HEADS up to all pet owners out there! The Philippines finally opened its first animal care facility in a bid to promote animal welfare and a pet-friendly environment.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay spearheaded the opening of the Makati Animal Care Facility in Sultana St. in Barangay Olympia. She was joined by Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, city councilors, Veterinary Services Department (VSD) Head Dr. Ma. Katherine Mangahas, and Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) Head Teodora Guiam for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We are honored to be the first local government unit to open this facility, which is dedicated to the care and protection of animals,” Binay said in a statement.
“With this facility, we hope to promote greater awareness for animal welfare and promote a culture of care, love and concern for them in our homes and in our communities,” she added.
The Makati City government shared photos of the two-story facility, featuring a consultation room, two surgery rooms, two recovery rooms, and two food preparation rooms. It also has ventilated rooms with cages.
The Makati Animal Care Facility also offers free consultations every Monday, free vaccinations, and a free initial dosage of deworming, with subsequent doses costing only P30.
There are also microchipping services available from Tuesday to Friday while spaying and castration services are offered on a pre-scheduled basis for free.
Strays for adoption
Binay also said the city will also put up stray animals for adoption to encourage its residents to be responsible pet owners.
“With the services that we offer, there should be no reason for neglecting their pets. Being a responsible pet owner also means being mindful of one’s responsibilities in a community,” she said.
The mayor also shared that the Makati City government has partnered with the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AFK), a Philippine-based non-profit animal welfare organization, and Biyaya Animal Care, a social enterprise that supports stray animals, to further advocate for animal welfare.
Aside from serving as a hub for pet care, the center is also a safe and humane environment for impounded animals, where they can receive proper care.
According to the local government unit, the facility also functions as the VSD’s office, which handles the issuance of certifications such as Meat Handler’s Licenses, Veterinary Inspection Certificates, and Veterinary Health Certificates for pet travel.
Meanwhile, several netizens lauded the project and hoped that more animal care facilities would be built in other areas of the country.
