The Makati City local government announced that its is offering free anti-rabies vaccinations to Makatizen pet owners as it ramps up its efforts in eradicating rabies cases in the city.

In its Facebook post, the city government said that employees from the Makati Veterinary Services Department will conduct house-to-house anti-rabies vaccination to the pets of residents living in Barangay Rizal and Barangay Pio del Pilar starting Tuesday, Jan. 24, to Jan. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay urged Makatizen pet owners to avail of the free vaccination to not just protect their pets but also the community against the deadly virus.

Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. Early symptoms can include fever and tingling at the site of exposure.

These symptoms are followed by one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, an inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, the result is always death.

Binay previously called on Makatizens to register their pets at the city veterinary office to keep a record of their owners and their pet’s vaccination status.

In October 2017, Makati was the first local government unit (LGU) in Southeast Asia to implement citywide pet registration microchipping.

The microchip has a 15-digit code readable with a microchip scanner. When the code is entered into the database, it reveals the owner’s name as well as the pet’s vaccination records.

Aside from facilitating the identification of pets and their owners, the program also helps owners and bite victims avoid spending for redundant or unnecessary rabies vaccinations.