Up to 66 dogs and cats tested positive for rabies in Davao City in 2025, according to the Davao City Veterinarian’s Office.

Because of this, authorities continue to capture stray animals under the Rabies Control Program and enforcement of the city’s impounding ordinance.

In 2025, nearly 7,000 dogs and cats were impounded. However, only 1,069 or 15 percent were claimed by pet owners. Unclaimed dogs and cats were subjected to euthanasia.

The City Veterinarian’s Office reiterated its call for the public to practice responsible pet ownership.

The local government also said other unclaimed animals were placed under rehabilitation and were offered for adoption.

“Ang atong mga ginapa-adopt is from the impounded, atong girehab. Kato ganing pwede pa nato marehab. So, nagrehab ta for adoption and there are people nga gusto gyud,” Acting City Veterinarian, Dr. Gay Pallar, said.

The City Veterinarian’s Office will also have to screen prospective adopters if they have the capacity to properly care for the animals.

“Actually naa tay available karon, naa tay mga iring nga cute basig gusto ninyo muadopt. So, you can always visit our City Vet or our rehab facility in Purok Cogan, Malagos. Pwede mo didto mag-choose,” Pallar added.

The local government continues to conduct free spaying, neutering, and vaccination drives in barangays.

Officials are also pushing for the passage of the proposed Davao City Dog Leashing and Licensing Ordinance, which includes microchipping for pets to help identify the owners and track animal data.

Budget has been allocated to begin the microchipping of at least 300 dogs and cats.

“Ang isa pud naa man tay detector. So, kung mawala ang imohang furbaby, naa man tay microchip detector. So, pag-ana nimo, makita na didto, maconfirm, kinsay tag-iya,” Pallar said.

Under the proposed ordinance, irresponsible pet owners will be penalized.