BAGUIO CITY: 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 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 is charged for each spaying and neutering operation conducted every Friday at the CVAO, Slaughterhouse Compound, Barangay Sto. Nino.

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

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

She is encouraging the barangay (villages) to coordinate with her office to schedule the activity in their respective areas.

The CVAO website shows that the spaying and neutering is for aspins and puspins; a maximum of two pets per owner (owners who already availed of the free spaying and neutering 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; and pets should weigh at least 1.5 kilograms.

Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, visit the CVAO and bring a rabies vaccination record of pets.

Fees are set by City Ordinance 19, series of 2021.

Spaying and neutering would reduce spraying, marking, roaming and aggression in dogs and cats; lower risks of cancer and other health issues; decrease overpopulation; and increase the pets’ lifespans, the website states.

For more information, visit the CVAO or call 443-5332.