Pets and the city–guide to pet-friendly malls
Abide by the pawlicies. Clean up if they make a mess or you’ll ruin it for everyone
Our pugs are well-traveled.
They have been to Tagaytay, Baguio, Sagada. They have taken plane rides (on Philippine Airlines), frolicked on the shores of Boracay (where the beach patrol said dogs aren’t welcome on White Beach, but looked the other way after learning we flew all the way from Manila), gone islandhopping in Puerto Princesa, and stayed at hotels.
When they hit their senior years, though, we knew their plane-ride days must come to an end. Luckily, more and more malls in the metro welcome pets these days.
Our quick guide to petfriendly malls in the city:
Eastwood Mall
This one’s on the top of our list since it was one of the first communities to welcome pets inside its shopping malls—way before having a pet became a trend.
Like all Megaworld establishments, pets are required to get an ID at the concierge (more on this later). They also opened this year Bark Central, Manila’s first indoor, off-leash dog park. There’s a café, boutique, a private VIP room for special occasions, obedience training, agility courses, a ball pit and facilities for grooming, too.
Tiendesitas
Bring your pets and clean up after them. That’s as far as Tiendesitas’ pet policy is concerned. To this day, this place is still popular for its rows of pet shops at the Pet Village. Grooming, shopping, supplies—you name it, they have it. Registering for a pet pass at the Uptown Mall concierge
Power Plant Mall
You’ll need to get your dog a Pawsport, available at the concierge on the ground floor (across Mango). They have very reasonable pet pawlicies. Bring an ID photo along with the pet’s latest vaccination record (antirabies record must be updated). You can opt to carry your pet, carry them around in a pet handbag, or put them in a stroller. Clean up after them and dispose of their poop in sealed bags. They can go almost anywhere except inside Marketplace by Rustan’s and inside the cinemas.
SM Mall of Asia, SMAura Premier, Podium Mall
Just make sure the pets are in their nappies and you’ll be fine. SM MOA allows pets to roam around, but other branches like Aura and Podium require them to be carried around or in a stroller. Best to call first an SM branch and inquire about their pet policies.
Uptown Mall in BGC, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Venice Grand Canal Mall
It was pouring hard when we decided to drop by Uptown Mall, so it was not surprising that there were other pet owners at the concierge registering their pets for a Pet Pass. Just present an updated and original rabies vaccination record along with their photocopies, plus two 1”x1” ID colored photo of your furbaby. Fill out, sign, and submit the form and you’re good to go.
You can also download the form at www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com and e-mail it to uptownconcierge@megaworld-lifestyle.com. (You can download forms for any Megaworld Lifestyle Mall and e-mail it to the concierge of the specific mall.)
You’ll get a snazzy, free ID of your pet, but you are expected to follow Megaworld’s rules of responsible pet ownership: Carry pets when riding escalators, check for golden and silver paw stickers on the door before entering a shop (which indicate your pet is welcome), cover the seats when dining with your pet, clean up after them (make them wear diapers to avoid accidents).
Bonifacio High Street and Serendra in BGC, Circuit Makati, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Greenbelt, UP Town Center, Ayala Malls the 30th, Trinoma, Vertis North
Anyone who has been to Bonifacio High Street and Serendra knows the place is petfriendly. Some offer al fresco shopping experiences, perfect for your pup to sniff around and discover new sights and smells.
“Responsible pet owners are welcome to stroll outdoors with their pet pals leashed, but are generally requested to keep them inside strollers, carriers, baskets, or jumpers inside air-conditioned areas of the mall,” Ayala Malls’ director for marketing Eunice V. Acejo said.
Some Ayala Malls establishments require dogs to be in diapers and certain breeds to wear dog muzzles.
Century City Mall
All dogs and cats are welcome at Century City Mall, provided they don’t exceed two feet in height. They are allowed within common areas of the mall—inside and outside. There are colorcoded, pet-friendly signs outside shops: Blue pet access means pets are allowed in all areas in the establishment, while gray pet access means limited access to pets.
Owners are required to have their pets on a leash or in strollers within mall premises and must cover chairs with paper or cloth when dining at petfriendly restaurants. Again, always make them wear diapers and clean up after “accidents.” This will foster trust between you and the establishment. Pets must also be well-groomed and smell fresh.
Even more awesome, Century has elevators marked “petfriendly.”
Get a Pet Access card by presenting the original copy of your pet’s updated vaccination record plus a photocopy of the first page and the page containing antirabies vaccination, two 1”x1” colored photos of the pet. Fill out and sign the Pet Access form at the ground floor.
You can also download an application form at www. centurymall.com.ph and e-mail the form to concierge@centurymall.com.ph. When you visit the mall, swing by the Pet Registration booth and claim your card. Booth is open every Tuesday, and Fridays to Sundays, 2-5 p.m.
Estancia at Capitol Commons
There are several restaurants to choose from that welcome you and your pup. Just make sure your dog or cat is wearing a diaper and is on a leash and you’ll be fine. Clean up if they make a mess or you’ll ruin it for everyone. Please.
Evia Lifestyle Center
If you live in the South, this is the place to be with your furry friend. There are pocket gardens, too, where your pet is free to explore.
Molito Lifestyle Center
This place has many restaurants, some actually allow pets inside. There are wide spaces for dogs to walk and play around in. It’s close to Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall, so why not pop in and surprise your little friend? As always, be a responsible pet owner. Make them wear nappies and clean up after them.
From experience, most restaurants in these malls welcome pets in their al fresco areas. Some even have water bowls ready for your furballs.