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Published March 6, 2025 9:23pm
Pet owners and fur parents of cats and dogs in QUezon City are encouraged to take advantage of the free veterinary services offered by the city's veterinary department as part of its Rabies Awareness Month campaign.
In Emil Sumangil’s report on 24 Oras, this year’s campaign, “Rabies-Free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino” (“Rabies-Free Cats and Dogs, Safety of Filipino Families”), aims to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent the spread of rabies.
As part of its services, Quezon City is providing free anti-rabies vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, veterinary consultations, spay and neuter procedures, seminars on responsible pet ownership, and opportunities for pet adoption.
With a significant increase in the number of pet cats— rising by over 60% in the past five years— the city recognizes the need to control the pet population.
Dr. Rey C. Del Napoles of the Animal Care and Disease Control Division emphasized the importance of sustained vaccination efforts.
“Kailangan po nating i-control ang overpopulation para taon-taon masustain natin yung kakayanan nating mabakunahan ang bawat aso.”
(We need to control overpopulation so that every year, we can sustain our ability to vaccinate every dog.)
The QC Veterinary Dept. also highlighted progress in the country’s rabies control efforts. The Philippines was previously ranked fourth worldwide in rabies prevalence among dogs and cats but has recently improved to sixth place. Authorities hope the country will drop out of the top 10 within a few years.
“Sana by 2030 magawan na po natin ng paraan na dapat wala na pong mamamatay na tao dahil sa kagat ng aso na may rabies,” Napoles said.
(Hopefully, by 2030, we can find a way to ensure that no one dies from dog bites caused by rabies.
Also, a key aspect of the initiative is educating pet owners on responsible pet care. Dr. Napoles pointed out that many still view dogs merely as guards rather than companions or members of one's family.
“May 30% ng mga pet owners base sa mga survey na ginawa natin na ang tingin nila sa mga aso, bantay lang, hindi nila binibigyan ng pahahalaga.”
(Based on surveys we conducted, 30% of pet owners consider dogs only as guards and do not give them proper care.)
Part of the campaign is the free microchip implanting for pets that would serve as their permanent identification and locator in case they become separated from their homes.
With continued efforts in education, vaccination, and pet population control, Quezon City hopes to create a safer, rabies-free environment for both pets and people.
Pet owners are encouraged to visit their nearest veterinary clinic or barangay center to avail of these free services.
The QC Veterinary Dept. also stressed that rabies is 100% preventable, and it is best to vaccinate pets as early as three months old and to re-vaccinate annually.
Free anti-rabies vaccination are also available with the following options:
- City Vet Clinic at QC Hall City Health Bldg, Makatarungan Street, hotline: 0947-366-5711
- Barangay schedules: https://tinyurl.com/animalcareweeklyschedule
- District Action Offices, Veterinary Services (1, 4, 5 & 6)
- QC Adoption Center, at Lupang Pangako Clemente St Payatas QC
— Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
