By Mariela Angella Oladive
Pet owners can avail of free veterinary services during the 124th Semana sang Iloilo celebration, with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian-Iloilo (OPVet-Iloilo) offering neutering, vitamin supplementation, and deworming on April 8.
The initiative promotes responsible pet ownership and animal health while helping control the growing stray population in the province.
Priority will be given to native male dogs and cats—commonly known as Aspins (Asong Pinoy) and Puspins (Pusang Pinoy).
Each owner may bring a maximum of two pets for treatment.
Slots are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The event will be held behind the National Museum (Old Prison) within the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex on Bonifacio Drive, City Proper, Iloilo City.
Pet owners must register in advance by visiting OPVet-Iloilo on the fifth floor of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol or calling (033) 328-7900 local 137.
Pre-Operative Guidelines
To ensure the safety and success of the procedure, OPVet-Iloilo issued the following pre-operative instructions:
- Eligibility:Only healthy dogs and cats between 6 months and 7 years old will be accepted.
- Rabies Vaccination:Pets must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 14 days before surgery, with proof of vaccination required.
- Fasting:Food must be withheld for at least six hours before the procedure, and no water should be given on the morning of surgery to prevent vomiting under anesthesia.
- Hygiene:Owners are advised to bathe their pets or clean their genital and abdominal areas the night before surgery to reduce infection risk.
- Consent Form:Pet owners must sign a consent form upon registration.
Semana sang Iloilo is an annual, weeklong celebration commemorating the establishment of Iloilo’s civil government on April 11, 1901.
