A joint initiative between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has yielded a 99 percent effectiveness rate in supporting clients with mental and emotional challenges, officials said Sunday.

The “Angel Pets” program, which features the “Dr. Dog” animal-assisted therapy, has received overwhelming praise from beneficiaries for its ability to reduce anxiety and provide emotional strength.

“It has proven to be highly effective,” said DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao. “Many clients shared that the sessions helped ease their anxiety, lifted their spirits, and gave them renewed emotional strength.”

The program is centered on trained dogs that help individuals regulate their emotions. According to a joint evaluation by PAWS and the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau, the therapy showed a 99.04 percent success rate in improving the well-being of participants.

Throughout the year, the program conducted 26 “alaga” sessions and relaunched the Angel Pets Sanctuary in February to provide a permanent space for the animals and beneficiaries. In May, the agencies launched educational sessions focused on mental health awareness and responsible pet ownership.

Dumlao confirmed the DSWD will continue the program in 2026, with plans to expand its reach. She also used the announcement to advocate for animal welfare, urging the public to adopt animals from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders.

“We strongly encourage families to adopt pets in coordination with PAWS rather than buying new ones,” Dumlao said. “Adoption is more budget-friendly and, more importantly, it gives abandoned animals a second chance.”

All animals involved in the program are trained and ethically treated in PAWS-supported environments to ensure the safety of both the clients and the dogs.