Supermarkets are a haven for pets and their furry parents in the Philippines, a country where – according to Statista in August 2024 – 6.6% of households have a cat again more than 11 million people own a dog.
Here are the pet policies of some of the country’s largest supermarkets:
Be careful with pets
SM Supermalls, Araneta City, Robinsons Mallsagain Ayala Malls allow pets on their premises if they are fully supervised.
Wearing diapers is “highly encouraged” at SM Supermalls, Araneta City, and Ayala Malls with lax tier pet policy. Diapers are required, however, at Robinsons Malls and Ayala Malls with limited category pet policy.
Each mall under Ayala Malls’ hybrid class The pet policy has different rules regarding diaper use.
Pet IDs are also required at Ayala Malls, Araneta City, and Robinsons Malls.
SM Supermalls
- Pets must always be on a leash, in a stroller/cart, or handled by hand. Dogs are only allowed off-leash in Paw Park.
- Pet owners should always be able to control their animals.
- On escalators, pets must be carried by hand or placed in a pet carrier.
- In elevators, pets must be kept on a short leash.
Robinsons Malls
- Pets must be kept on a leash, carried, or placed in a stroller/cart while inside the mall. When walking pets inside the mall, the leash should be kept short and no longer than one meter.
- Pets must be carried when riding escalators and on a short leash when using elevators.
Ayala Malls
- Unless they fall under prohibited areas, small pets are allowed in the aisle or general areas of the mall in limited and loose sections. It should be inside the slide or carry-on bag no matter what.
- Ayala mall is there the hybrid tier, on the other hand, has the only decision is where pets are allowed.
Araneta City
- The size of dogs and cats is not regulated, although pet owners must be able to control them during their visit.
- Pets are allowed on all escalators. Owners are required to keep pets on hand when going up and down escalators.
- Pets are allowed in all elevators. Owners need to keep their pets at a very short distance when going up and down the elevator to avoid accidents.
Clean up after them
Furry parents need to clean their pets.
Robinsons Malls
- Wipe up urine or collect feces in a sealed plastic bag before disposal.
SM Supermalls
- Properly dispose of pet waste in sealed bags.
Ayala Malls
- Pet owners must remove, clean up, and dispose of any pet feces, waste, and trash from their pets in any area within the mall. They are required to pick up pet waste or clean up their urine using wet wipes. They are then expected to put the soiled wet wipes in a disposable bag before disposing of them in pet waste bins.
Araneta City
- All owners must ensure that they remove, clean up, and dispose of any feces, waste, or debris left by their animals on the premises. They need to wipe the urine with wet cloths. These soiled wipes must be placed in a disposable bag before being disposed of in the designated bins within the mall.
Unlimited locations
Each mall has areas where pets are not allowed.
SM Supermalls
- Stores and restaurants reserve the right to implement pet policies.
- Pets should not be allowed in or near children’s play areas.
- Pets (except guide dogs) will not be allowed inside the chapel or the main area.
- In dining areas such as a food hall or food court, pets should not be placed on tables and chairs.
- In restrooms, pets should not be placed on the diaper changing area or in baby seats.
Robinsons Malls
- Pets are not allowed in cinemas, chapels, and other places that management may specify.
- Pet owners should check and follow the different pet policies of the mall tenants.
- Pets should not be placed on dining tables and chairs.
Ayala Malls
- Pets are not allowed within a ten meter radius of identified children’s equipment and playgrounds.
- Some prohibited areas are those where a notice or sign is visible that the area/s are not allowed for pets.
Araneta City
- Pets are only allowed inside retail stores and restaurants with Pet Pals stickers on the door.
Review vaccination status
All four also mentioned the need for pets to be vaccinated.
SM Supermalls
- Ensure pets are properly vaccinated as required by law and health regulations.
Robinsons Malls
- Pets must be adequately vaccinated before being brought to the mall.
Ayala Malls
- Pet owners will ensure that their pets are properly licensed and vaccinated as may be required by law, regulation, health regulations, or supermarket guidelines. Pets arriving for the first time and without updated vaccination records as may be required will not be allowed entry.
Araneta City
- All furry friends must ensure that their animals are properly licensed and have up-to-date vaccinations as required by regulations, laws, or health regulations. It is expected that all necessary vaccinations will be obtained to protect the animal and those around it.
Responsible pet ownership
SM Supermalls states that any person bringing their dogs into the mall assumes all liability, responsibility, and related risks, jointly and severally, for any damage, disease, or injury to persons, other dogs, and/or property.
Robinsons Malls adds that “aggressive or visibly sick” pets will not be allowed inside the mall. Mall security guards reserve the right to ask pet owners to bring their pets outside of the mall building if the pet exhibits behavior that may harm customers or damage mall property.
Ayala Malls’ pet policy includes a table listing violations with corresponding fines and penalties.
Pet Pawlicies:
SM Supermalls: CLICK HERE
Ayala Malls: CLICK HERE
Robinson Mall:
– Patricia B. Mirasol