The first animal psychiatrist in Singapore

"Animals share the same emotions as humans, but their perception of the world and their motivations are so different. I find that fascinating and humbling at the same time."

- Chelsia Tan

NAME Dr Daphne Ang HIGHEST EDUCATION Bachelor of Pharmacy; Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons); Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Veterinary Behaviour); Clinical resident, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists JOB TITLE & INDUSTRY Veterinarian YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE 15

Have you ever spent hours on Google trying to decipher your pet’s sudden change in behaviour? Or even wondered what it is thinking? If this sounds familiar, you are not alone: In her 15 years as a veterinarian in Singapore, Dr Daphne Ang has encountered many clients who would often bring up their pets’ behavioural quirks.

“I’ve had situations where my clients would ask me, ‘How do I know if my pet is happy? ‘Why is my cat biting my ankles?’ or ‘Why is my dog humping my guests when he is sterilised?’” says the 47-year-old mother of three. “It seemed like there was always a behavioural or psychosomatic aspect to every consultation. Some of it is connected to medical problems and serves as an indicator of underlying issues. But often, especially as a young vet then, I’d find myself stumped.”

It’s one of the many reasons that propelled Dr Ang, who is currently based in the US, to pursue a speciality in animal psychiatry. When she completes her residency with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2025 and passes the board exam for Clinical Behavioral Medicine, she will be the first certified animal psychiatrist in Singapore.