■ Janina Camiller
Dozens of dogs and cats were vaccinated for anti-rabies at Melvin Jones grandstand on March 13, as the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) sustains its citywide free rabies campaign.
Thanks to the responsible pet owners for heeding the call of CVAO to support the vaccination drive of the city government in line with its bid to prevent rabies to protect public health.
In 2021, the city council passed Ordinance19 or the “Responsible Dog Ownership Ordinance of Baguio City”, which calls for the vaccination of dogs that are three months old and above.
Veterinary II Michael Tahinan said rabies is a zoonotic disease transferrable from animals to humans.
While rabies is fatal, it is curable with early intervention Tahinan said and explained that vaccination is the most effective and cheapest way to prevent rabies.”
In its survey, CVAO said there are 50,000 dogs and cats in Baguio and around 40,000 were vaccinated in 2023.
To cover all dogs and cats, CVAO has reiterated its call for pet owners register at its office located at the Slaughterhouse compound for consultation, vaccination, checkup, spay, or neuter. The only requirement is for pet owners to bring an updated vaccination card.
CVAO also reminded pet owners that based on a city ordinance, dogs and cats must have tags or collar which indicates the registration number, contact number and name of the owner. This is to ensure that in case of loss, CVAO can find and verify the ownership of the pet of a person. At present, off-site free anti-rabies vaccination is ongoing in the various barangays in Baguio to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and animals.
