Makati offers free anti-rabies vaccines

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Makati, through its Veterinary Services Office (MVSO), will be offering free anti-rabies vaccinations to all pets in the city to mark World Rabies Day on September 28 and World Animal Day on October 4.

According to Acting Makati Mayor Romulo Peña, simultaneous free anti-rabies vaccination will be conducted in the barangay halls of barangays Kasilawan, La Paz, Singkamas, Tejeros, Bangkal, Olympia, Palanan and Valenzuela on September 26, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Our city has consistently participated in these worldwide events to further intensify our campaign on rabies prevention through vaccination and responsible pet ownership. We aim to sustain a rabies-free Makati that is pet-friendly as well,” Peña said.

Peña also credits residents for being responsible pet owners and helped made Makati rabies-free for the past years.

“Knowing that my constituents are responsible pet owners makes me feeling happy and proud. I am very thankful that they are doing their part in making Makati a safe and conducive place for our children to live and grow up with,” he said.

Makati City has been rabies-free for the past six years, said Peña.

Meanwhile, on September 28, free neutering will be conducted at the barangay hall of Poblacion from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will also be a seminar on Animal Welfare and other related protocols related to the implementation of City Ordinance ?2009-009? for Barangay Chairpersons on Health and Sanitation on October 1, 2015 at the Multipurpose Hall, 7th Floor, Makati City Hall Building II.

Meanwhile, the Makati City government through the MVSO  will be conducting a series of activities in line with the worldwide celebration of World Rabies Day and World Animal Day on September 28 and October 4, 2015, respectively.

City veterinarian Dr. Vivien Manalastas, said a blessing of pets, in observance of World Animal Day on October 3, 2015, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jacinto Street, Sitio 4, Barangay West Rembo, Makati City.

Manalastas added that aside from anti-rabies vaccination, free deworming and consultations will also be held.

Manalastas said the free services are open to the public and are available on a first come, first served basis. She also said that all kinds of pets will be accepted for the blessing.

Freebies such as dog and cat food and vitamins will be given to those who will come early.

Of the 166 pets registered for free services in the same event last year, 134 were given free anti-rabies vaccination and 154 were dewormed.