Have you ever heard about pet therapy? Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), launched “Angel Pets,” a program that offers animal-assisted therapy to women and children in the department’s residential care facilities.
Last October 6, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding the implementation of Angel Pets. The event coincided with the 70th anniversary celebration of PAWS, a volunteer-led non-government organization (NGO) that is dedicated to protecting and promoting the humane treatment of all animals.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Program for Children and Women
“A lot of people were wondering because you saw a lot of people wearing red vests, running around na may DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian said, as cited by a press release on the Angel Pets program. “It doesn’t seem the type of event that you will see DSWD. You see us in calamities, doing relief work… There are more commonalities to PAWS and DSWD than people think.”
Sec. Gatchalian explained that similar to PAWS, the DSWD wants to create a better place for everyone — two-legged as well as four-legged fellows. Furthermore, he emphasized that both PAWS and DSWD are fighting for “those who cannot speak for themselves.”
“Like our four-legged friends, our clients have undergone exploitation, abuse, they have been hurt, and they are going through trauma,” the DSWD Chief said. “We also believe that there are lot of good doers inside PAWS and there are lot of good doers inside DSWD. Magkaiba lang siguro yung kliyente natin (We may have different clients), but basically, like I said, we are trying to make a better place for everybody.”
What is Angel Pets?
Angel Pets is an animal-assisted therapy program that aims to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of the DSWD’s clients. It is done in collaboration with PAWS’ Dr. Dog Program.
Program Objectives
Generally, Angel Pets seeks “to help improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of individuals in the DSWD residential care facilities by integrating positive and enjoyable interactions with animals into therapeutic and supportive processes.”
Specifically, the program aims to:
- Improve people’s emotional and mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety through calming interactions with “doctor dogs,” while boosting their mood to enhance happiness and resilience; and
- Promote social interaction by fostering connections and communication through positive dog interactions and strengthening peer bonds with group activities.

Pilot Areas and Beneficiaries
The Angel Pets program is being implemented in two pilot areas of the DSWD: Marilac Hills – National Training School for Girls (NTSG) in Muntinlupa City, and Sanctuary Center in Mandaluyong City.
The Marilac Hills – NTSC is a facility providing residential care and rehabilitation to minor girls, ages 7 to 17 years old, who are survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and children in conflict with the law.
On the other hand, Sanctuary Center is a residential care facility that caters to unattached adult women, ages 18 years old and above, who have been abandoned, neglected, or who have improved psycho-social disability.
In the future, the program is expected to be implemented in other residential care facilities of the DSWD. At present, the department has 76 facilities catering to vulnerable sectors all over the country.
Angel Pets’ Services
The main service of Angel Pets is animal-assisted therapy, which is designed to help in rehabilitating and reintegrating vulnerable groups through incorporating positive animal interactions.
Victims of abuse, exploitation, and other vulnerable sectors are set to benefit from Angel Pets’ services. At the same time, the DSWD’s social workers and care facility staff shall conduct a long-term study on the effects of animal-assisted therapy on their clients.
PAWS’ Dr. Dog Program
As mentioned earlier, the Angel Pets program is being done in collaboration with PAWS’ Dr. Dog Program, which was pioneered by Jill Robinson, the founder of Animals Asia, a group that is committed to improving the welfare of animals across Asia.
Here’s how the program works: PAWS’s “canine consultants,” a.k.a. “Dr. Dogs,” visit hospitals, schools, orphanages, homes for the elderly, homes for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other facilities. They interact with the residents and clients, encouraging them to have a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable time.
Since PAWS is led by and composed of volunteers, it is constantly looking for pets who could serve as “Dr. Dogs,” as well as volunteer dog handlers. Here are the requirements for these positions:
Requirements for Dr. Dogs
To qualify for the program, a dog must:
- Be at least 2 years old;
- Be healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations;
- Be spayed/neutered;
- Have a happy and placid temperament;
- Know basic obedience skills; and
- Pass the Dr. Dog Examination.
Requirements for Volunteers/Handlers
To qualify as a volunteer/handler, a person must:
- Be 18 years old and above;
- Be the owner of the dog candidate;
- Know how to handle his/her dog;
- Have good people skills; and
- Be willing to attend Dr. Dog activities.
To learn more about the Dr. Dog Program, please visit the official website of PAWS.
Video: Launching of Angel Pets Program
The following video features the launching of Angel Pets program, held at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last October 6, 2024:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Angel Pets program:
1. What is Angel Pets?
Angel Pets is an animal-assisted therapy program that seeks to improve the emotional and psychological welfare of DSWD’s clients.
2. What are its objectives?
The program aims to improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of people in DSWD’s residential care facilities.
3. Who are its beneficiaries?
Angel Pets is currently being piloted in two DSWD facilities: Marilac Hills – National Training School for Girls (NTSG) in Muntinlupa City, and Sanctuary Center in Mandaluyong City.
4. What are the services offered?
The program conducts animal-assisted therapy; it is done in collaboration with the Dr. Dog Program of PAWS.
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about Angel Pets by getting in touch with the DSWD Central Office, whose contact details are presented below.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
Questions regarding the Angel Pets program may be addressed to the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City:
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8952-0697 or (02) 8931-8101, local 513
Email: balikprobinsya@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Animal-assisted therapy has been known to benefit people who have experienced trauma, depression, and other situations. Thanks to the Angel Pets program, residents of DSWD’s care facilities are able to have positive experiences that can improve their well-being.
Speaking of angels, the DSWD is also known for its “Angels in Red Vests” initiative. Check out this article to know more about it!