In a big Asian city, you don’t trust pets to be tidy inside – and they aren’t, writes Philippines editor Sara Rigatelli.
MANILA When I arrived in Manila a couple of months ago, I was surprised by how many dogs there are here.
The capital region of the Philippines, Metro-Manila, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. It’s impossible to walk on the streets without dodging other people, and even dogs don’t fit in easily.
Most of the dogs are small, but you will meet all breeds, from labrador retrievers to huskies.
My attention was stolen by the fact that many dogs were in diapers, even outside. Dogs were also pushed and carried: in strollers, carrier bags and trunks.
What is going on here, I thought. The dog park!
Filipinos don’t see this is how it is. For them, moving with a dog in public places is a privilege and a sign of general consideration.
During the pandemic, the popularity of pets exploded here as well. Many Filipinos adopted a dog or cat to relieve their anxiety during the lockdown, which was one of the most severe in the world.
When the corona restrictions were eased, countless pets appeared out of homes and onto the streets.
Since there are terribly no dog parks, Manilans wanted to take their pets with them to the shopping streets and malls, where lounging is their favorite pastime.
The stores agreed to this because they wanted to attract their customers back. The stores made it a condition that the dogs must wear a diaper.
They had been used before, but not on this scale.
There is no trust in the Philippines that the dogs would be clean inside – and partly for a reason.
In a big city like Manila, it is common for dogs to use an indoor toilet at home: the same type of box that cats pee in.
Many local pet owners have traditionally let their pets defecate inside without a crate. In wealthier families, domestic helpers are there to clean up any damage.
When I visited a pet hotel in my area, the employees were walking around with a mop after the dogs that peed in the interior. Outdoor activities were not even included in the price.
It is true that dogs are sensitive to peeing or defecating in the same place that either another dog or they themselves have “marked”.
I myself have seen when a dog in Manila pooped in the middle of a mall corridor. The owner calmly collected the waste.
You can see from everything that we are still getting used to dogs in everyday life. The pet section is much more limited than, for example, in Finland.
In many public spaces and vehicles, dogs are not even allowed on a leash, but must be transported in carts or carrier bags.
There are few green areas, and it is almost always not possible to walk in them. Fences surround lawns and plantings.
In the area where I live, the dog owner has to carry a spray bottle and sprinkle water on the part of the grass where the dog pees.
In the city, many people are afraid of pets bigger than terriers. My nearest shopping center does not allow dogs over 14 kg at all. Many rental apartments also have a size limit for animals, because large dogs are thought to be more of a nuisance than small ones.
However, the majority of locals accept the rules without hesitation.
Filipinos are obedient, polite and hygienic people. They prefer to put their dog in a diaper just to be safe even where it is not required.
For them, it means being considerate of others.
There is also a desire for comfort. Who would want to collect poop on anything?
What do you think about dog culture in the Philippines? You can discuss the topic until 11 p.m. on August 30.