Cebu City named one of Asia’s most pet-friendly cities

Local

CEBU City has been named as one of Asia's most pet-friendly cities, a recognition that caught the head of the city’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) by surprise.

“Puwerte gyung surprise-a nako. Wa ko mag expect nga naa diay group nga murag nag survey,” Dr. Alice Utlang said.

The ranking, which was based on the average number of accommodations that allow pets, placed Cebu City behind Da Nang, Vietnam.

Other cities on the list included Hanoi (Vietnam), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Tainan (Taiwan), Pattaya (Thailand), Taichung (Taiwan), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), New Delhi (India), and Manila (Philippines) in 10th place.

Utlang had set a goal for Cebu City to become a more pet-friendly place, where residents live in harmony with roaming dogs.

She also expressed her desire to make the city a rabies-free area and strengthen the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) program.

Throughout her advocacy, Utlang has emphasized that healthy stray dogs should not face impoundment or punishment.

She also praised Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for fostering stray dogs at City Hall, including ‘Pochie’ and other aspins (asong Pinoy) in his office.

“Talagsa ra kaayo nga a government official, in a government facility or office, naay iro, gi-accept ang iro nga gibuhi gikan sa dalan, giatiman, pakaon og insakto, ug nahimo siyang murag ambassador sa roaming dogs. Nindot kaayo,” Utlang said.

According to Agoda, the ranking reflects a growing trend of pet-friendly travel in Asia, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, who view their pets as family.

A recent study by Allied Market Research supports this trend, and Agoda reported a 64 percent increase in pet-friendly accommodations last year.(MyTVCebu)