LOOK: These LGUs Are Making Room for Pets in Evacuation Centers
Because our furry friends deserve to stay safe and dry, too.
by Zoe Andin
Published on Aug 10, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Evacuating during bad weather is stressful enough, especially when you have pets to bring along. As the enhanced habagat forces many Filipinos to leave their homes, evacuation centers are also taking in their cats and dogs. Some local government units (LGUs) have taken an extra step by setting up designated areas for pets within evacuation centers.
On August 9, the Quezon City Veterinary Department (QCVD) set up a holding and evacuation area with collapsible crates for the cats and dogs of Barangay Bagong Silangan. Residents bringing pets to the evacuation center are asked to register them with the city veterinary team, which will also help place each animal in an appropriately sized cage. According to the QCVD Facebook post, veterinarians are on-site to assist and monitor pets in the evacuation area.
The QCVD initially reported 32 animals at the site—25 adult dogs, four puppies, and three cats. By August 10, around 53 pets were reportedly staying at the Bagong Silangan pet evacuation center.
Over in Marikina, evacuees at Malanday Elementary School were also seen bringing their pets with them on August 9 as they took shelter from heavy rain. The school was one of 36 evacuation centers open in the city as of August 9, with dogs kept in cages in a designated Pet Evacuation Area separate from the main shelter space.
It’s not the first time Marikina has made room for pets during evacuations. As a city all too familiar with storm-related floods, the Marikina LGU has previously deployed pet cages, distributing them to more than 20 evacuation centers during the habagat enhanced by Tropical Storm Karding in August 2018.
Down in Parañaque, some barangays are also helping look after pets during the bad weather. San Dionisio Animal Welfare distributed dog food and cages to pets that are taking shelter with their owners at Palanyag Gym.
The setup follows a wider push by the Parañaque City Veterinary Services Office to include animals in evacuation planning. They also accept in-kind donations of pet food, water bowls, crates and carriers, leashes, and pet hygiene essentials like towels, shampoos, and soaps. Interested donors can contact PAWS Volunteer Kryndall Garcia-Puzon at 09173177214 or the Animal Regulations Division Veterinarian Dr. Maisie Gubat at 09763581256.
Preparation is key—even for pets
During disasters, our pets depend on us even more to get them to safety. PAWS reminds owners to bring pets indoors and use a leash or carrier when evacuating with them. In a worst-case scenario, pet parents are encouraged to set their pets free rather than leave them chained or caged to increase their chances of survival.
“A chained or caged animal has no way to escape rising floodwaters, falling debris, or other dangers on their own,” PAWS reminded pet owners in a Facebook post.
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency go-bag ready with current photos of your pets, owner contact details, vaccination records, a first-aid kit, dry towels, and food and water. Having these on hand makes it easier to care for pets while staying at an evacuation center or away from home.
Those who wish to help others can also donate through the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which is organizing a donation drive for cat and dog food, bigas, and canned sardines to be distributed to pet owners and affected animals. Donations can be dropped off at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center at Aurora Boulevard corner Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Also read: PAGASA’s New Weather App Lets You Check Rain, Heat + More Before Heading
Zoe thinks a lot but forgets just as much. Writing helps her deal with both problems. When she isn't writing, she spends time baking sweets, wandering around, or staring up at the moon.