The local government of Manila is inviting all residents who have “fur babies” to avail themselves of the free anti-rabies vaccination being given regularly by the city government of Manila in many venues.

This is in line with the observance of the “Anti-Rabies Awareness Month.”

Mayor Honey Lacuna said that the local government has a vaccination program for pet dogs and cats being carried out at City Hall by the Manila Health Department (MHD) under Dr. Arnold Pangan.

This is apart from the free vaccination during the regular “Kalinga sa Maynila” program that goes to barangays, where residents may simply bring their pets to avail themselves of the free services without having to go all the way to Manila City Hall.

Lacuna revealed that the city has eight kinds of animal bite treatment being given for free at the city hall’s animal bite clinic, Sta. Ana Hospital under Director Dr. Grace Padilla, and in seven health centers which are being run by the MHD.

The mayor added that the purpose of the program is to help provide safety not only for the pets concerned but, more so, for the members of the community themselves.

Lacuna, who also happens to be a doctor, stressed the importance of availing oneself of free anti-rabies vaccination if one has pets, noting that rabies can be transmitted from animals to humans and may cause death.

Pets that have been vaccinated enjoy better protection and become healthier and more active, said Lacuna, who herself has pet dogs.

Lacuna stressed the need to create awareness of the dangers of rabies, both on the part of the animal owner and whoever gets bitten by an unvaccinated animal.

She urged the residents of Manila to join hands in the effort to have all pets in the city vaccinated and do their share in ensuring that all communities within the city will be safe and healthy at all times.