A NOBLE effort to train rescued stray dogs as service animals has been initiated by the Quezon city administration.
This was revealed by Mayor Joy Belmonte who said it's an effort to make the canines recognised as salutary members of the community, the Philstar.com reported.
Belmonte said the dogs are being sheltered and listed as candidates for rehabilitation and adoption to become pets for families, emotional support dogs or even bomb detection canines.
Veterinarians have also been tasked to make sure that the rescued animals undergo comprehensive assessment, health check and temperament test before undergoing the training.
"This is to determine if a dog is suitable as a pet or a community service canine," she said in a statement adding only healthy dogs would be qualified for rehabilitation and adoption program.
The local government's veterinary department said dogs are being rescued daily in Quezon City, including those who were surrendered by their owners.
Each dog will undergo a three-day observation and a safety assessment for evaluating rehoming test that identifies the dog's comfort level with restraint and touch, reaction to new experiences including movement and sound stimuli, bite inhibition, behaviour around food and toys as well as arousal level toward other animals.
The dogs will also be screened for common diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, transmissible venereal tumour and mange and parasitism.