In moments when life feels heavy—when emotional stress, anxiety, and silent mental struggles weigh on the hearts of many Filipinos — unexpected comfort arrives on four gentle paws.
Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Angel Pets Program, hope is restored, smiles are renewed, and emotional healing begins with a simple nudge and the unconditional love of animals.
Asst Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said the impact of Angel Pets has been deeply felt by those it serves.
“The Angel Pets Program is an innovative initiative championed by our visionary Secretary Rex Gatchalian, implemented in partnership with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). It has proven to be highly effective, and we have received overwhelming positive feedback from clients who experienced Dr. Dog therapy. Many of them shared that the sessions helped ease their anxiety, lifted their spirits, and gave them renewed emotional strength,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said on Sunday (December 28).
Angel Pets was designed to bring light to individuals and families struggling to cope with mental and emotional challenges. At the center of the program is Dr. Dog Animal-Assisted Therapy, a carefully structured intervention where trained dogs help clients regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and rediscover joy.
For many participants, the sessions offer not just therapy, but a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and comforted even without words.
The program also reflects the DSWD’s strong commitment to animal welfare, carried out in close partnership with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
Most Dr. Dog sessions are conducted in PAWS-supported environments, ensuring that the animals involved are well cared for, ethically treated, and properly trained. This collaboration underscores a shared belief: caring for people and caring for animals can go hand in hand.
A year of milestones
In 2025, the Angel Pets reached new heights, marking 14 major accomplishments that expanded its reach and strengthened its outcomes.
From January to August, the program successfully conducted 26 Alaga Sessions, directly benefiting clients through consistent and structured animal-assisted activities. In February, the Angel Pets Sanctuary was officially relaunched, providing a revitalized and nurturing space for both animals and beneficiaries.
From May to August, six Angel Pets ‘Aral Sessions’ were implemented, focusing on education and awareness about mental health, responsible pet ownership, and the therapeutic role of animals.
The program also held case conferences to ensure client progress was carefully monitored and interventions were continuously improved.
In September and October, sanctuary center clients participated in an educational field trip to the PAWS Rehabilitation Center, where they learned firsthand about animal rescue, rehabilitation, and compassion in action.
These activities were complemented by focus group discussions (FGDs) in October, giving clients and partners the opportunity to share insights, experiences, and recommendations for program enhancement.
From September to the present, Angel Pets has been in its post-implementation phase, focusing on sustainability, evaluation, and preparation for future expansion.
A joint evaluation made by DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau (STB) and PAWS revealed a 99.04 percent positive evidence of effectiveness for the Dr. Dog Animal-Assisted Therapy. This symbolizes how deeply the program resonates with its beneficiaries and how powerful human–animal connections can be in healing emotional wounds.
Compassion beyond therapy
Angel Pets also extends its advocacy beyond therapy sessions.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao noted that the DSWD remains committed to sustaining and expanding the program for the upcoming year.
“The DSWD will continue rolling out the Angel Pets Program in 2026, with even stronger advocacy for mental health, animal welfare, and innovative social technologies that respond to the needs of our people,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
Part of that advocacy includes promoting responsible and compassionate pet ownership, with the DSWD spokesperson encouraging the public to consider adoption over purchasing pets.
“We strongly encourage families to adopt pets in coordination with PAWS rather than buying new ones. Adoption is more budget-friendly and, more importantly, it gives abandoned animals a second chance to have a loving home,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
A future full of hope
Through Angel Pets, healing is no longer limited to clinics or counseling rooms, it happens in shared moments of trust between humans and animals.
As wagging tails meet weary hearts, the program continues to remind Filipinos that hope can come from the simplest, most genuine connections.
With compassion as its guide and partnership as its strength, Angel Pets stands as a testament to how love, in all its forms, can truly change lives. (KB)
