As pet owners, we live in exciting times. As much as 5 years ago, there was very limited options when it came to pet-friendly venues. Nowadays, more and more venues are catching on to the idea that patrons who bring their pets are happy patrons. This bodes well for all of us who hate leaving our dogs at home alone. (Or rather, prefer having our dogs with us as much as possible.)
With help from our awesome community, we’ve rounded up some of your favourite pet-friendly places. They range from accommodation to restaurants, and from dog parks to markets. We’ve included links to all the mentioned places so that you can check them out for yourself.
Our list is by no means exhaustive, so we suggest that you follow @dogfriendlycapetown and @dogfriendlyjozi on Instagram for up-to-date info on some of the best spots to take your dogs in South Africa.
It’s nice that there are places you can happily bring your dogs and know that they will absolutely be welcome but as always, pet etiquette is expected at all these venues.
Accommodation
Woodland Gardens Lodge in the Magaliesburg is a leafy paradise that welcomes small to medium sized dogs.
Woodland Gardens
Stone Hill in the Magaliesburg is spacious, surrounded by unspoilt nature, and welcomes all dogs.
Stone Hill
Raptor Rise, is 4-star accommodation in Tulbagh, far from the maddening crowd and close to nature.
The President Hotel in Cape Town allows your dogs to stay with you. And, their pooch high tea is unprecedented (see what we did there )
The Radisson Red Hotel is hip, happening and happy to accommodate your dogs.
Radisson Red
Stonehaven on Vaal is just 45min from Jozi and offers fabulous 4-Star accommodation where your dog can join in the fun.
Pitstop Lodge in Gordons Bay is a funky, retro-inspired that is a hot favourite for adventurers, hikers, free spirits, cyclists, nature lovers and surfers.
Spinning Reel Cottages is right on the beach in Port Alfred. They allow you to bring your pooch along out of season.
Bokrivier Farm Cottages is scenic, stylish and remote. Rumour has it your dog will love it there!
Bokrivier Cottages
Although pets are allowed, it’s courteous to inform the accommodation prior to your arrival that you’ll be bringing along your dog.
Restaurants and Cafés
Delta Café in Craighall Park in Jozi is a warm, welcoming family venue.
Kaylee’s Vegan Eatery in Bedfordview has a special section for pets called Central Bark. Serving vet-approved cupcakes and cookies – it’s perfect party venue for your pooch.
Paws in the East is a whole experience! Over and above their dedicated dog deli, they also offer grooming, dog walking, and braai spots.
We Café is an earthy, plant-based eatery in Gardens. Their food and their mood is nourishing and hearty.
Simons at Groot Constantia will welcome you and your dogs.
Simons Restaurant at Groot Constantia
Kleinskys in Sea Point is trendy and elegant and offers delicious fare that is on point.
Kleinskys
Misfits by Ideas Cartel in Cape Town’s De Waterkant is an experiential venue that has various offerings including a restaurant, golf simulator, wine shop, events and dinner clubs.
Bay Leaf & Thyme in Riebeek-Kasteel offers classic dishes from around the globe and will make your dog feel welcome.
Hey Joe Brewing Company just outside Franschhoek is a traditional abbey style brewery and a blend of Belgian and contemporary cuisine.
Dutchies at Grotto Beach in Hermanus offers sushi and seafood and is pared-down and casual.
Saints Burger Joint at Eden On The Bay in Big Bay is a chilled, indoor-outdoor venue were dogs are welcome.
The Dog’s Bollocks at Yard in Gardens welcomes all dogs (bollocks or not).
The Linden Market is a firm favourite that welcomes dogs and offers some fantastic products.
Car Seat Hammock
What to bring on your outing and/or holiday:
Water bowl – in case there aren’t enough at the venue (and some dogs like their own).
A car seat hammock – for safe travelling.
Either a K9 quilt, striped roll-up travel mat or leafy mat so that your dog has something familiar and cushioned to lie on.
Please keep in mind that if your pet is not a fan of crowds or loud noises, limit your time at markets and busy restaurants so that your dog isn’t put under undue stress. If you notice that hour dog seems stressed, move to a quieter section of the restaurant or market.
