QC opens adoption center for cats, dogs

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Government has opened a pet adoption center for cats and dogs to reduce instances of euthanasia or putting animals into sleep.

The local government turned its 450-square meter City Pound in Barangay Payatas into a pet adoption center.

The adoption center could now accommodate up to 60 animals, while it contains a surgery room for dogs and cats that need to be neutered and spayed, and for other animals that need immediate medical attention.

Separate cages will be allotted for sick animals to prevent them from infecting other healthy animals.

“We will be transforming our existing city pound into an adoption center to promote animal adoption. The city believes that every animal deserves a loving and caring family, since dogs and cats are known to be good companion animals,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement on Monday.

The city pound captures an average of 200 animals weekly or 9,600 homeless animals per year but only less than one percent of them get adopted, according to the city veterinary department.

City Veterinarian Dr. Ana Marie Cabel, for her part, said each animal will be rehabilitated before being offered for adoption.

“Captured dogs and cats not claimed by their owners for at least three days will be up for adoption. With the help of the City Council, we are currently creating the homing and adoption policy for them,” Cabel said.

The local government has also coordinated with Animal Welfare Advocates to ensure that the program is in accordance with Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.

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