BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) provided free veterinary services for pet owners to promote responsible pet ownership and emphasize that rabies is preventable through proper vaccinations and pet care measures.
Pet owners from different barangays availed of the complimentary services including veterinary consultations, anti-rabies vaccinations, deworming, anti-tick and flea treatment, and mange treatment in the vaccination activity in observance of Rabies Awareness Month.
This year’s theme, “Rabies-Free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino,” emphasizes the critical role of pet vaccination in ensuring public health and safety.
Experts underscored the importance of rabies prevention, explaining its risks and the role of vaccination in eliminating cases in the city.
“Rabies is a zoonotic disease, 100% fatal. Ibig sabihin po niyan, kapag nagpakita na ng symptoms, wala na hong balikan. Pero, 99% preventable naman through vaccination. Dito sa Baguio, wala naman po tayong naitatalang cases ng humans, 2003 yung last na case natin for dogs, at hindi na nasundan,” said CVAO Veterinarian II, Dr. Michael Takinan.
To further strengthen rabies prevention efforts, the CVAO continues to conduct regular vaccinations in different barangays. It also organizes mass spaying and neutering activities to help control the population of stray dogs and cats in the city.
In line with City Ordinance No. 19, series of 2021, also known as The Responsible Dog Ownership Ordinance of the City of Baguio, pet owners are mandated to register their dogs and pre-register for the upcoming spay and neuter services. This ordinance supports responsible pet ownership by ensuring pets are properly documented and encouraging sterilization to manage the animal population.
Beyond vaccination, experts also stressed the importance of long-term commitment to pet care. Veterinary and health experts urged pet owners to be proactive in maintaining their pets’ health and well-being.
“Ugaliin po nating ipa-vaccine ang ating mga alaga, three months and above. Wag tayong kukuha ng mga aso o pusa kung hindi natin kayang alagaan. Let’s be responsible pet owners. Wag lang nating sabihin na animal lover tayo, let’s be responsible animal lovers,” said Dr. Takinan.
In addition to vaccination efforts, proper first-aid measures were also emphasized by health professionals.
“Ang lagi nating sinasabi sa community natin, once na nakagat tayo o nakalmot, agad-agad na hugasan natin ng flowing water, with sabon na katulad ng laundry bar… Hayaan nating dumugo lang, then after mahugasan, lagyan ng betadine at agad-agad na ipunta sa malapit na health center o hospital,” Michael Vincent Muñoz of the City Health Services Office advised.
The CVAO continues to remind pet owners of their responsibilities, reinforcing their advocacy through the slogan, “Responsibilidad mo, alaga’y bakunado.” [JDP/DEG/Trisha Reign Batoon-PIA CAR- SLU Intern]
