TODAY, pet owners raise their dogs like their own children. They dress them up, bring them to places, enroll them in pet training lessons, and most importantly, provide them with love and care.
But how far should a furparent treat their furbaby like a human child?
On Tuesday, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) urged pet owners to respect other people’s boundaries in public places, after photos of two furparents changing their pet dog’s diaper on a diaper changing station in a female restroom of a shopping mall circulated on social media.
Diaper changing stations are mounted on the walls of the female restrooms in shopping malls to provide comfortable and convenient space for parents as they attend to their baby’s needs.
While more establishments welcome pets, PAWS stressed that pet owners should be considerate of other individuals who use the shared space.
“We know how much our pets mean to us; they’re beloved members of our families,” PAWS said.
It continued, “And with the growing acceptance of pets in public spaces comes a critical responsibility: to safeguard these spaces by respecting boundaries and protecting the health and well-being of both people and animals.”
The animal welfare group emphasized that using these diaper changing stations could pose health and safety risks to human infants and “potentially undermine” public trust in the pet-friendly spaces.
“Just as there are designated areas and facilities meant to accommodate animals such as pet parks, there are also spaces created for the unique needs of young children and their own families,” PAWS stressed.
“Respecting these distinctions is not only a matter of public health, but also one of mutual respect and social harmony,” it added.
Responsible pet ownership
The viral photos originated from a recent post of a Filipino netizen on Reddit. They said that the snapshots were taken in a mall in Pampanga in 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Gigil ako sa ganitong klase na pet owners,” the Redditor said.
“Since madami ako nakikita na posts about irresponsible pet owners sa mga public places, share ko na rin yung never ko na makakalimutan way back in 2021. Ginagamit nila sa dog nila yung diaper changing table for babies! Grabe!” they continued.
The photos have circulated on various social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), stirring discussions about responsible pet ownership. Many netizens raised their eyebrows over the viral photos and described the two furparents’ actions as unsanitary.
“Ganito ka entitled ang ibang fur parents. Imagine [they’re] changing [a] dog’s diaper on the baby changing table without any mat or whatever. Napaka unhygienic on so many levels. Minsan wala na talaga kayo sa lugar,” a netizen posted on X.
Other Redditors pointed out the possibility of acquiring zoonotic diseases, or infectious illnesses that spread between animals and humans.
“Dog owner ako pero I don’t condone this act. Public hazard ito. Aware naman tayo na maraming zoonotic diseases [na] pwedeng ma-transfer ang alaga natin sa ating owners,” one Redditor said.
“Tapos may allergy sa aso yung next na baby na gagamit niyan [diaper changing station]. Sama ng ugali ng mga dugyot na mga ‘to,” another Reddit user said.
“What if yung bata na next na gagamit niyan may matinding asthma, allergy, or immunocompromised (which all babies are)?” a Redditor commented. “Nakakagalit ‘to hindi nakakagigil. This is very alarming. So out of touch. ‘Animal lover’ pero wala na sa lugar.”
PAWS said responsible pet owners should lead by example with care and awareness, including knowing how they can best support their pets and making considerate decisions on their behalf.
Pet policies
While many shopping malls allow pets to enter their premises, the mall management has set certain pet policies that pet owners should comply with to ensure the safety of animals and mallgoers.
For instance, SM Supermalls prohibits pet owners from placing their pets on the diaper changing station or baby seats in the restrooms. Pets are also not allowed inside or around children’s play areas and to be placed on top of tables and chairs in dining areas like the Food Hall or Food Court.
Furparents are required to put a leash on their pets, place them in a pet carrier or stroller, or carry them on their arms. They are only allowed to remove the leash at the mall’s Paw Park.
Meanwhile, pet policies vary at different Ayala Malls, but some require pet owners to carry and put a leash on their furbabies at all times.The mall management also advised pet owners to apply for a Pet ID if they wish to bring their companion animals to the shopping center.
