By Theriz Lizel R. Silvano
The pandemic has been difficult for many, animals included.
According to FOUR PAWS International, the COVID-19 lockdowns have made it doubly hard for stray animals relying on leftovers from restaurants and markets to find food.
Here in the country, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) says most strays are once owned by families who can no longer sustain their pet’s needs and do not want to improve their pet’s well-being.
There is a reason why animal welfare advocates encourage prospective pet owners to adopt and not shop. Many strays need help. The following pet adoption organizations help rescue and rehabilitate stray cats and dogs to make them ready for their fur-ever home:
BARK Mission
In addition to rescuing stray cats and dogs, the nonprofit organization also promotes responsible pet care, especially spaying and neutering.
In an online interview with Manila Standard, BARK Mission said neutering was an ideal way to curb overpopulation of domestic animals. “Neutering is a harmless and effective way to control the stray population and ensure that all pets are well taken care of,” said co-founder Brigitte Lim.
To further address the issue, Lim suggested that Filipinos should adopt instead of purchasing animals in stores. “People should think about the thousands of cats and dogs around Metro Manila who are born without homes and that they can help stray animals by adopting
instead of shopping for a pet,” she pointed out.
Lim added, “We also think that the government should implement stricter policies about breeding cats and dogs, to ensure the welfare of the animals and to prevent stray overpopulation.”
Filipinos can donate goods and funds to BARK Mission, adopt its rescued pets, sponsor neutered pets, and volunteer in its spay and neuter campaigns. Contact the nonprofit through [email protected] or through Bark Mission on Facebook.
Strays Worth Saving (SWS)
This animal rescue service helps stray dogs and cats, particularly those in need of medical care. Strays Worth Saving also helps pet owners needing financial assistance for their sick pets.
To raise funds for its rescue and medical missions, SWS sells merchandise such as T-shirts with pet designs.
To help and adopt an SWS-rescued stray, go to straysworthsaving.org or its Facebook page, Strays Worth Saving.
Save the Laguna Pit Bulls (LPB)
The Save the Laguna Pit Bulls is a project initiated by nonprofit CARA Welfare Philippines to rehabilitate pit bulls rescued from a Korean dog-fighting syndicate back in 2012.
For those who want to volunteer, LPB allows Sunday Volunteers in LPB Center where visitors can walk and play with the dogs. Other ways to help include spreading the word on how to adopt rescued pit bulls, donating money or dog food, and buying their merchandise.
Go to helpsavethepitbulls.com to learn more about the project.
Lara’s Ark
Lara’s Ark shelters dogs that can be adopted, particularly Aspins that survived the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020.
In a bid to promote the adoption of Aspins, the shelter says our local dogs don’t get sick easily, are street smart, can understand people on a “very deep level”, and are brave and resilient.
Before adopting rescued dogs, Lara’s Ark requires an interview with those who wish to adopt to ensure that the future owners of its dogs can sustain the pet’s needs. Go to its Facebook page, Lara’s Ark or @larasark on Instagram to know more.
Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF)
Animal Kingdom Foundation is a nonprofit organization that advocates caring for dogs and aims to eliminate the cruel practice of dog slaughter for human consumption.
Aside from offering adoption services, AKF has programs that raise awareness and provide information on animal welfare such as P.E.P or Pet Education Program, Project SNAP (Spay, Neuter, and Adopt Program), and We Feed As One project that was initiated during the lockdown to “feed the strays”, supply animal food, and help struggling shelters.
Go to akf.org.ph or @akfanimalrescue on Instagram for more information.
