More and more pet owners in General Santos City are becoming more conscious about the importance of having their pets vaccinated against rabies.

The city veterinarian’s office said it has observed that more pet owners have brought their animals to the office for vaccination.

This follows a public awareness campaign and online information drive highlighting the severe health risks posed by bites from rabid animals.

“Matod pa sa among mga vaccinator nga midaghan ang nagka-interes nga magpa-inject sa ilang mga hayop. Kumbaga naging responsible na pud sila,” City Veterinarian, Dr. Edward Alexander Leyson, said.

The City Veterinarian’s Office said even minor scratch from dogs or cats, the patient must be brought to the Animal Bite Center for assessment and vaccination.

“Ang rabies man gud ang incubation dili lang 14 days; nag-extend pa mao nang nahitabo sa katung mga nangamatay so kompiyansa kaayo sila. Up to a month or two weeks from the incident of scratch pwede pa sila muadto sa mga animal bite treatment center. Once malipas ang mga signs, magpadayon na gud na,” Leyson added.

From January 1 to June 3, 2025, the city has recorded no confirmed human rabies deaths. However, there have been at least five confirmed cases of animal rabies during the same period.

In 2024, more than 44 animal rabies cases were recorded in the city.

The City Veterinarian’s Office continues to urge pet owners to be responsible by ensuring their pets receive regular vaccinations to prevent rabies infections.