By Sahar Nathalie Gasemi

For pet lovers, leaving their pets at home alone could be a worrisome problem.  Who will look after their pets?  What if they get hungry while their owners were away?

If you live in Metro Manila, you might think it’d be hard to find places that are pet-friendly. But you will be stunned to know that some shopping malls actually allow pets.  You just have to be sure that (1) your pet is kept on a leash or in a carrier; (2) your pet wears diaper; (3) your pet has an updated immunization record; (4) your pet can socialize well, and (5) you carry a travel kit, which includes a portable bowl with treats, water, etc.

Here’s a list of some of the malls in the metro area that allow pets.

SM Malls (SM City North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia)

As long as your pet is wearing a diaper and would not make any mess, SM Malls allow pets on its premises. SM City North EDSA has Sky Garden— a perfect spot for a cool walk with your pets. Meanwhile, pets are also allowed at SM Mall of Asia’s open areas, where the mall operators provide poop bag dispensers and dog food receptacles.

Powerplant Mall

The Powerplant Mall is one of the first malls to extend their arms wide for your pets. It’s not a big deal in Powerplant Mall to see fuzzy paws prowling while their owners shop.

Eastwood Mall

Just make sure to secure a pet pass at the concierge desk so your pet will be allowed to enter the mall. There’s a lot of places in Eastwood Mall for your pet to walk around and socialize.

Bonifacio High Street

Bonifacio High Street is the perfect place for you and your pets to hang out. Vast greenery all over the place is waiting for your pets to walk, play, and run around. Other pet owners who tag along hard-to-find dog breeds in the area are always interesting to see.