Pernille Harboe’s pet hotel service is the first of its kind in the Philippines. Just a year and a half in operation, the pet hotel called Samson and Mom, which was named after Pernille’s former prized Yorkshire terrier, Samson, gives your pet the best care while you are out of town. Conveniently located near NAIA and the Manila Domestic Airport, having someone to look after and care for your pet is now just a cinch.

Text and photos by Monina Eugenio

Before dipping her toes into the business, Harboe sold handicraft export products and dog accessories. She states that she was the first in the country to do animal accessories, and when it got popular, too many people jumped into the bandwagon until it didn’t become lucrative anymore.

She shares that her service started when she had friends who didn’t know what to do with their dogs while they were away. The only alternative according to her was leaving their pets with the veterinarian, or people who also did dog care.

But the dogs were kept in cages most of the time, and they only had 15 minutes to go out and walk. What makes Samson and Mom different from the rest is that dogs are treated as one of Pernille’s own and that most importantly, the dogs get the right exercise and interaction that they need from other animals that also stay there.



Just last Christmas, she had 12 dogs in her care. Most of you are probably wondering how she is able to take care of all these pets: she has two personnel who wash, feed and walk these dogs. She explains that you have to understand each animal and you must observe its behavior. It’s a question of who the leader is, and you must exude being the “top dog" so everyone will listen to you.

Most of her clients are expats who are coming to the Philippines or are leaving the country. She, however, would like to see more Filipino customers. She shares that people are discouraged due to her pricing, but what they don’t know is that they get back a very happy dog-all because of her personal touch.

Pricing per day is P600 for big dogs, P500 for small dogs, and P300 for cats. Pets are fed branded food and you can specify which food your dog may take. As for bedding, Pernille shares that dogs may sleep wherever they like and you may provide your own doggie basket for them to sleep in. Dogs are walked twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon. Grooming is also included as dogs only bathe once a week, but for emergency cases, a trip to the vet is shouldered by the customer.



Samson and Mom has a big enough garden space for dogs so you can be assured that your pets will get the proper exercise and have the opportunity to explore and interact with other boarders, including Pernille’s very own two pet Yorkshire Terriers.

Another added bonus to Samson and Mom’s services: Ms. Harboe can arrange your dog’s travel documents when pets are on their way out of the country! She also has two requirements before you lodge your dog: guard them against tics, and females shouldn’t be in heat.

Interested parties may contact Pernille Harboe at 852-51-48 or through e-mail at psharboe@gmail.com