MAKATI CITY — October 4 marks Kindness to Animals Day in the Philippines, a national observance established under Proclamation No. 537 in 1958 to promote humane treatment of all living creatures. In Makati, this year’s celebration carries particular weight as the city continues to expand its animal welfare programs, offering residents tangible ways to practice compassion every day. The day serves as a reminder that kindness toward animals is not a singular act but a sustained commitment. It also highlights the growing recognition that a truly livable city cares for all its inhabitants, including the four-legged ones.
A First-of-Its-Kind Facility in Barangay Olympia
At the heart of Makati’s animal welfare efforts is the Makati Animal Care Facility on Sultana Street in Barangay Olympia, the first local government-run facility of its kind in the Philippines. The center offers free consultations every Monday, free vaccinations, and deworming services. Microchipping is available from Tuesday to Friday, while spaying and castration services are provided on a pre-scheduled basis. The facility also houses impounded animals in ventilated, safe cages and puts strays up for adoption, giving them a chance to find loving homes. Its existence reflects a simple principle: responsible pet ownership begins with access to care.
Compassion in Action Across the City
Beyond the facility, Makati has brought animal welfare directly to communities through free pet grooming services. The city government recently provided basic grooming for 50 dogs and cats in Barangay Olympia, with similar activities planned for other barangays. These events help residents keep their pets clean, healthy, and well-groomed while reinforcing the importance of proper care. The city has also partnered with animal welfare organizations such as Biyaya Animal Care and the Animal Kingdom Foundation to expand rescue, adoption, and education efforts. Earlier this year, Biyaya’s “Art Fur All Kinds” exhibition at Leon Gallery in Legazpi Village raised funds for Bahay Biyaya, a planned permanent headquarters for animal welfare programs.
How Residents Can Practice Kindness
Kindness to Animals Day invites every Makati resident to take small but meaningful actions. Providing food and clean water to stray animals, keeping pets up to date on vaccinations, and treating all creatures with respect are simple ways to make a difference. The city encourages residents to consider adoption rather than buying pets, and to support local shelters and rescue groups through volunteering or donations. These individual acts, multiplied across a community, create a culture of care that extends far beyond a single day of observance. Makati’s programs demonstrate that when government and residents work together, compassion becomes a shared responsibility.
