The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will hold on Thursday (May 8) a one-day event to level up their joint cause to promote animal-aided therapy and meaningful connections between humans and animals, as part of their partnership project ‘Angel Pets’.
Director Helen Suzara of the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau (STB) said the one-day event falls under the Advocacy, Research, and Learning (ARAL) component of Angel Pets which seeks to shed light on the healing powers of animals and the emerging importance of responsible pet ownership.
“Our ARAL Session aims to deepen the engagement of pet owners in responsible pet parenthood while also promoting and enjoining our fur parents to enlist their dogs to the Doctor Dogs Program of PAWS, which have been, of course, our vital furry partners as we rolled out our Angel Pets Program,” STB Director Suzara said.
Launched for pilot implementation last October 2024, the Angel Pets has integrated 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.
Director Suzara said the upcoming event to be held at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center in Quezon City will mark the kick-off of ARAL sessions and strengthen the advocacy-driven side of the program.
Participants of the sessions will include pet owners, community leaders, animal welfare advocates, and key stakeholders from partner organizations, as well as community-based groups that can further the reach of the advocacy.
As part of the interactive activities of the event, the DSWD and PAWS will set up various booths, including corners for pet adoption registration and pet training seminar registration, application for the Dr. Dogs program, ‘kapon’ or neuter scheduling and other merchant booths.
The STB Director pointed out that the PAWS team also prepared informative sessions which will tackle the pressing issue of animal abuse, and drumbeat the partners’ united stance against violence.
“The DSWD and PAWS main clienteles may differ in a sense, but one of our striking similarities is that we condone any form of abuse, violence or neglect. We hope that our partnership and initiatives will amplify our call for a society where not just people, but animals are protected, respected and valued,” Director Suzara said. (LSJ)