If they could, fur-parents would bring their loyal companions anywhere. Luckily, more establishments now allow guests to bring their pets—provided they are taken care of—as they shop or dine or just walk around.
These three malls go beyond letting pets into their spaces: cats and dogs are given a space to be themselves, paw-rents can get what they need for the furry members of their family, and the bond shared between humans and animals is highlighted and celebrated.
Drive-thru pet blessing
In celebration of World Animal Day on October 4, Eastwood Mall—the “first and true pet-friendliest mall in the Philippines,” as recognized by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society in 2004—held a special kind of pet blessing.
The event, which started in 2005, is celebrated every 10th month of the year in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
This year’s pet blessing was conducted via drive-thru to ensure pets and their fur-parents maintain physical distancing.
“We may not be able to celebrate it the way we used to, but we still have lots of reasons to be grateful for the moments we get to spend with our loyal friends,” said Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, vice president of marketing at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
The interactive activities and fun games, which are part of the annual event, was held online, during which pet owners were invited to dress up their lovely pals with futuristic costumes of their choice using recycled materials.
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls pioneered the concept of a truly pet-friendly destination in the Philippines by creating pet-friendly facilities and areas across its establishments, including creative signage and public service announcements promoting responsible pet ownership.
Paw Park opens
Here’s something for hoo-moms and paw-pas with active dogs: SM Aura Premier has recently opened an outdoor pet obstacle course, the first in Bonifacio Global City, at the SkyPark on fifth level of the mall.
Built in compliance with Philippine Canine Club standards, Paw Park features 11 agility obstacles: a Double Hoop Jump, an Adjustable Tire Jump, a Tube Tunnel, an Agility See Saw, Weave Poles, an A-Frame, a Dog Walk Ramp, an Agility Walk, a Pause Table, a Wall Jump, and an Adjustable Dog Hurdle.
It aims to provide a designated venue for dog exercises and monitored socialization.
It also has basic amenities for dogs and their owners, including a water fountain, waste bins, and benches. SM Aura Premier is set to hold pet markets and workshops at the Paw Park.
Park use is free, guests only need to register online. Pet owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the dog park’s etiquette and safety rules which are posted for reference right at the Paw Park entrance, on SM Aura Premier’s website, and attached with the digital Paw Park Pass.
The leash-cutting ceremony that marked the opening of the facility was led by SM’s president for engineering designs Chico Sy, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, and San Miguel Animal Health Care’s Raquel Nones.
Seen enjoying the park with their adorable fur babies were Tim Yap and partner Javi Martinez with their Pomeranians Teacup, Babushka, Gigi, and Panda; Century Tuna Superbods 2018 winner Angel Jones with babies Koda, Rocky, and Nala; and fashion designer Francis Libiran with his Chihuahua Toby who won the best dressed award during the launch.
Likewise joining in the fun were football player Chris Greatwich and family with their cool dog Marley; model and actor Fabio Ide and Ellen Fjord with their poodle Simba; songwriter and corporate host Marky Stroem and Kyla Rivera with their furball Kinjo; and Nadhir Khaomi with Chihuahua Paloma.
Furry-friendly shops
Covering everything from clinics to spas, Ayala Malls continues to work towards further solidifying itself as a pet-friendly business. The chain of malls was recently given the 2020 Stevie Award for World Animal Day: From Pet Friendly to Animal Welfare Advocate in recognition of its concern for animals.
Some of the establishments present at Ayala Malls include Bow & Wow, an all-natural pet store; Dogs in the City, a lifestyle destination that offers grooming, daycare, and boarding for pets; Pet Lovers Centre, a Singapore-based pet shop that sells high quality food and products; and Pet Zoofari, a pet store that boasts a zoo-safari concept.
Fur-parents who want to pamper their pets can head over to Furry Tails, which also sells cute costumes; Pooch Park Doggie Day Care, which provides pet boarding for days; and The Dog Spa Hotel, an expert pet grooming salon.
Several pet clinics are also housed in Ayala Malls. Animal House is equipped with in-house diagnostics, X-rays, and ultrasound machines; Doc Ferds Animal Wellness Center is a veterinary clinic that also offers pet boarding and pet-pharmacy; and Uptown Animal Center that provides healthcare services and products.