Friends and readers who know me must be quite familiar with the fact that I am now a happy dog owner. If you haven’t seen Job, may I invite you to check him out here?

Anyway, my life has completely changed since I got this dog last year (thank you, Andy Leuterio). I now prefer eating or hanging out at restaurants that accommodate pets. Thankfully, the nearest mall from my house and office is pet-friendly (salute, Estancia management).

I realize now that people’s lifestyle will immensely adapt to the presence of a pet. And their state of mind will greatly benefit from businesses that are kind to their animals.

Which brings me to a vehicle brand that has chosen to be nice to dogs and cats. Jetour, a Chinese car marque, has now officially declared its showrooms to be pet-friendly.

Here are the guidelines that Jetour has laid out for this arrangement:

• Pets are permitted only in designated areas, as directed by showroom staff.

• They must be well-behaved, leashed or in carriers, and under supervision at all times.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and ensuring they do not disturb others.

• Pets must remain quiet and not cause disruption to the environment.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the idea of Jetour Auto Philippines marketing director May de los Santos, a passionate dog owner herself. “At Jetour, we recognize the importance of pets in our households,” she shares. “By welcoming pets into our showrooms, we ensure that no family member—furry or otherwise—is left behind when visiting us.”

In August, Jetour held a dog day at SM Aura for pooch-owning motoring journalists. The simple get-together endeared the brand to us. Sure, it was a marketing gimmick, but the affair felt genuinely benevolent.

It truly pays when the individuals running a company have the heart for things that are important to customers. I expect more carmakers to show love toward our pets. It’s a win-win situation.