MANILA, Philippines — Pet owners can now bring along their furry friends when they commute after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) finally allowed animals on public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The LTFRB on April 15 approved Memorandum Circular No. 2019-19, which amended a previous circular that bars PUV operators from loading animals, except for fowls, as part of the terms and conditions for PUV certificates of public convenience.

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The amendment was in response to “public clamor, particularly from the group of pet owners and lovers,” who consistently appealed to the board to scrap the provision banning pets.

Designated compartment

Owners wishing to travel with their pets, however, should still place them inside carriers or cages, or a “designated animal compartment” in the PUV in consideration of other passengers.

They may carry their pets — without having to put them in cages — only if there are no other passengers in the vehicle and if the animals are “free from foul odors.”

Pet owners will also be held responsible by the driver or operator for any damage their pet may cause during the ride, like when the animals defecate or urinate inside the vehicle.

LTFRB chair Martin Delgra, who signed the new memorandum circular along with board members Ronaldo Corpus and Antonio Gardiola Jr., on Saturday clarified that the owners need not pay fares for their pets.

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