For many Filipinos, dogs and cats are an important part of the household. Beyond companionship, caring for pets also means keeping them healthy and safe. One practical way to do this is to register your pet with your local government.
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Registering your pets helps ensure they are vaccinated, accounted for, and properly cared for. It also supports community programs aimed at preventing rabies and managing stray animals.
Here’s what you need to know:
Under the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, local governments are required to monitor dogs in their area. This includes vaccination, registration, issuance of dog tags, management of stray populations, enforcement of confinement rules, and funding rabies prevention programs. Registering pets also helps authorities plan vaccination programs and other public health measures.
Registration is a simple process that officially records your dogs, cats, or other household animals with your city or municipality.
Some cities, like Mandaue City in Cebu, offer microchipping at registration, which helps identify pets if they get lost.
Residents can register their pets at the City Veterinarian’s Office on the second floor of the Mandaue Public Market. Pets must be at least eight months old, and owners must provide proof of residency. The registration fee is ₱100 per pet, which covers a lifetime anti-rabies vaccination and optional microchipping.
In Ilocos Norte, the provincial government launched a massive vaccination and registration drive in observance of Rabies Awareness Month in March of this year. According to Provincial Veterinary Office chief Dr. Loida Valenzuela, the province has recorded zero rabies cases so far this year, but efforts to vaccinate and register pets continue at the barangay level.
Pet registration is an easy and affordable way to ensure your animal’s well-being while supporting local rabies prevention programs. Taking a few minutes to register your pet benefits both your household and the community.
ALSO READ: How to Travel with Cats and Dogs: 5 Pet Travel Essentials for Fur Parents on the Go
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