Balay Dako apologizes after pet owner calls restaurant out for barring an Aspin from entry • PhilSTAR Life

Balay Dako, a popular restaurant in Tagaytay City, has apologized for a recent incident where it allegedly barred an Aspin (Asong Pinoy) from entry.

The restaurant issued a statement on Sept. 9 after one customer named Lara Antonio recounted how she and her Aspin named Yoda were turned away.

"As a company that loves animals, we understand the importance of accommodating pets. However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests. We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners," Balay Dako said.

The restaurant added that it is taking steps to ensure its staff is better trained and guided to understand and implement its policies.

In a lengthy Facebook post on Sept. 8, Antonio shared about how her Aspin was barred from entry.

At first, Yoda and her other dog were allowed to enter and were only required to wear diapers. But while waiting to be seated, a staffer approached the front-of-house (FOH) server and suddenly, Antonio was told that her dog was not allowed inside.

“She says [the establishment allows] up to medium-sized dogs only,” Antonio wrote.

She then asked about the size qualifications for a medium dog, as for her, Yoda, who weighs 18 kg, falls under that category.

"I asked again, 'ano 'yung size qualifications ng medium dog?' And then they talked amongst themselves, [and] someone [came] out and says 10 to 15 kg lang po. At this point, I know 15 kg is arbitrary and they just chose a number smaller than Yoda [...]" Antonio said, adding that this weight range was not specified in any of their pet guidelines online and in print.

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Lara Antonio / Facebook

Things escalated when the customer talked to the manager, who later said that the only "dogs allowed are 'shih tzus, labradors...'" and the like. As Antonio pointed out, labradors weigh 25 kg and above.

“[W]hat’s clear to me is that they’ll decide based on what your dog looks like. [...] Kasi kung 15 kg talaga [‘yung qualification], bakit pwede [‘yung] labrador? Bakit may golden retriever?” the user continued.

"[Balay Dako] is NOT pet friendly to big dogs or Aspins. Don't bother going," she ended.

Early last year, Balay Dako’s pet policy drew flak from pet owners as it stated that only “well-behaved small and medium-sized pets” would be allowed entry into the restaurant.

According to a 2021 post from the restaurant, pets should be fully vaccinated, have diapers on at all times, be on a leash or in a carrier or trolley close to the owner, not be left attended, and not cause inconveniences to others by barking, jumping, occupying pathways, aggressive behavior, and being unsanitary.

“We reserve the right to refuse entry if your pets [are] dirty, smell offensive, or display signs of aggression,” their guidelines read.

'Be more inclusive'

Antonio's post has since made the rounds online, with users slamming Balay Dako over the incident.

"Boo!! Kahit sa also may 'racial discrimination'? They discriminated the breed that's endemic pa in the Philippines!" one user said in the comments section.

"They should just decide if they’re pet-friendly or not instead of ruining other people’s road trips/family vacations," another added.

"Don't call yourself pet-friendly if your acceptance is based on breed," one user wrote on Instagram.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also expressed its disappointment, calling the incident "disheartening."

"Our fervent hope is that everyone will adopt a more inclusive and compassionate approach and that steps will be taken by the restaurant, and to ensure that their policies reflect genuine inclusivity, and not arbitrary standards or breed preferences," it wrote in a statement.

"True pet friendliness involves creating a welcoming environment for all breeds including Aspins who are just as deserving of love and acceptance."

TAGS: pets DOGS TAGAYTAY Aspin balay dako

About the author

Denise Pangan

Contributing writer/ Intern

Denise Pangan is a journalism senior at the University of Santo Tomas. When she’s not stressing over deadlines, she watches EN-O’CLOCK vlogs and reads fiction novels.