Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse our website first to find the information you need.
Adoption & Rehoming
How can I adopt from PAWS?
Applicants go through a screening process to ensure that our rescued animals go to loving homes. The process includes an online interview via Zoom and at least two (2) separate shelter visits to meet and get to know your chosen pet. Apply here.
Can you adopt my pet?
PAWS does NOT adopt owned pets. We already have 300+ shelter animals rescued from cruelty and neglect that are waiting to be adopted. If you need to give up your pet for some reason, please consider other options or apply for rehoming assistance.
Why is there an adoption fee?
The adoption fee is a token of your commitment and and a demonstration of your financial capacity to care for a pet. P500 for cats / P1000 for dogs is a small price which already covers your pet’s spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and tick+flea treatment.
I live in the province/abroad. Can I still adopt?
Yes, but special arrangements need to be made for the meet-and-greet, depending on your location. Please contact us to discuss your options. You may also opt to adopt from your local pound instead.
Can my adoption application get denied?
Yes. Some reasons for denied applications include: Not being able to keep their pet indoors, incompatibility with the household, plus other circumstances that may be damaging to the health, safety, and happiness of our shelter animals.
Can I return my adopted pet if I change my mind?
A pet is a lifetime commitment. However, if you truly can’t keep your adopted pet, please don’t abandon them on the streets or with strangers. Please return them to us so we can find another home for them.
Do you have purebred cats or dogs?
It is very rare that purebred cats or dogs are admitted to the shelter. Sadly, they are valued more than aspins and puspins who are equally deserving of a home. Please consider adopting a local breed instead.
Do you have puppies or kittens for adoption?
Puppies and kittens are only available for fostering for up to 6 months, or until they are vaccinated and neutered. Fostered puppies and kittens may be permanently adopted after this period if the fosterer passes the adoption application.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Animal Control vs. Animal Welfare - what's the difference?
Animal control deals with the stray animal population, complaints regarding pet waste and sanitation, and animals becoming a nuisance to the community or posing a risk to public health. Animal welfare refers to the well-being of animals. It aims to promote responsible pet ownership and put an end to animal cruelty. Learn more here.
What is the city pound?
The City Pound operates under the LGU. It is their responsibility to keep the stray dog population under control in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Act. Dogs caught by the city pound are kept for a number of days in case they have owners who wish to claim them. If they are not claimed within the holding period, they are euthanized or put to death. Learn more here.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Do you pick up stray animals?
It’s impossible to rescue all stray animals, so we give priority to victims of cruelty and neglect or those whose life is in imminent danger. For concerns related to animal control, please contact your LGU or city pound.
Is it legal to trap and move stray animals to a different location?
Only the LGU or the City Veterinarian is authorized to trap or catch stray animals when they receive reports of such animals becoming a nuisance to the community or posing a risk to public health. Captured animals must be brought to the pound. Dumping them elsewhere (“niligaw”) is illegal.
ANIMAL CRUELTY & NEGLECT
How do I report animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty MUST be reported to your barangay officials and/or police hotline 911 immediately. You may also seek free legal assistance from PAWS. As the witness and reporting citizen, you will need to execute an affidavit so that PAWS can file the case and appear in court. Learn more here.
My neighbor is neglecting their pet. Can you help?
Please talk to your neighbor first and attempt to educate them in a friendly manner. PAWS cannot intervene or confiscate an owned pet without legal grounds. If you wish to file a case, please follow due process so that PAWS can assist.
Is dog "katay" legal?
NO. If you see dog slaughter in progress, you must stop it IMMEDIATELY and report it to the barangay. In many cases, it is enough to save the animal’s life.
ANIMAL RESCUE
What should I do if I see an injured stray animal?
YOU are their best chance of survival. Calling PAWS does not guarantee that the animal will be rescued due to limited space at the shelter and not enough volunteers. However, our vet can assist in emergency cases if you are willing to transport and foster the animal. Learn more about fostering here.
ANIMAL RESCUE
Can you treat a homeless victim of hit-and-run?
Calling PAWS does not guarantee that the animal will be rescued due to limited space at the shelter and not enough volunteers. Hit-and-run victims need immediate care, and waiting for someone else to respond may cost the animal’s life. Our vet can assist if you are willing to transport and foster the animal. Learn more about fostering here.
DONATING
How do I donate to PAWS?
