MANILA, Philippines – When thousands of Filipinos living near the Taal Volcano fled after the volcano was spotted spewing ash on Sunday, January 12, some of them weren’t leaving behind not just their homes but their pets as well.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) found pet dogs, cows, and other livestock stranded around the Taal Volcano, especially in Talisay, Batangas, during their assessment of the area on Monday, January 13.

Found thirsty and hungry, hundreds of animals in Talisay town were left behind by their owners, who evacuated in the wake of the Taal Volcano eruption. In surrounding areas, animals are at serious risk from ashfall and abandonment.

PAWS left food and water for both chained and stray animals as it conducted its assessment in the area, and aided a woman struggling to evacuate the area with all 3 of her dogs on her motorcycle, even after improvising makeshift seats for them.

Knowing there’s more that can be done, PAWS is seeking donations of cow feed, chicken feed, dog food, cat food, bottles of water, and pet bowls for their relief operations for these stranded animals. They’re hoping to bring help to stranded animals in Tagaytay City as well. (READ: #ReliefPH: Help communities affected by Taal Volcano eruption)

These donations may be sent via Grab or Lalamove or dropped off at their animal shelter, Aurora Boulevard, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

People may also deposit donations in the following accounts:

Account name: Philippine Animal Welfare Society

BPI (swift no. BOPIPHMM)
Peso account no.: 3943-0086-11
Dollar account number: 3944-0021-61

PNB (swift no. PNBM PHMM)
Peso account no.: 1888-70015305

Saving our fur friends

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority K-9 Corps, in partnership with Strategic Power for Animal Respondents-Philippines (SPAR), is also calling for volunteers who can help rescue pets in  affected areas.

Volunteers who can help crate and transport abandoned pets in Batangas and nearby provinces to a shelter or foster home may contact the following numbers to join the initiative: 0917 7680 555 and 0917 6363 823.

Seven dogs from those rescued by MMDA K-9 Corps are now up for adoption, while one already has an owner. Out of the 8 dogs that were rescued, 4 are at the vet but will soon be released for adoption.

Strays Worth Saving is calling on kind individuals to consider giving a home and loving family to any of the 7 dogs up for adoption. There will also be another batch up for adoption following MMDA K-9 Corps’ rescue of more than 100 dogs from Taal on Wednesday, January 15.

Those who are interested in adopting a rescued dog may send a private message to Strays Worth Saving.

AKF Animal Rescue is also leading a team for the feeding, vet care, and possible rescue of those who were stranded in Batangas – including animals.They are in need of in-kind donations for both humans and animals, as well as cash donations. 

Volunteers such as transporters, feeders, veterinarians and assistants are also needed. Those with cars are highly preferred to help assist in their relief and rescue ops in Batangas.

On Wednesday, January 15, they were able to provide food and clean water to strays and abandoned pets in affected areas in Batangas with the help of donations that poured in for their operations.

Check out the link below for details on how to help support their operations:

If interested in Volunteering, please sign up here:https://t.co/4k3lILKoWb

Cash and in kind donations are still accepted. Check out the donation channels and drop off points here : https://t.co/EzvTCVGrNl

— AKF Animal Rescue (@AKFanimalrescue) January 14, 2020

Not alone

Even individuals are finding ways to help out as well. A local veterinarian in Balete, Batangas, is helping treat horses suffering from colds triggered by the ashfall in the area. These horses were evacuated by locals from Taal Volcano Island to a housing facility in Palsara, Balete, Batangas on Sunday, January 12. Some of these horses are still covered in ash as of Tuesday, January 14.

A local veterinarian takes care of the horses retrieved from the volcano island. According to @notgiodude, the horses are currently being treated in an evacuation site located in Balete. #TaalEruption2020 pic.twitter.com/2OOMfXCBRy

— MovePH (@MovePH) January 14, 2020

Several Filipinos have also offered temporary shelter for animals affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

In a Facebook post, Bobbie Garcia Carranceja offered her farm for any rescued animals that need temporary shelter. Less than 30 minutes away from Tagaytay, the farm can be found at Sitio Sibukawan, Brgy Tumalim, Nasugbu. For more details, contact the farm’s caretaker, Judith, at +63 999 449 1282.

Edsel Paredes also shared in a Facebook post that owners seeking temporary shelter for their pets may head to his kennel in Magallanes, Cavite. Aside from free boarding, he’ll also provide free food for the pets until the situation calms down.

“No one should be left behind. Let us save our pets,” Paredes said in his post.

Pet owners may contact Paredes at 09171177717 for more details.

Keeping our fur friends safe

Those with fur friends and are in an area affected by falling ash should keep animals safe indoors since ash emissions are dangerous to both humans and animals. Prepping leashes, harnesses, carriers, medication, food, as well as keeping animal companions close by, are important to ensure that you can flee together at a moment’s notice.

During evacuations, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) suggested to never leave animals behind since they might become malnourished, dehydrated, or might escape in fear and get lost.

In case you have to leave your animal companion behind, PETA encourages leaving them with at least 10 days’ supply of water and dry food. Animals should also stay in a secure area inside the house instead of leaving them tied up or caged outside.

Those who spot any animals in distress and are unable to help can also note the animal’s location and contact PETA at 0999-888-7382. PETA also accepts donations via this link.

Do you know of similar initiatives being done to help stranded animals near Taal Volcano? Let us know by tagging @MovePH on social media! – Rappler.com