成立于2020年，致力于推广辅助犬的使用和公众接受度。

邱指出，餐饮经营者和公众可能对新规存在一些初步的不确定性，尤其是在卫生、食品安全以及辅助犬和宠物之间的区别方面。

“重要的是，企业要了解什么是辅助犬，更新后的规定允许什么，以及对企业和辅助犬训练员的期望是什么，”她说。

“清晰一致的信息将有助于减少入境点的不必要冲突，并增强运营人员和残疾人士的信心。”

本文最初发表于《海峡时报》。转载需获得许可。