Bacolod City: Fur parents and about 100 cats and dogs recently participated in a pet walk event at Panaad Park to inaugurate the 1st Bacolod Pet Festival, marking the observance of Rabies Awareness Month. Organized by the City Veterinary Office (CVO), this weeklong event, themed 'Building a Safe and Rabies-Free Community is Our Shared Responsibility,' aims to promote rabies awareness, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. John Michael Cabuguason, assistant city veterinarian, emphasized the commitment and collaboration between the government and private sector through the pet festival. He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of fur parents and their pets at the pet walk.
The festivities continue with the Philippine Canine Club Inc. All-Breed Dog Show at Robinsons Place mall on Sunday. A three-day pet expo at Ayala Malls Capitol Central is scheduled to start on April 4, featuring the launch of a pet identification program, along with a rabies awareness and animal welfare contest and quiz bee. April 5 will include a cat meetup, handling sessions, pet agility training, and a bully show, while April 6 will host a pet fashion show, free spay and neuter services, rabies education activities, and a rescue and shelter management talk, culminating in a closing and awarding ceremony.
Dr. Cabuguason highlighted the launch of a pet registration initiative, which guides pet owners in registering their pets via a QR code system. Temporary IDs will be issued, with an option for dog and cat tags, ensuring digital records are maintained. A one-time fee of PHP50 is required for registration.
The CVO has set an ambitious target to vaccinate 80,000 dogs and cats this year, with 8,000 pets already covered. Vaccination efforts are anticipated to resume before June, pending vaccine procurement.
Additionally, the FURrytales: 1st Bacolod Pet Festival Short Film Competition will be introduced on April 4, with registrations open until April 11. Teasers and posters are due by April 18, with final film submissions required by April 25.
