(SPOT.ph) With thousands of displaced residents following the "phreatic explosion" of Taal Volcano on January 12, a number of pet cats and dogs and farm animals have also been affected by this calamity. It is unfortunate that some pets were left behind during the forced evacuation, but it's a good thing that there are people who are offering their services for our four-legged friends—but they can’t do it alone.
Here are groups involved in animal rescue and relief operations in the vicinity of Taal Volcano:
Philippine Pet Birth Control Center Foundation
Philippine Pet Birth Control Center Foundation is on its way to Talisay, Batangas to provide immediate veterinary care to animals left behind during the evacuation. Donations, including dog and cat food, old towels and blankets, gauze, bottled water, and canned goods, are very much appreciated. Monetary support is also welcome.
The clinic is at 155-C Boni Avenue, Plainview, Mandaluyong City. Bank deposits can be made through Percival Resurreccion (BDO: 0045-9023-0111, BPI: 2759-0835-15).
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
The Asia chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has deployed volunteers to provide food and veterinary care. They are ready "to help animals on the island itself when permitted," including horses used for tourism activities. If you see animals in need of rescue, you can call PETA through 0999-888-7382. Items needed for their relief operations include telescope, dog and cat food, face masks, leashes, and collars.
You can drop off your donations at PETA Asia, Unit 706, Fedman Building, 199 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Monetary assistance can also be made through their website or  through their bank account (Metrobank, PETA Asia-Pacific Limited, 007-066-31632-3).
PETA Asia also revealed that "the Philippine military won't allow people to evacuate with their animal companions." So volunteers with cars are needed for transport and evacuation through the Facebook group: Taal Rescue Ride Share.
Stray Love PH and Stray Worth Saving
Stray Love PH and Stray Worth Saving, groups focused on rescuing strays, are in need of volunteers who can offer transport for animals stuck in towns surrounding Taal Volcano. If you wish to help, contact 0917-768-0555 and 0917-636-3824.
Philippine Animal Welfare Society
Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is reminding everyone to protect their pets and other animals from ashfall, which has now reached Metro Manila and even up north in Baguio City. It's best to keep them indoors.
The group is also going around towns in Batangas to leave food and water for stray animals while they're doing assessment in the area. You can donate dog and food, old kennel cabs, freshly cut grass for horses and cattle, and food bowls through their website or at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center in Aurora Boulevard, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. PAWS is also in need of chain-cutters for freeing animals in chains.
Philippine Animal Rescue Advocates
Animal owners from Batangas are using the power of social media to ask assistance in rescuing their pets. Philippine Animal Rescue Advocates, a Facebook group with more than 5,000 members, is now serving as a communications platform where evacuees can post photos of the cats and dogs that they had to leave behind.
Bark Central
Bark Central, a dog park and cafe in Eastwood City, is accepting donations for pets affected in the Taal Volcano eruption. Dog leash, dog food, blankets, crates, dog bowls, and drinking water can be dropped off from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 4/F Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City. Their team will be leaving on Saturday, January 18. For more information, call 0995-011-0367.
Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines Incorporated
Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines Incorporated (SECASPI) at 428 Purok 7, Tibagan Road, Majada Out, Calamba City, Laguna is taking in abandoned dogs. If you see or own pets that need to be rescued, they can temporarily stay at SECASPI.
Caretakers in the shelter also need a place to take a bath and get water for the rescued animals as electricity and water supply has been cut in the area. In-kind donations, such as towels, bottled water, leash and collar, cage, foldable cage, canned goods, flashlight, candles, and medicine, are also appreciated.
Animal Shelters
Bobbie Garcia-Carranceja is opening his farm in Nasugbu, Batangas for animals in need of temporary shelter. You can contact the farm's caretaker, Judith, through 0999-449-1282.
Edsel Pagcaliwangan Paredes from Magallanes, Cavite has temporary shelter for pets in need of free boarding. Get in touch with him through 0917-117-7717.
Groups involved in animal rescue can get in touch with Ritche Fabella Carreon through 0923-102-4787. They've opened their family's farm in Lagundi, Morong, Rizal for abandoned pets near Taal Volcano.
Hana from Santo Tomas, Batangas can accommodate up to 30 dogs. Rescue groups can get in touch with her through 0936-041-0436.
UPDATED (January 15, 7 p.m.): This article has been edited to add more groups and individuals initiating donation drives and animal rescue.
Main photo by Cedric Clooth, Pixabay
