CEBU, Philippines - Adopting a pet may not be everyone's priority, but just because having a pet is not perceived to be as imperative as - say, getting a brand new smartphone once every three months - doesn't mean that those with a penchant for pets are not in the position to do so.
But wait. Where can one with a soft spot for fury buddies adopt a pet in this Queen City of the South?
If you're asking yourself this question, chances are you still have yet to hear of the Cebu City Pound.
The Cebu City Pound
Set towards helping homeless and surrendered pets find new homes where they will be treated as solid members of a household, the Cebu City Pound takes its role seriously - doing what it can in promoting the upsides of pet adoption.
Located along F. Batiller Street in the North Reclamation Area, the Pound shelters different cat and dog breeds who have either been surrendered by their owners, neglected or were abandoned.
From kittens to full grown cats, puppies to full grown dogs, the shelter does what it can in ensuring that all of its wards are fit for adoption - physically and emotionally.
Requiring a small adoption fee from would-be pet owners, the cost of adopting a pet from the shelter already covers rabies vaccine costs, spaying/neutering costs and de-worming costs, along with the cost of having one's pet officially registered.
Beyond Adoption
Apart from helping homeless and surrendered pets find new homes, the Pound also offers free spaying (ligate) and neutering (kapon) services for registered cats and/or dogs.
This service is part of the Pound's thrust in doing what it can to address the issue of unwanted pet overpopulation in Cebu City - an issue which responsible pet owners should take seriously.
Cebu City-based pet owners who wish to avail of the Pound's free spaying and neutering services simply need to have their pets registered, which essentially covers an annual registration fee of Php 150. This fee also covers vaccines and de-worming costs.
Pet owners who wish to have their pets "fixed" are also advised to call the Pound ahead of time before bringing their pets to the site, to better organize schedules and timetables, as well as prepare their pets for spaying or neutering procedures.
The Cebu City Pound and Animal Birth Control Center may be contacted thru phone numbers: (032) 233-5675; (032) 419-1200; 09228999440; or by liking the Cebu City Pound and Animal Birth Control Center page on Facebook. (FREEMAN)