AKF celebrates 20 years of leading animal welfare advocacy in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) celebrated its 20 years of upholding animal welfare and resistance against animal cruelty at AKF’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Center last June 26.

Founded in 2002, AKF has since led a successful campaign against the dog meat trade and furthered its campaign through various educational programs on companion animals. As they approached another milestone, AKF went back to their roots and celebrated together with the surrounding communities in their rescue shelter at Capas, Tarlac through the Project SNAP (Spay, Neuter, Adoption Program).

Initiated in 2008, Project SNAP was AKF’s answer to the rising concern for animal overpopulation and the continued threat of rabies virus. It aims to bring free vaccination and spay and neuter services all over the country. Now that it was held at the center that birthed it years ago, nostalgia hit home.

“This is our manifestation of commitment towards animal welfare programs, ensuring responsible pet ownership and bringing the advocacy to the consciousness of the general public,” said AKF Program Director Atty. Heidi Caguioa during the ceremony.

AKF veterinary volunteer surgeons were assisted by senior veterinary students from different schools. They teamed up to fix a total of 200 companion animals.

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Volunteerism is much alive in this celebration. AKF veterinary volunteer surgeons were assisted by senior veterinary students from different schools. They teamed up to fix a total of 200 companion animals.

Pet parents were not left behind waiting for their beloved pets to recover, AKF’s lead volunteers delved in pet education to talk about rabies awareness and prevention, the importance of spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership. Exhibition booths were also set up for AKF’s campaign for farm animals and partner brands.

Through the combined efforts of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA), Vets Love Nature and AKF’s veterinary partners, Vets On the Block, Pet Vet Go and the Doc May Pet Wellness Center, their masterful hands lead the volunteer veterinary surgeons to accommodate all of the said companion pets.

People who went to the event expressed their gratitude and appreciation through messages and comments on AKF’s social media pages. Hanna, an owner of two cats, was thankful for AKF’s initiative.

Now that it was held at the center that birthed it years ago, nostalgia hit home.

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“I felt happy and at the same time relieved kasi alam kong mas magiging healthy sila. Maiiwasan rin ang pagdami nila and there would be room for more rescues,” she said.

In its 20 years of service, AKF also initiated campaigns for freeing egg-laying hens in confined cages called "Cage-Free, Go Cruel-Free!" and "Better Fish Tomorrow,” for the fishes. Both campaigns expand animal welfare beyond companion animals.

This 20th year also marks the expansion of its rescue and rehabilitation center. Additional facilities to conduct animal welfare events were constructed.

‘Bed, Bark n’ Breakfast,’ AKF’s very own pet-friendly accommodation, is also up for reservation for an overnight stay.  Its proceeds go to the sustenance of the shelter’s operations.

The overwhelming support this event received is a success indicator as people are now clamoring for more spay/neuter and vaccination programs. With this, AKF assures the continuance of their projects and campaigns.

For more information on AKF’s campaigns and programs, visit www.akf.org.ph and check out their socials by searching @akfanimalrescue.