THE Davao City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) has vaccinated over 83,000 cats and dogs from January to June 2025, stepping up its drive against rabies and stray animal overpopulation.
Dr. Gay Pallar, CVO officer-in-charge, shared during the July 31 ISpeak forum that their team vaccinated 83,336 pets and spayed or neutered 726. Nearly 40,000 pet owners availed of their services in the first half of the year.
“Continue atoang campaign for intensification of vaccination and control (We are continuing our intensified campaign for vaccination and control),” Pallar said, noting they’re on track to surpass last year’s 146,000 vaccinations. Their goal: 190,000 by the end of 2025.
CVO has also tightened its impounding operations, but Pallar revealed that only about 10 percent of impounded dogs are claimed by their owners. The rest are either euthanized or rehabilitated for adoption.
To reduce euthanasia, the city is pushing for rehoming through the Davao City Adopt-A-Cat/Dog Ordinance. Since the program launched in 2024, 40 dogs have been adopted as of June 2025. Each adoptable pet is vaccinated, rehabilitated, and carefully matched with a new owner.
Interested adopters must submit a letter of intent and undergo evaluation. Once approved, the CVO monitors both the pet and the owner for six months. The adoption and rehabilitation center sits beside the city pound in Malagos.
In 2024, the CVO impounded 6,143 animals. Only 500 were reclaimed, and about 20 were adopted. With just 12 cages—each holding up to 25 dogs—the facility averages 25 new impounds daily. Unclaimed animals are euthanized after three days due to overcrowding.
To help manage the stray population, the CVO also offers free anti-rabies vaccinations and neutering services at its district offices, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. RGP