Pet-Friendly venues, accommodation and day trips with your dogs
As pet owners, we live in exciting times. As much as 5 years ago, there was very limited options when it came to pet-friendly venues. Nowadays, more and more venues are catching on to the idea that patrons who bring their pets are happy patrons. This bodes well for all of us who hate leaving our dogs at home alone. (Or rather, prefer having our dogs with us as much as possible.)
With help from our awesome community, we’ve rounded up some of your favourite pet-friendly places. They range from accommodation to restaurants, and from dog parks to markets. We’ve included links to all the mentioned places so that you can check them out for yourself.
Our list is by no means exhaustive, so we suggest that you follow @dogfriendlycapetown and @dogfriendlyjozi on Instagram for up-to-date info on some of the best spots to take your dogs in South Africa.
It’s nice that there are places you can happily bring your dogs and know that they will absolutely be welcome but as always, pet etiquette is expected at all these venues.
Accommodation
Woodland Gardens Lodge in the Magaliesburg is a leafy paradise that welcomes small to medium sized dogs.
Woodland Gardens
Stone Hill in the Magaliesburg is spacious, surrounded by unspoilt nature, and welcomes all dogs.
Stone Hill
Raptor Rise, is 4-star accommodation in Tulbagh, far from the maddening crowd and close to nature.
The President Hotel in Cape Town allows your dogs to stay with you. And, their pooch high tea is unprecedented (see what we did there )
The Radisson Red Hotel is hip, happening and happy to accommodate your dogs.
Radisson Red
Stonehaven on Vaal is just 45min from Jozi and offers fabulous 4-Star accommodation where your dog can join in the fun.
Pitstop Lodge in Gordons Bay is a funky, retro-inspired that is a hot favourite for adventurers, hikers, free spirits, cyclists, nature lovers and surfers.
Spinning Reel Cottages is right on the beach in Port Alfred. They allow you to bring your pooch along out of season.
Bokrivier Farm Cottages is scenic, stylish and remote. Rumour has it your dog will love it there!
Bokrivier Cottages
Although pets are allowed, it’s courteous to inform the accommodation prior to your arrival that you’ll be bringing along your dog.
Restaurants and Cafés
Delta Café in Craighall Park in Jozi is a warm, welcoming family venue.
Kaylee’s Vegan Eatery in Bedfordview has a special section for pets called Central Bark. Serving vet-approved cupcakes and cookies – it’s perfect party venue for your pooch.
Paws in the East is a whole experience! Over and above their dedicated dog deli, they also offer grooming, dog walking, and braai spots.
We Café is an earthy, plant-based eatery in Gardens. Their food and their mood is nourishing and hearty.
Simons at Groot Constantia will welcome you and your dogs.
Simons Restaurant at Groot Constantia
Kleinskys in Sea Point is trendy and elegant and offers delicious fare that is on point.
Kleinskys
Misfits by Ideas Cartel in Cape Town’s De Waterkant is an experiential venue that has various offerings including a restaurant, golf simulator, wine shop, events and dinner clubs.
Bay Leaf & Thyme in Riebeek-Kasteel offers classic dishes from around the globe and will make your dog feel welcome.
Hey Joe Brewing Company just outside Franschhoek is a traditional abbey style brewery and a blend of Belgian and contemporary cuisine.
Dutchies at Grotto Beach in Hermanus offers sushi and seafood and is pared-down and casual.
Saints Burger Joint at Eden On The Bay in Big Bay is a chilled, indoor-outdoor venue were dogs are welcome.
The Dog’s Bollocks at Yard in Gardens welcomes all dogs (bollocks or not).
Dog Parks
Kenridge dog park in
Reload Leadville in Sunningdale, Cape Town has a fab dog park and serves artisan sourdough pizza.
Markets
Many markets are happy to welcome pets provided they’re polite, on leashes, and their owners clean up after them.
Lourensford Market in Somerset West is happy to welcome dogs on leashes.
Blauklippen Family Market in Stellenbosch.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a trendy meet up point for people and pooches.
The Linden Market is a firm favourite that welcomes dogs and offers some fantastic products.
Car Seat Hammock
What to bring on your outing and/or holiday:
Please keep in mind that if your pet is not a fan of crowds or loud noises, limit your time at markets and busy restaurants so that your dog isn’t put under undue stress. If you notice that hour dog seems stressed, move to a quieter section of the restaurant or market.