Davao City Veterinarian's Office Achieves Record Pet Health Milestones in 2025
In a significant boost to animal welfare, the City Veterinarian's Office (CVO) in Davao City has reported administering free anti-rabies vaccinations to an impressive 163,355 cats and dogs throughout the year 2025. This initiative, which served 76,027 residents, forms a core component of the office's comprehensive Animal Health and Welfare Program, aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting pet safety across the community.
Free Castration Services and Barangay Coordination System
Beyond vaccinations, the CVO also provided free castration services to 1,215 cats and dogs under the same program. Dr. Gay Z. Pallar, the Acting Officer-in-Charge of the CVO, detailed the process for accessing these services, emphasizing community involvement. "Our system requires barangays to gather 30-50 cats and dogs that are subject for castration, then request the CVO for scheduling. This is free of charge," Pallar explained. Residents are advised to coordinate with their local barangay officials to avail of this benefit, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to pet population management.
Rehabilitation and Adoption Initiatives Gain Traction
The welfare program extends further with a rehabilitation and adoption initiative that launched last year. In 2025, the CVO successfully rehabilitated 346 cats and dogs, with 26 of these animals finding new, loving homes through adoption. This effort highlights the office's commitment to not only preventive care but also to rescuing and rehoming animals in need, fostering a more compassionate environment for pets in Davao City.
Call for Responsible Pet Ownership and Community Engagement
Dr. Pallar strongly urged Dabawenyos to embrace responsible pet ownership, stressing the importance of lifelong commitment to their animals' well-being. "I encourage all Dabawenyos, especially pet owners, to be committed to their pet's lifelong physical, emotional, and medical needs, going beyond basic food and shelter," she emphasized. The CVO continues to remind residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies, avoid abandoning animals on streets, and ensure they can provide adequate care.
Pallar added, "Their furbabies should be vaccinated, checked, and neutered. Our City, through the CVO, extends these services free of charge. We should create a safe environment for our pets by understanding our local laws and financial commitments." This message underscores the city's proactive stance in offering free veterinary services while calling for greater public awareness and action to enhance animal welfare across Davao.
