Davao City Faces Low Pet Reclaim Rates, Majority of Impounded Animals Euthanized
The Davao City Veterinarian's Office (CVO) has disclosed concerning statistics regarding pet ownership and animal welfare in the city. According to their 2025 report, only 15 percent of the nearly 7,000 cats and dogs impounded last year were reclaimed by their owners. This translates to just 1,069 animals out of a total of 6,957 being returned home, while the remaining 4,139 had to be euthanized due to severe overcrowding at the city pound.
Reclaim Rates Show Slight Improvement but Remain Alarmingly Low
Dr. Gay Pallar, the acting head of the CVO, provided these figures during the ISpeak media forum held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the CHO building. She noted that while the reclaim rate saw a marginal increase from 2024—when only 500 out of 6,143 impounded animals were reclaimed—the overall situation remains dire. "Sad to say that there are more irresponsible pet owners than responsible pet owners," Pallar stated, emphasizing that the issue stems not from roaming animals themselves, but from owner negligence.
The financial implications for reclaiming pets are clear: dog owners must pay a fee of ₱500 plus an additional ₱50 per day for impoundment. After three days, unclaimed dogs face euthanasia to manage space constraints. With the city pound receiving an average of 25 animals daily and operating with only 12 cages for dogs, euthanasia every three days has become a necessary, albeit tragic, measure to prevent overcrowding.
Adoption and Rehabilitation Efforts Offer a Glimmer of Hope
Despite the grim reclaim statistics, the CVO has made strides in adoption and rehabilitation. In 2025, the office rehabilitated 346 cats and dogs and successfully adopted out 26 dogs, marking an improvement from the previous year when only 40 dogs were adopted through January. These efforts are part of a broader initiative under the Davao City Adopt-A-Cat/Dog Ordinance, which aims to reduce euthanasia rates by promoting responsible pet ownership.
The CVO collaborates with animal welfare groups to place pets in loving homes. Prospective adopters are required to submit a letter of intent and undergo a thorough evaluation process. Once approved, pets are monitored for six months to ensure their well-being. The adoption and rehabilitation center, located beside the city pound in Malagos, provides essential services such as vaccination and rehabilitation for each animal before placement.
New Ordinance Aims to Enhance Pet Accountability and Care
Looking ahead, the CVO is working on a new dog leashing and licensing ordinance in partnership with Councilor Ralph Abella, chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Food. This proposed ordinance will include mandatory microchipping, with 300 dogs and cats already microchipped free of charge for owners who cannot afford the cost. Plans are in motion to expand this program in 2027 with additional funding.
Penalties for negligent pet owners under the new ordinance would range from ₱1,000 for a first offense to ₱5,000 for a third offense. "The goal is to ensure pets are properly cared for, tracked, and that owners are held accountable," Pallar explained. Additionally, the CVO continues to offer free anti-rabies vaccinations and neutering services at its district offices from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, as part of its commitment to animal welfare and public health.
