By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The city government here aims to vaccinate more dogs and cats through the staging of its first pet festival on March 29, in support of its 80,000-animal vaccination target.
Dr. John Michael Cabugwason, assistant city veterinarian, said the event, themed “Building a Safe and Rabies-Free Community is Our Shared Responsibility,” promotes rabies awareness, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Cabugwason said the city has allocated PHP4 million for the vaccination of 80,000 dogs and cats.
He said the City Veterinary Office has already vaccinated about 8,000 dogs in Barangay Mansilingan since January.
He noted a delay in vaccine procurement earlier this year, but confirmed that the budget is already in place.
He added that house-to-house vaccination will begin before June, starting in Barangays 1 to 7.
Cabugwason said dogs require only one dose of vaccine per year.
For stray dogs, he recommended housing them in animal shelters to protect them from road hazards.
In 2024, the city vaccinated 65,156 dogs and cats—representing 82 percent of the total estimated pet population of 79,061.
During the pet festival, Cabugwason said they will provide free spaying and neutering services for at least 20 cats at Ayala Malls.
They will also launch on-site pet registration to track pets more effectively throughout the city.
Temporary IDs with QR codes will be issued upon registration, he said.
A one-time fee of PHP50 will be charged per pet for the digital record.
The festival will open with a dog walk at Panaad Park and Stadium on Saturday, followed by a dog show at Robinsons Place Bacolod on Sunday, March 30.
The main highlight will be the pet expo at Ayala Malls Capitol Central from April 4 to 6.
The city has allocated a PHP150,000 budget for the festival, which also aims to recognize outstanding partners in the anti-rabies and animal welfare programs, Cabugwason added.
