How Ayala Malls Abreeza Could Improve Their Pet-Friendly Policies
A Personal Review of Ayala Malls Abreeza’s Pet-Friendly Policies
Just as countless pet parents have, my dog Nezuko and I were thrilled to explore the BarkYard at Ayala Malls Abreeza, largely due to the encouraging promises we had come across on social media and during a previous visit where I’d spotted the BarkYard and its entrancing promotional poster. Our first visit on August 12, 2023, however, was marked by discernable disenchantment as Nezuko was denied entry into the much-hyped pet-friendly zone, the BarkYard.
This gap between advertised promise and experienced reality was particularly hard to digest. With promotional materials promising availability “from 3 to 9 pm”, the venue’s sudden obstruction was an unexpected shock. What left us baffled was the added revelation that the BarkYard was open only on special occasions and weekends — an inconvenient detail absent from any publicly available information.
As we sought clarity, our interaction with the concierge only added fuel to the fire. Their directive that pets must be carried or placed in a stroller to be admitted was truly disheartening. This policy not only discriminates against pet owners who can’t afford pet strollers but makes it nearly impossible for larger breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers, weighing 30–40 kg, to be admitted. The mall’s blithe response to this paradox was shocking: to simply turn away larger dogs.
To redress these concerns, Ayala Malls Abreeza should actively consider implementing the following three measures:
Enhance Communication
The communication about the mall’s pet policies needs to be comprehensive, clear, and straightforward. For instance, the confusing operating hours of BarkYard lead to frustration, leaving customers in a state of disappointment. Thus, the mall needs to be more transparent, timely, and concise. This demystification could include sufficient signage, timely social media updates, and quick responses to queries. Ensuring the salient points of these guidelines are readily available would prevent confusion, enhance customer satisfaction, and alleviate unwarranted disappointments.
Reconsider Pet Policies
As it stands, the current policies seem blatantly biased against pet owners who cannot afford pet strollers or owners of larger breeds. Rather than maintaining an uncompromising approach, the mall might consider generating designated zones or corridors where pets can walk with their owners. This amendment would prevent discrimination and create an environment that genuinely welcomes all pets, regardless of their size or the financial status of the owners. Categories such as breed restrictions should be cautiously reconsidered in order to prevent exclusionary environments.
Ensure Consistent Access to Pet Spaces
The restrictive code that limits access to areas like the BarkYard to weekends and special events is clearly discriminatory for those unable to visit during these specific timeframes. Ayala Malls Abreeza needs to maintain regular access to such areas, perhaps extending certain hours to weekday evenings, to genuinely foster a ‘pet-friendly’ environment. A scheduling approach that factors in the diverse routines of its patrons, coupled with consistent accessibility might significantly elevate the mall’s claim of being a ‘pet-friendly’ establishment. This fundamental change could enhance the overall experience and inclusivity for all pet-owner visitors.
Each of these measures centers on the understanding that a genuinely ‘pet-friendly’ environment extends beyond jargon and marketing optics. They demand commitment and ongoing adjustment to the diverse needs of their pet-patron community. By implementing these changes, Ayala Malls Abreeza can foster an environment where all patrons, irrespective of their pet-related needs, feel welcomed, included, and valued.
To realize their aspiration of becoming genuinely pet-inclusive spaces, establishments like Ayala Malls Abreeza must critically reassess their policies, aligning them with the varied requirements and circumstances of diverse pet-owner communities. A genuinely ‘pet-friendly’ environment extends beyond marketing lingo, requiring actionable strategies that recognize and address the diverse needs of the pet-owning community.
FINAL TAKEAWAY:
Genuine Inclusivity Requires Commitment, Not Merely Advertising
Inclusivity isn’t a shallow concept to be partially implemented. As a digital marketing professional, I understand and uphold the sentiment that campaigns require sincere intent. Marketing a cause must derive from a deep belief, not just a gesture for show.
I continue to appreciate Ayala Malls Abreeza and plan to maintain my patronage, supporting local enterprises and some of the businesses that I work with who are affiliated with the mall. Yet, in matters concerning my dog or participating in dog-centric events, I’ll hold back for now, until a substantial revision of their pet-related policies is undertaken.
This isn’t intended as an attack, but more as a constructive challenge for the management to elevate their practices. By voicing my propositions and sharing them with the dog-parent community, my aim is for the administration to take these under advisement. Such thoughtful considerations could reinforce the mall’s reputation and solidify its standing within the community, ultimately crafting a more robust and truly inclusive Ayala Malls Abreeza.
