Bringing your pets to the mall? Here are some common pet policies you need to know
As more Filipinos embrace pet parenthood, the demand for pet-friendly public spaces, particularly in shopping malls, continues to grow. While many malls now welcome pets, each has its own rules, leading to varied experiences.
This dynamic recently sparked a debate on Threads when a social media user questioned the true meaning of "pet-friendly" if pets must be carried or confined to strollers. The post resonated with many pet owners who shared frustrations about strict limitations that hinder an enjoyable outing for both pets and their owners.
Conversely, others underscored that these requirements ensure hygiene, safety, and consideration for mallgoers with allergies, fears, or cultural sensitivities.
To help pet parents navigate these varying policies, we have compiled guidelines from malls across the country, offering a clearer picture of what to expect when bringing furry companions along.
Handling your pets inside the mall
Major malls like SM Supermalls, Araneta City, Power Plant Malls, Robinsons Malls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and Ayala Malls allow pets on their premises if they are fully supervised. For instance, pets visiting these malls should always be on a leash, in a carrier/stroller, or hand-carried, and wearing diapers is "highly encouraged."
For SM Supermall, dogs are only allowed to be off-leash at the Paw Park.
Ultimately, pets must always be supervised by their owners while inside the mall for the safety of the pet and other mall goers.
Register your pets
Before entering most malls, especially larger chains, pet owners are often required to register their pets either online or at the mall's concierge. This process typically involves filling out a form with your pet's basic information (name, breed, age), submitting a vaccination record, and sometimes signing a waiver of responsibility.
At SM Supermalls, you don't need to register for the Super Pets Club to enter the mall, but registration is required to use Paw Park.
Likewise, Robinsons Mall also has the Happy Pets Club, which was launched in 2022. Membership in HPC is also made easier with the introduction of online registration via QR code. This allows pet owners to have a digital pet pass whenever they need to drop by the mall with their pet companions.
To become a member and get a virtual pet ID, all fur parents have to do is download and register to RMalls+, the new mobile app of Robinsons Malls. By clicking the Happy Pets Club button, members can immediately access their Digital Pet Pass if already registered or easily sign up through an online form. Existing HPC members can also avail of multiple pet passes, so they don't have to worry about bringing more than one pet during their next visit to the mall.
For Ayala Malls, each pet owner who wishes to bring his/her pet inside any of the Ayala Malls shall apply for an Ayala Malls Pet ID at the relevant mall's Concierge or Administration Office. Here are the conditions and requirements.
For Power Plant Mall, all pets must have a registered Rockwell Pet Passport with up-to-date rabies vaccinations and a clear 2×2 pet photo. Please note that all previous Pet Passports obtained prior to October 14, 2024, must be renewed due to the mall's updated policy. If your pet doesn't have a passport yet, you may temporarily show proof of application while obtaining one. You can apply here.
Pet owners can also bring their pets to Araneta City's Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and other parts of the city, provided they have secured the Pet Pals ID. To get the ID, owners must fill out an online application form and submit a printed copy to the mall concierges with a photocopy of their pet's vaccination card/booklet and a 1x1 colored photo of their pet. The ID will be given for free.
On the other hand, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, such as Eastwood City, Festive Walk Iloilo, Lucky Chinatown, Southwoods Mall, Uptown Bonifacio, and Venice Grand Canal, require a digital pet pass "for a more convenient and safer journey" with their pet parents. This pass provides owners with access to a virtual pet pass on their mobile devices and grants entry to mall premises, stores, and dining establishments upon presenting the digital pass.
To access, pet owners must scan the Pet Pass QR code located at entrances and the concierge of the MLM. The QR code will open the Digital Pet Pass Application Form, fill it out then the digital pass will be sent via email in less than 24 hours.
Clean up after your pets
The saying "Tapat ko, linis ko" is also applicable when bringing your pet inside the mall. That being said, fur parents are obligated to clean up after their pets, such as cleaning their urine using wet wipes and disposing of any pet feces, waste, and litter. They are encouraged to put these in sealed plastic bags prior to throwing them in pet waste bins.
Where pets are and aren't allowed
Even in pet-friendly malls, not all areas are accessible to pets.
At Power Plant malls, small to medium-sized pets must be carried or in a stroller inside the mall. Large dogs are only allowed in outdoor areas like al fresco dining areas (Lopez Drive, Proscenium Retail Row, Edades, One Rockwell, and Joya restaurants) and the Plaza Garden. Specifically, they are not allowed in The Marketplace, Chapel premises, The Fifth, and Power Plant Cinemas.
Meanwhile, SM Supermalls allow pets in dining areas like the Food Hall or Food Court, but they should not be placed on top of tables and chairs. In restrooms, they also should not be placed on diaper changers or baby seats. Likewise, pets are not allowed inside or around children's play areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed inside the chapel or mass area.
Some malls also have various reminders about entering specific establishments. Araneta City (Pet Pals Stickers) and SM Supermalls (Blue Paw Print Stickers) indicate that the establishments allow pets.
Size restrictions
Pet size can also determine access to certain areas within malls. While many shopping centers are open to all breeds and sizes, some implement specific rules depending on the size of the pet.
Ayala Malls has three kinds of size policies depending on where the mall is located.
In their Lax Tier Pawlicies, only common domesticated or household dogs and cats are allowed inside the mall or within mall premises. Pets' size, however, is not specifically limited, but pet owners must be able to maintain control over their pets at all times.
Limited Tier Pawlicies, meanwhile, only allow small common domesticated or household dogs and cats weighing less than 30lbs and inside a stroller or carry-on bags are allowed inside or within the mall premises.
Lastly, in the hybrid tier, there are certain rules regarding pet size inside or within the mall premises, which can be identified here.
Meanwhile, Power Plant malls allow only small to medium-sized pets (22 inches in height from head to paws). Large dogs are restricted to outdoor areas, including al fresco dining areas and the Plaza Garden, as these dogs "can sometimes make it difficult for others to navigate the hallways and common areas of the mall." Nonetheless, the mall welcomes all breeds of pets, but aggressive or disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
For SM Supermalls, pets of all breeds and sizes and trained service animals for security & special needs shall be allowed within mall premises, mall common areas, elevators, and escalators.
No animals other than domestic dogs and cats are allowed to enter the mall or the surrounding areas of Araneta City. The size of these pets is not regulated, however, pet owners must be able to maintain control over them during their visit.
Vaccination status
All malls emphasized the necessity of pet vaccination, as required by law, health regulations, or the mall's guidelines. Pet owners must ensure that their furbabies' vaccination status is up to date to protect the animal and those around them.
Owner's liability
Major malls state that individuals who bring their dogs or cats into the mall take full responsibility for any risks, including potential damage, illness, or injury caused to people, other animals, or property, both personally and collectively.
Pets displaying signs of aggression or illness will be denied entry and may be asked to leave the premises.
Ultimately, pet owners should ensure proper behavior of their pets to avoid disturbing others.
