SINGAPORE – World Veterinary Day is celebrated on April 26, recognising the invaluable contributions and essential work of veterinarians and other animal healthcare professionals.

According to a report by data analytics company Euromonitor International, Singapore’s pet dog population was around 114,000 in 2023, up by almost 3 per cent from 2019. The pet cat population hovers around 94,000 in 2024, a jump of almost 10 per cent from 2019.

A 2023 report from the Singapore Veterinary Association (SVA) stated that there were 474 licensed veterinarians, with a significant proportion currently not working full-time.

The attrition rate remains high due to burnout because of long working hours, short break times, compassion fatigue, psychological and emotional stress and increasing pet owner expectations. 

The vets who spoke with The Straits Times stressed that resilience is an important trait in their profession.

“It takes a certain personality to be able to do this day in, day out, and this job does not get easier with time,” says Dr Rina Maguire, a veterinary specialist in exotic companion mammals and exotic pet medicine. The 44-year-old is a co-founder of Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital in Alexandra Road and has been a vet for almost 20 years.

Dr Sandhya Nair, 38, of clinic Oasis Vet, echoes the sentiments. “You don’t always get positive outcomes from treatments and unfortunate things do happen.”

Adds the vet of 15 years: “Having resilience really does help with your mental health.”

Despite the challenges, their love for furry and feathered companions keeps these practitioners soldiering on. Ahead of World Veterinary Day, ST meets Singapore’s unsung heroes of pet care.

The vet who is the only exotic companion mammal specialist in Singapore

Growing up, Dr Rina Maguire had always been surrounded by birds. 

Her grandmother and uncles kept singing birds, and she finally got her own cockatoo after completing her O levels. 

“My father promised I could get one if I did well for the exams,” recounts the 44...