DSWD using dogs for therapy

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is piloting a program wherein dogs will be used as part of emotional therapy for clients in residential facilities, according to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

-  SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

Dubbed "Angel Pets Program," the initiative focuses on animal-assisted therapy to enhance the DSWD's services for clients in its Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF).

During the pilot event on Saturday, a team of volunteer emotional support dogs from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), known as "Doctor Dogs," visited young girls at the Marillac Hills-National Training School for Girls (NTSG) in Mandaluyong.

"This program will bring the Doctor Dogs of PAWS into our residential care facilities as another mode of emotional therapy for our clients who are victim-survivors of abuse, exploitation and neglect," Gatchalian said.

Angel Pets is designed to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable groups by incorporating positive and enjoyable interactions with animals into therapeutic and supportive processes.

Selected DSWD centers and residential care facilities will implement the program, where PAWS will play a crucial role.