Villar pushes bill to regulate pet aftercare services in Philippines

MANILA — Senator Mark Villar has filed a bill to impose stricter regulations on pet aftercare services, responding to concerns about the treatment of deceased companion animals in the country.

The legislative measure comes after the discovery of dumped pet remains in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, which prompted calls for stronger consumer protections and industry standards.

The proposed legislation aims to establish requirements for proper, sanitary, and dignified handling of deceased pets, protecting Filipino pet owners from substandard services and potential fraud. The bill seeks to set minimum standards for facilities offering pet cremation, burial, and related services.

The filing underscores growing concerns among pet owners regarding the reliability and professionalism of aftercare service providers, as more Filipinos increasingly treat pets as family members deserving proper end-of-life arrangements.

The measure is expected to undergo committee deliberations in the Senate, with animal welfare advocates expressing support for regulatory frameworks that would ensure accountability across the pet services industry.