Makati microchips 913 pets

The Veterinary Services Office (VSO) of Makati City conducted free vaccination to 24,000 pets from 21 barangays and 1,000 stray animals in the first six months of the year in line with the thrust of Makati Mayor Abby Binay to keep the city free from rabies.

In its midyear report, VSO said it micro-chipped 913 pets at no cost to their owners, raising the total number of microchipped pets in the city to 5,909, since it was first started in October 2017.

“We ask Makatizens to cooperate with our VSO teams conducting house-to-house visits to give free anti-rabies shots and microchip household pets. Rabies is deadly, and it is up to you to protect your families and communities against it,” Mayor Abby said.

The microchip has a 15-digit code readable with a scanner. When the code is entered into the data base, it reveals the owner’s name, as well as the pet’s vaccination record. Aside from facilitating the identification of pets and their owners, the program helps owners and bite victims avoid spending for redundant or unnecessary rabies vaccination.

VSO chief Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas said her office will conduct a Rabies Awareness Campaign in all public schools in the city this month. Before yearend, it will also hold a livelihood training on pet grooming to provide an affordable option for pet owners, and a source of additional income for residents.

Mangahas reported that from 1 January to 30 June 30, the VSO had vaccinated 23,720 pets from 21 barangays in the city and provided free spay and castration services to 147 pets under its Animal Health Program.

In the same period, 1,103 stray animals were rescued from city streets. Under the Stray Animal Management Program, rescued animals were temporarily sheltered at the city pound at Malugay Street, Barangay San Antonio.