Pet owners gathered at the Aurora Park here on Saturday to promote responsible ownership and at the same time, avail of free veterinary consultation and anti-rabies vaccination services.

Organized by the city government of Laoag, in cooperation with the Top Breed Dog Team and Dog Owners Association of Ilocos Norte, the dog health caravan is part of the Pamulinawen Festival held every February.

Over the past years, Laoag residents have been adopting dogs and cats. Pet shops and veterinary clinics have also been sprouting.

Laoag Mayor Michael Keon himself keeps four dogs in his house in Barangay Calayab.

To date, the official Facebook account of the Dog Owners Association of Ilocos Norte, created in January 2019, has already 3,100 members.

To highlight the caravan, a dog pawshion (fashion) show was set at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be cash prizes, freebies, and special awards. The categories are open to small, medium, and large dogs.

Criteria for judging are stage projection, 50 percent; costume design and creativity, 40 percent; and audience impact, 10 percent. (PNA)