3,500 Makati pet dogs and cats get vaccinated

MANILA, Philippines - Around 3,554 pet dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies in Makati during the kick-off activity last March 8 for the citywide observance of the Rabies Awareness Month, in which the Makati Veterinary Services Office (MVSO) conducted simultaneous free rabies vaccination drives in the city's 11 barangays.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay expressed his satisfaction over the remarkable turnout of pet owners who volunteered to have their pets immunized against the deadly disease.

"I am very happy that many of our constituents responded to the drive, and I hope that many more responsible pet owners will follow suit in the other barangays. Congratulations to our city veterinary office for having done a great job in keeping our city rabies-free," Binay said.

Based on the report of MVSO chief Dr. Vivien Manalastas, a total of 3,554 dogs and cats were given free anti-rabies vaccination in the 11 barangays that participated in the kick-off event. Barangay West Rembo posted the highest number, 510, followed by Bangkal, 495; Olympia, 469; Comembo, 406; Rizal, 302; Pembo, 290; Tejeros, 278; Singkamas, 238; La Paz, 220; East Rembo, 209; and Pio del Pilar, 137.

Dr. Manalastas also attributed the success of the drive to the invaluable support of veterinarians from various organizations, such as the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, Military Veterinary Army Corps, and the De La Salle Araneta University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Sciences.

"The MVSO will continue its intensified drive for free anti-rabies vaccination and registration programs for the entire month of March as part of the Rabies Awareness Month. We have also extended it until May in support of the Bureau of Animal Industry's campaign toward a Rabies-free Philippines by 2015," she said.

Dr. Manalastas said pet owners can bring pets for registration and free vaccination on scheduled dates at the following barangays: March 19, San Isidro; March 20, Pinagkaisahan; March 21, Kasilawan; March 25-26, Guadalupe Nuevo and March 27-28, Guadalupe Viejo.

For April and May, pet registration and free vaccination will be conducted on scheduled dates at the following barangays: April 1, Palanan; April 2, Poblacion; April 3, San Antonio; April 4, Pio del Pilar; April 8, Bangkal;April 10, Cembo; April 11, Pitogo; April 22, South Cembo; April 23-24, West Rembo; April 29-30 and May 2, Pembo; May 6-8, Rizal; May 13-15, East Rembo; and May 20-22, South Side.

Meanwhile, MVSO conducted "Spay Day 2014" last February 25 in barangay Cembo wherein 18 male dogs; 26 male and 35 female cats were spayed.

A responsible pet ownership seminar/campaign was also conducted which was attended by 27 participants.

These activities are being done yearly by the city to control, if not totally eradicate rabies, and to promote animal welfare through responsible pet ownership campaign programs, such as dog population control through spaying/neutering.