Written by April Felicia C. Fojas
Shelter dogs are very special. It’s no doubt that these furry babies got the short end of the stick. Many of these dogs have experienced some form of animal cruelty or neglect and end up in shelters. But not all are lucky enough to get adopted and there are still plenty of animal shelters that practice euthanizing dogs.
There are many reasons as to why shelter dogs don’t get adopted. Usually, people opt to buy dogs because many sellers offer them as puppies and most people would rather buy a puppy than adopt an adult, even less so an elderly or special needs dog. Another reason would be that shelter dogs require more care and attention. Remember some of these dogs have gone through traumatic experiences and taking care of them would take time and patience and lots and lots of love.
(These Stories of Rescue Cats and Dogs Might Just Make You Want to Adopt One)
You must remember that when you adopt dogs from the shelter you aren’t just adopting another pet; you’re saving a life. You’re saving them from being on death row and giving them another chance to live better, healthier, and happier lives. You’re also helping the shelter by opening more space for other rescue dogs. Adopting is also way cheaper than buying a dog. Adoption only costs around Php1,500 while most sellers will sell their dogs for Php5,000 up. The best thing though? Is the amount of love and happiness they’ll bring to your life. Not only will you feel fulfilled knowing you just saved them but the fact that your dog will know that as well. They will surely be thankful for you forever.
Save a life! Adopt a shelter dog and help them find their forever homes! Here’s where you can go to adopt:
6) The Philippine Animal Welfare Society Animal Rehabilitation Center
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MNhhohiP3/
If you’re an animal lover you’re probably already familiar with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). They are one of the most well-known and well-established local non-profit organizations that dedicates themselves to animals who are involved in cases of cruelty or neglect. They have over 300 animals just waiting to be adopted!
Contact Information:
Website: https://paws.org.ph/
Address: Aurora Blvd. Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines 1108
Phone:Â (02) 8475-1688
5) Animal Kingdom Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/AKFanimalrescue/posts/1360430234131653
In case you didn’t know, there exists a dog meat trade in the Philippines and the main advocacy of the Animal Kingdom Foundation is to rescue slaughter-bound dogs from the dog meat trade.
Contact Information:
Website:Â https://www.animalkingdomfoundation.org
Address: AKF Animal Rehabilitation and Rescue Center in Brgy. Cub-Cub, Capas, Tarlac
Phone: 0921 634 5023 / 0939 914 2402 & 405
Email: akfadvocates@gmail.com
4) HoundHaven
https://www.instagram.com/p/B280mAxHb4u/
Hound Haven is one of the few shelters that focus on taking in retired work/service dogs. There are currently no laws in our country about what happens to work/service dogs after they’ve retired. Their aim is to find these good boys and girls who have served their people well the loving homes that they deserve.
Contact Information:
Website: https://houndhavenph.org
Address: Hound Haven Philippines 353 Pinaglagarian St., Pulong Yantok, Angat, Bulacan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houndhavenph
3) Philippine Animal Rescue Team
https://www.facebook.com/PhilAnimalRescueTeam/photos/pcb.2701909509859297/2701908869859361/?type=3&theater
The Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART) is a private animal rescue organization. They don’t only rescue dogs and cats but other animals such as pigs, horses, birds, etc. They currently have over 600 different animals in their sanctuary.
Contact Information:
Website:Â https://www.philanimalrescue.org/the-sanctuary.html
Address: Phoenix Animal Welfare, Adoption, and Education Center in Maulawin, Quezon
https://www.instagram.com/p/B36T9p-Ji4n/
Pawssion Project is one of the organizations I was lucky enough to have volunteered for. They are Bacolod-based but they often conduct rescues within Metro Manila. They are one of the most active organizations that I know when it comes to rescuing and adopting animals.
Contact Information:
Website:Â https://www.pawssionproject.com
Phone:+63 977 821 0271
Email:Â pawssionproject@gmail.com
Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/pg/PAWSsionProject/
1) CARA Welfare Philippines
https://www.instagram.com/p/By85CyDAXGb/
CARA Welfare Philippines, like most of these organizations, is a non-profit, non-government organization. They don’t have any government funding and purely rely on private donations. They don’t have a shelter, they rely on their friends and volunteers to foster their rescues till they’re adopted.
Contact Information:Â
Website: https://www.caraphil.org/
Address: CARA Clinic 175 Lopez Rizal St. cor. Samat St., Mandaluyong City
Phone: +632 5323340Â /0919 579 0047
Email: clinic@caraphil.org
And if you can’t adopt but still want to help these precious babies, you can help by donating or volunteering at these shelters! I hope we could continue to live out the #AdoptDontShop advocacy not only during October but all year round. If you know any other local shelters and organizations that also support this cause let us know!