We accept cash donations via bank transfer, Gcash and Paypal. Donations in kind are also accepted and can be delivered to the shelter or ordered from our partner shops. Check out our donation channels here.
Can I donate my pet to you?
Pets are not donations. A donation is meant to help a charity organization and leaving your pet with us is the opposite of helping.
What is a "Supporting Member"?
A Supporting Member regularly donates a minimum of P300/month. Supporting Members are also considered active PAWS Volunteers and can participate in events such as fundraisers and other shelter activities.
Do you issue donation certificates?
In addition to a receipt, we can issue a PAWS donation certificate upon request as long as we are given a few days’ notice.
Health & Veterinary Care
Can I take my sick pet to your clinic?
The PAWS clinic is open to spay/neuter clients only. Please take your pet to other vet clinics that are better equipped to treat your pet.
Where can I get free or low-cost vet care?
Please contact your local city vet. See full list here.
I can't afford my vet bills. Can you help?
Unfortunately, PAWS cannot help with vet bills of other veterinary clinics. As a charity organization, we can only raise funds for the rescued animals directly under our care.
Health & Veterinary Care
How do I care for nursing kittens/puppies?
The first thing to do is to take the kitten or puppy to the vet in case first aid treatment is required. Nursing kittens and puppies need round-the-clock monitoring for at least 2 weeks. They cannot be left at the shelter where they are prone to infections, cold temperatures, and no one to look after them. They will surely die. Here are tips on caring for nursing kittens and puppies.
Can a shelter animal be a blood donor for my pet?
Our shelter residents cannot be used as blood donors. They are all rescued from cruelty or neglect and are not in the best condition to be blood donors. Their stay at the shelter only has one goal: their own rehabilitation.
Legal Matters
Does the barangay/HOA have the authority to take my pets?
If your pet is kept within your property, nobody can force you to relinquish your pet. If there are sanitation or noise complaints, there is due process with written notices and hearings where you can defend your case. Do not voluntarily surrender your pet without following due process. To avoid this issue, always keep your pet indoors and practice proper animal waste disposal.
Our condominium admin is imposing unreasonable pet policies. What can we do?
Lobby for changes with your fellow pet owners by writing to the admin. Send them a written proposal indicating your willingness as a group to keep the premises clean, pick up after your pet, and keep your pet on a leash in common areas. Specify sanctions for erring unit owners to demonstrate your willingness to govern oneself as a group. Doing this can make the condo admin more accommodating to pets.
What can I do if a breeder/pet shop sold me a sick pet?
This is not an animal welfare concern but an issue covered by consumer law. Please consult a private lawyer for advice.
My pet got run over ("nasagasaan"). What can I do?
These cases are handled by the barangay or police. You may press charges, but also remember that allowing your pet to roam freely outside your home (even in the presence of the owner) is a violation of RA9482 or The Anti Rabies Act. Learn more here.
Can you help me convince my landlord to allow pets in the property?
PAWS cannot influence your landlord’s pet-keeping policies. However, we can help you ask permission to foster or temporarily keep an animal in case of an emergency rescue.
My ex gave me a pet and now he wants it back. Can I refuse?
This is not an animal welfare concern but a property dispute. Please consult a private lawyer for advice.
What can I do about vet malpractice?
A comprehensive investigation, including a necropsy if your pet has died, will determine whether malpractice occurred in the treatment of your pet. Please bring your pet to a clinic that offers this service. You will also need to consult a private lawyer if you wish to press charges. Learn more here.
Lost & Found Pets
Can you help me find my lost pet?
PAWS can assist by posting your lost pet ad on our Facebook page. Just send us your pet’s info and we shall make the announcement. Learn more here.
I found a missing pet. Can I take it to PAWS?
We cannot admit lost pets to the shelter because admission is limited to rescued animals in distress. Please foster the animal in the meantime and send us the info so we can post an ad on our Facebook page to look for the owner. Learn more here.
Lost & Found Pets
My pet has been stolen. What should I do?
Theft is a crime that must be reported to the police. You should also distribute flyers to alert people in case the thief tries to sell your pet. Use all available channels, especially social media, to increase the chances of your pet being returned to you.
SPAY/NEUTER ("KAPON")
How much do you charge for "kapon"?
Our basic fees are as follows:
Female cat – Php 1,000
Male cat – Php
Female dog – Php 1,500
Male dog – Php 1,000
Additional fees will be charged depending on the animal’s breed, health condition and weight. Please see the complete list of fees here.
Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
In addition to avoiding unwanted litters, they will also avoid a number of illnesses and infections if they are neutered, therefore helping them live longer and happier lives. Learn more here.
Can my pet die from the surgery?
Spay and neuter surgeries are safe procedures. The risks are not related to the surgery itself, but to pre-existing conditions that your pet may have. This is why we require a blood test to ensure that your pet is healthy before the surgery. Complications may arise during the procedure, but that is also the case with any other type of surgery, and it is relatively rare.
Will my pet gain weight after being spayed/neutered?
Physiological and hormonal changes may affect your pet’s metabolism and appetite, making them prone to weight gain.
Do you offer free spay/neuter surgery?
We offer free kapon at the shelter every February. Please follow our Facebook or Instagram for updates on when the next one is scheduled and how to register. You may also coordinate with your LGU and request to organize a kapon outreach in your area.
Can you spay/neuter the stray cats in our neighborhood?
Yes, but it has to be under an organized TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program with your community. Proper TNR is the ONLY sustainable solution to our stray population problems. Learn more about TNR here.
Can spaying/neutering fix my pet’s behavioral problems?
It can only reduce undesirable behavior that is caused by the heat cycle, such as aggressiveness, marking or spraying, or the tendency to run away to search for a mate. Proper training is still the best way to have a well-mannered pet.
Is it true that I should wait until they have their first litter before spaying/neutering?
There is no scientific basis for this. In fact, science tells us that it’s better to spay /neuter your pet before their first heat. Waiting for a first litter is completely unnecessary — even risky, since complications may arise while giving birth and it could be fatal.
STRAY ANIMALS
Should I feed the stray animals in my area?
STRAY ANIMALS
What can I do about stray cats in my neighborhood?
Proper TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is the ONLY sustainable solution. DO NOT remove or exterminate them. It is cruel and will only attract new cats. Learn more about TNR here.
A stray animal got run over ("nasagasaan"). What can I do?
Find help on-site by calling the barangay or traffic enforcers. The injured animal must be taken to the vet by whatever means necessary. Here are other steps you can take to help.
STUDENT REQUESTS
Can we invite PAWS to our school for a lecture?
Yes. A PAWS Humane Education Speaker may be invited to visit schools to conduct a lecture on responsible pet ownership and proper care of pets. See requirements here.
Can we interview a PAWS officer for a school project/research assignment?
Interviews may be conducted with our authorized staff and volunteers for thesis and research, provided the information gathered is used for educational purposes only. See requirements here.
Can we conduct a study or experiment on the shelter animals?
We will not allow our shelter animals to become subjects for tests or experiments. They are all going through physical and behavioral rehabilitation and must not be subjected to further stress.
Can I apply as a student intern?
We only accept vet students as interns. For non-vets, only those who have been oriented as volunteers and are serving as active volunteers can be granted an internship. For vet internships, please message us to apply.
Volunteering
How can I volunteer for PAWS?
Volunteer applicants must first attend the volunteer orientation to see what assignments suit them. Please follow our Facebook or Instagram for updates on when the next volunteer orientation is scheduled, or visit this page.
Can I volunteer without attending the orientation?
Yes, you can do this by participating in our Shelter Feeding, Shelter Cleaning or Project Calm programs. These are volunteer activities that you can organize with your workmates, classmates, family or friends.
Can I submit my application form on the day of the orientation?
No. All applications must be submitted within the designated period so that we have time to screen and confirm all attendees before the scheduled orientation date.
Is there an age requirement for volunteers?
No. However, minors are required to attend the orientation with a parent or guardian. When volunteering, children below 13 must also be supervised by their parent or guardian
Volunteering
Is there a time quota for volunteer work?
No. Some people volunteer only once a week, once a month, or whenever their schedule allows it. Shelter volunteer work must be within operating hours. (Monday-Saturday except Wednesdays and holidays, between 8am to 5pm)
Can I get a volunteer certificate if I volunteer?
As a charity organization, we do not give volunteer certificates to students for academic compliance. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity where one dedicates their time and resources for no financial or social gain.
What is an "active volunteer"?
They are volunteers who render at least eight (8) hours a month doing shelter or out-of-shelter work. Active volunteers get included in special activities, events, and workshops. Volunteers who foster shelter animals are automatically awarded their 8-hours for each month that they foster.