Boracay for Pet Parents

By Gene Loves Acosta

Boracay is easy to love as a pet owner, until you realize you have no idea where anything is: the nearest vet, a decent pet shop, or even a proper walking route that isn’t crowded. Options are limited, honestly. But they do exist, and if you’re new here, these are the ones worth knowing.

Where to Walk

The beachfront itself is a bit of a grey area for pets. Stick to the path along the establishment side, parallel to White Beach. Early mornings near Angol or Station 3 tend to be less crowded and more forgiving for a dog on a leash. On Bulabog, a paved path runs along the water, ideal for slow walks with a sunrise view.

For something longer, the route toward Mt. Luho offers shaded stretches that help with the heat. Meanwhile, Diniwid in the evening is easy to stretch into a relaxed walk with a stop at DiniBeach Bar if you feel like lingering.

Under RA 9482, dogs need to be leashed in all public areas, vaccinated and registered. Fines run from ₱2,000 to ₱10,000, and unregistered strays can be impounded. 

Where to Shop

For the basics, CityMall and Robinsons both carry dog and cat supplies, enough for most everyday needs. For specialty food or medication, your best bet is Roldan Veterinary Clinic. Certain prescription medications and specialty brands may not be available on the island, so if your pet has particular needs, keep a buffer stock. Ordering online is sometimes still the smart move.

Where to Board and Groom

Happy Paws Boracay is one of those contacts you’ll be glad to have saved before you actually need it. They offer overnight sitting, house-visit check-ins, and dog walking, useful whether you’re heading off-island or just need coverage while you’re tied up. Rates are ₱800 to ₱1,000 for overnight sitting, ₱300 to ₱500 per hour for house visits and walks. Instagram: @happypawsboracay; WhatsApp: (0906) 476 7628

For grooming, Roldan Veterinary Clinic also offers services, convenient if you’re already making a trip. Rates are ₱550 for small breeds (under 5 kg), ₱650 for medium, ₱800 to ₱1,200 for large, and a flat ₱800 for cats of any size.

Where to Get Help

Roldan Veterinary Clinic is where most Boracay residents go for routine care, vaccinations, check-ups and surgeries, but they’re only open Monday to Saturday. For Sunday emergencies, you’ll likely need to head to Kalibo. 

On the mainland, Love Pets Veterinary Clinic, run by Dr. Ginaclin Dalisay along Osmeña Ave., Estancia, (0961) 611 8000, is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., while C. Tomco Veterinary Clinic (0933) 863 2702 operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a ₱1,500 after-hours fee. 

Note: If anyone gets bitten, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, go to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC), and report it to the barangay.

What to Keep at Home

Keep a basic kit at home: Betadine, gauze, tweezers for ticks, saline solution, a digital thermometer, and an e-collar for post-wound care. Stock up on vitamins, flea and tick treatment, and maintenance medication your pet using, as these can be hard to find and delivery isn't always fast. Keep vaccination and registration records accessible, and save your vet’s number.