The Free Spay and Neuter Program for Aspins (local dogs) and Puspins (local cats) was successfully held on July 2, 2026, at the Montano Hall Gymnasium in Cavite City. This initiative is part of the ongoing campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and safeguard community health.
A Community-Driven Effort for Animal Welfare
The Free Spay and Neuter Program, held at Montano Hall Gymnasium, is a vital component of Cavite City's long-standing commitment to animal welfare and public health. The initiative was led by the City Veterinary Office, in collaboration with various institutions and organizations . Mayor Denver Reyes Chua, Vice Mayor Raleigh Rusit, and City Councilors Daryl Solis, Mau Lu, and Emily Tirona were in attendance to show their support for the advocacy.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that help control the animal population. Spaying involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus in female animals, while neutering (or castration) removes the testicles in male animals . These procedures not only help curb overpopulation but also offer health benefits, such as preventing cancers and reducing behavioral issues like roaming and aggression, which helps lower the risk of stray-related incidents like animal bites.
A Growing Culture of Responsible Pet Ownership
The July 2 event is part of a broader, sustained effort by the Cavite City government to address the stray animal population. Previously, the City Veterinary Office, in coordination with the Department of Health, has conducted similar mass spay and castration operations in the city to prevent rabies infection and animal bite incidents . Beyond these mass drives, the City Veterinary Office also offers year-round spay and neuter services, with fees ranging from P500 to P1,500 depending on the pet's size and the procedure . However, mass programs like the one at Montano Hall are provided for free, making them accessible to a wider range of pet owners.
This program is also an invitation to practice responsible pet ownership. The City Veterinary Office has previously encouraged residents to "adopt, not shop" and to consider adoption from the city pound, where abandoned pets are prepared for new homes through deworming, vaccination, and neutering . The city government's ongoing efforts, including an annual free spay-and-neuter drive every September, demonstrate a continuous commitment to reducing the stray population and ensuring community health .
