More rescued dogs and cats under the care of the Cebu City Government are finding homes, with 170 pets adopted from January to August 2026.
The figure is the highest annual adoption count recorded by the city so far and has already surpassed the 138 adoptions recorded for the whole of 2024, previously the highest figure on record.
Mayor Nestor Archival highlighted the milestone on Thursday as Cebu City marked National Dog Day with a visit from adoptable dogs from the Cebu City Animal Care and Control Center.
Records from the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) showed that 51 rescued pets were adopted in 2022, followed by 62 in 2023 and 138 in 2024. Adoptions dropped to 37 in 2025.
The 170 adoptions recorded in the first eight months of 2026 represent a 360 percent increase from last year’s total.
Archival thanked those who adopted, fostered, volunteered and donated to the city’s animal welfare efforts, saying their support has helped give rescued animals another chance at finding homes.
He also encouraged people planning to get pets to consider adoption.
“If you are thinking of getting a pet, don’t shop. ADOPT,” Archival said.
The city said dogs and cats remain available for adoption at the Cebu City Animal Care and Control Center.
Archival also reminded pet owners that taking an animal home comes with the responsibility of providing food, shelter, attention and proper veterinary care.
He encouraged owners to have their pets vaccinated and spayed or neutered.
The city continues to provide adoption, vaccination and spaying or neutering services through the DVMF.
Donations also help support the rescued animals while they remain under the city’s care. An anonymous donor recently provided three sacks of dog food to the DVMF.
The 170 adoptions recorded this year reflect the growing number of rescued animals leaving the city shelter and becoming part of households across Cebu City.
Photo courtesy of Nestor Archival / FB
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