Continuing the momentum for their collaborative project ‘Angel Pets,’ the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) held on Thursday (May 8) a one-day event to elevate awareness on animal-aided therapy and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

The Angel Pets integrates animal-assisted therapy to the therapeutic and supportive process of clients, particularly young girls and women who have experienced abuse, neglect, or those living with psychosocial disabilities, in select DSWD centers and facilities.

The May 8 event at the PAWS Rehabilitation Center in Quezon City marked the kick-off of the Advocacy, Research, and Learning or ARAL component of Angel Pets, deepening the knowledge of over 40 participants, mostly ‘fur parents’, on the critical role of animal welfare and social welfare initiatives in championing a compassionate and just society.

The other attendees came from the DSWD’s Marillac Hills, a center for abused girls; and civil society organizations.

The DSWD team led by Division Chief (DC) Darlene Dancel of the Social Technology Bureau (STB) and Executive Director Anna Cabrera of the PAWS also prepared various booths for pet adoption registration, application for the Dr. Dogs program, ‘kapon’ scheduling and other merchant booths.

Capping off the event was the guided tour into the PAWS facilities and a brief pet training orientation. (LSJ)