Department of Social Welfare and Development and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said their joint Angel Pets program has been receiving positive feedback from beneficiaries, particularly those who took part in animal-assisted therapy sessions.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said clients responded favorably to the services provided by “pet doctors,” noting that the sessions helped address mental and emotional challenges.

“It has proven to be highly effective, and we have received overwhelming positive feedback from clients who experienced Dr. Dog therapy. Many of them shared that the sessions helped ease their anxiety, lifted their spirits, and gave them renewed emotional strength,” Dumlao said on Sunday.

Angel Pets was designed to support individuals and families coping with mental and emotional difficulties. At the center of the initiative is Dr. Dog Animal-Assisted Therapy, an intervention that uses trained dogs to help clients regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and foster positive feelings.

Most Dr. Dog sessions are held in PAWS-supported environments to ensure the animals are well cared for, ethically treated, and properly trained, promoting shared welfare for both clients and therapy animals.

A joint evaluation by DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau and PAWS showed a 99.04 percent positive effectiveness rate for the animal-assisted therapy.

DSWD also cited several Angel Pets activities conducted throughout the year, including 26 “alaga sessions” focused on structured and consistent animal-assisted engagements. In February, the Angel Pets Sanctuary was officially relaunched, offering a nurturing space for both animals and beneficiaries.

Educational “aral sessions” were held in May to raise awareness on mental health, responsible pet ownership, and the therapeutic role of animals. The program also conducted case conferences to closely monitor client progress and improve interventions.

Dumlao said the agency plans to sustain and expand the program next year.

“The DSWD will continue rolling out the Angel Pets Program in 2026, with even stronger advocacy for mental health, animal welfare, and innovative social technologies that respond to the needs of our people,” she said.

As part of the program’s advocacy, Dumlao encouraged the public to choose adoption over purchasing pets.

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