The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has officially conferred its first-ever Certified Pet-Friendly Seal to Ayala Malls Vertis North, in recognition of the establishment’s commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for people and their beloved companion animals.
The certification underscores the mall’s inclusive pet policy that welcomes all breeds, especially aspins (Asong Pinoy) and puspins (Pusang Pinoy)-showing that pet-friendliness goes beyond pedigrees and embraces all animals equally.
Ayala Malls Vertis North is also a proud KabaliCAT partner, supporting PAWS’ Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TVR) program for community cats. Through this collaboration, the mall not only provides pet-friendly spaces but also contributes directly to responsible and humane population management of stray animals.
“The PAWS Pet-Friendly Seal is our way of honoring establishments that go the extra mile for companion animals and their humans,” Atty. Anna Cabrera, PAWS executive director, said.
“We commend Ayala Malls Vertis North for its inclusivity in welcoming aspins and puspins, and for its active partnership in TVR through KabaliCAT. This is what true pet friendliness looks like creating safe spaces while also addressing animal welfare at the community level,” she added.
For his part, Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel De Ayala said, ‘In our malls, animal welfare is more than a policy-it’s a reflection of who we are as a community. We believe responsible pet ownership begins with kindness, and we strive to live that value every day.”
He continued, “The reality is, our country faces many challenges with abandoned dogs and cats, but we’re committed to doing our part. When we treat pets as beloved family members-ensuring their safety, health, and happiness-we create places that are vibrant, inclusive, and truly humane. Together, we’re building a culture of care that benefits everyone.”
This marks the official conferment of the PAWS Pet-Friendly Seal to a shopping mall, setting a standard for other establishments to follow in promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in the country.