EXCLUSIVE: Baby high chairs are for kids, not ‘fur babies,’ McDonalds reminds customers

McDonald’s has now drawn boundary around its high chairs.

McDonald’s Philippines has broken its silence after a photo of a dog sitting in a baby high chair inside one of its restaurants circulated online, prompting complaints over hygiene and the proper use of equipment intended for young children.

In an official statement, McDonald’s acknowledged the controversy and made its position clear: its high chairs are intended for young children.

“We are aware of the photo circulating online and understand the concerns raised. Restaurant cleanliness and food safety remain our top priorities,” McDonald’s Philippines said.

The controversy began after a Threads user posted a photo showing a dog apparently seated in a baby high chair at a McDonald’s branch in SM North EDSA.

“Ano kayang thought process ng McDonald’s management na hinahayaan lang yung customer paupuin yung furbabies nila sa baby highchair?” the user wrote.

The poster, who said she is also a pet owner, questioned the possible hygiene and allergy concerns for babies who would use the chair afterward.

The incident reignited an increasingly familiar debate as more restaurants and malls welcome pets: where should establishments draw the line between being pet-friendly and maintaining spaces specifically intended for children?

McDonald’s has now drawn that boundary around its high chairs.

“Although we know fur babies are considered family by some customers, our high chairs are intended for young children, and we kindly ask everyone to help keep them available for their intended use,” the company said.

The issue goes beyond visible fur. Animals can carry germs even when they appear healthy and clean, while children under five are among those more vulnerable to some animal-associated illnesses, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

High chairs also deserve particular attention because babies eat from their trays, touch their surfaces and routinely put their hands into their mouths. CDC guidance for childcare settings calls for high-chair trays to be cleaned and sanitized before and after food use.

The viral photo therefore underscores why being pet-friendly still requires boundaries. Allowing pets inside designated establishments is one thing; placing them on equipment specifically designed for feeding babies is another.

McDonald’s said its restaurant personnel have now been reminded of the rules.

“Our restaurant teams have also been reminded to consistently follow our sanitation protocols to ensure a clean and welcoming environment for everyone.”

For pet owners, the message is simple: fur babies may be family, but baby high chairs are for human babies.

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