A barangay in Pasig City launched on Thursday, Feb. 23, a free anti-rabies vaccination and microchipping program for pets as part of its efforts in preventing the spread of rabies in the community and decrease the number of cases of lost pets.
The vaccination and microchipping program was held along Escriva Drive in Barangay San Antonio (BSA) and is a joint collaboration between the BSA and the Pasig City Veterinary Services Department.
According to BSA Chairman Raymond Lising, around 50 pets were registered by their owners to avail of the free vaccination and microchipping service.
"It is very important to vaccinate pets against rabies in order to prevent the viral disease as rabies is a serious illness that can result in death, while microchipping pets provides secure, reliable, and permanent identification, which greatly increases the likelihood that their pets, if lost, will be returned home to them," Lising said.
In September of last year, the Pasig City government launched the "Pet Identification Project,” utilizing the pet “i-chip” or microchip technology.
The program was done in collaboration with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA), Veterinarians Association of the Philippines (VAP), City Veterinarians of NCR, and other animal welfare organizations and groups.
Through the project, the local government aimed to insert microchips into every pet — particularly dogs and cats — in the city to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of stray animals.
The microchips contain the registered identification of the pet and its owner as well as information on the pet’s vaccination history.
The microchips also have a thermal heat feature that will allow pet owners and veterinarians to more conveniently assess their pets’ condition using a thermal scanner.
Microchipping also serves to help Pasig become a “rabies-free city.”
Utilizing a three-step process— Injection, Identification, and Eradication — the local government will be able to easily monitor, detect, and take action on pets infected with rabies or other illnesses.
Along with the microchip, pet owners are also given “pet passports” that will help them monitor and schedule their pet’s vaccination shots as set by the city veterinarians.