Makati opens animal care facility

MANILA, Philippines — Makati unveiled yesterday the country’s first-of-its-kind animal care facility, which will serve as a home for stray and impounded animals as well as a platform for practicing responsible pet ownership.

The facility, located along Sultana street in Barangay Olympia, will be the new home of the city’s veterinary services department, which issues certifications on veterinary inspection, pet travel and meat handling.

Residents can avail themselves of free consultations and vaccinations for their pets, the city government said.

Other free services available on a pre-scheduled basis are spaying, castration and microchipping.

Deworming an animal is free on the first dose and charged for P30 on subsequent doses.

The facility will house stray animals, which will be put up for adoption. It features specialized rooms for consultation, surgery, recovery and food preparation, as well as a two-level ventilation room with cages.

“With this facility, we hope to increase awareness on animal welfare and promote a culture of care, love and concern for them in our communities,” Makati Mayor Abby Binay said in a statement.

“With the services that we offer, there should be no reason for neglecting pets. Being a responsible pet owner also means being mindful of one’s responsibilities in a community,” Binay added.

Makati is overseeing the facility along with its partners, the Animal Kingdom Foundation and Biyaya Animal Care.