As people visit the cemetery to pay respects to their departed loved ones this Undas, some are also there to honor their deceased pets at Loyola Heights in Quezon City.

In the report of RH 5 Val Gonzales, he showed several memorial tiles displaying photos and information of deceased pets.

According to Andi from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the Pet Memorial Wall currently has 359 memorial tiles. Many pets have already been in it, with the majority being dogs and cats. It also honors a few rabbits, goats, ducks, chickens, and dolphins.

“By sort of commemorating that memory and also being able to remember these animals fondly as members of your family is very important,” said Andi.

She stated that some of the memorial tiles honor shelter animals that never found a permanent home. What matters, she said, is that these animals were given the love they deserved and were able to live a good life.

She clarified that the memorial tiles do not contain the remains, as they function solely as a commemorative tribute to honor the departed animals, “Our memorial tiles po should not be confused with a columbarium.”

Andi explained that the place does not have the space or facilities to keep pet ashes. However, she emphasized that the memorial tiles serve as a way to honor the memory of pets while also supporting shelter animals that are still awaiting adoption.