CVAO spays and neuters more than a thousand dogs, cats since January

The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) under Dr. Silardo Bested has neutered and spayed a total of 1,602 dogs and cats in the Summer Capital from January to July this year.

Veterinarian III Dr. Gladys Bantog said the vast majority of animals, around 80 percent, that underwent the procedure during the seven-month period were cats.

She added that a minimal fee Php1,000 for males and Php1,500 for females are charged for each spaying and neutering operation conducted every Friday at the CVAO, Slaughterhouse Compound, Sto. Nino barangay.

The city has an estimated canine population of 50,000 while felines number less at about 30,000, Bantog disclosed.

She said pet owners wanting to have their dogs or cats spayed or neutered must first register at the CVAO, Mondays to Fridays, and will be on a first come, first serve basis.  No walk-ins are allowed, Bantog stressed.

She is encouraging barangays to coordinate with her office to schedule the activity at their respective areas which will be more convenient for their constituents.

The CVAO website reveals that the spay and neuter is for Aspins and Puspins; a maximum of two pets per owner (owners who already availed of the free spay and neuter will be the  last priority); pets should have been vaccinated against rabies at least two weeks before surgery; pets should be at least six months and not more than two years old. Cats should weigh at least 1.5 kilograms.

Pets should be healthy; pre-registration is required. To pre-register, visit CVAO, bring a rabies vaccination record of pet; First come, first serve. Schedule will be informed thru text message.

Spaying and neutering would reduce spraying, marking, roaming and aggression in dogs and cats; lower risk of cancer and other health issues; decrease overpopulation and increase their lifespan, the website states.

For more information, visit the CVAO or call 443-5332. – Gaby B. Keith