Ethics & Independence
Last updated: May 2026
Editorial independence is non-negotiable at The Fetch. Commercial relationships — present or future — do not influence what we cover, how we cover it, or what conclusions we reach. This page sets out the standards we hold ourselves to.
Current state
As of the date of this page, The Fetch does not run advertising, accept sponsored content, take payment for editorial coverage, or participate in affiliate programmes. The publication is self-funded.
This may change in the future. When it does, we will update this page and disclose every material commercial relationship openly. The standards below apply prospectively to any future commercial activity.
Gifts and review samples
The Fetch does not solicit gifts, products, or services from companies covered in our editorial work. Unsolicited gifts are declined or, where return is impractical, donated to animal welfare organisations.
Review samples — physical products that we test as part of editorial coverage — may be accepted in future, on the condition that acceptance does not commit us to favourable coverage, that the source is disclosed in the article, and that the article still meets our editorial sourcing standard.
Editorial independence from commercial relationships
Where any commercial relationship exists — present or future — the following applies without exception:
Commercial partners do not select editorial topics. They do not preview, edit, approve, or veto editorial content. They do not influence the conclusions an article reaches. Editorial decisions remain with the editor.
Where a commercial partner is the subject of editorial coverage, the commercial relationship is disclosed within the article itself, not only at the site level. Readers should be able to see at the moment of reading that a commercial relationship exists.
The Vet Directory
The Fetch maintains a directory of veterinary clinics and practitioners. Inclusion in the directory is not paid. Clinics are added based on editorial research into Singapore’s veterinary landscape, not in exchange for payment.
Clinics may claim and update their own listings in future, but the listing itself remains a free editorial feature, not a paid placement.
Conflicts of interest
Personal or financial conflicts of interest held by the editor or any contributor are disclosed when relevant to coverage. If the editor has a personal connection to a person, clinic, or business that becomes the subject of editorial coverage, that connection is disclosed in the article.
Reader trust
Pet owners rely on us for information that affects their animals’ health. That trust is the most valuable thing The Fetch has. No advertising deal, sponsorship, or commercial partnership is worth compromising it. If we ever fall short of the standards on this page, please let us know.
Contact
To raise an ethics concern about specific coverage, or to ask about a commercial relationship, contact us.