What It Means to Be a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Are you heading to Johannesburg on a business trip, and the thought of leaving your furry friend is breaking your heart? Or perhaps you’re keen to explore the City of Gold with your best four-legged friend.
Planning the purrfect vacation starts with finding the best pet-friendly hotel. But what is a pet-friendly hotel, what do they offer and what should you be aware of?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pet-friendly hotels in South Africa so that you can get excited about your upcoming trip with your furbaby.

What Do Pet-Friendly Rooms and Hotels Offer?

Nowadays there are many accommodation options available for those who love to bring their furry friends on holiday or business trips. Gone are the days when pet travel was only for the rich and famous.
Many hotels and accommodation options advertise themselves as pet-friendly. But what does this actually mean?
The most basic meaning of a pet-friendly hotel is that your pet is allowed to stay with you. However, pet policies differ from hotel to hotel. For example, some hotels may welcome cats and dogs but draw the line at Rocky the pet snake.
Some hotels go above and beyond to make the trip as special for your furry friend as it is for you, with treats, beds and more.
When you see pet-friendly accommodation, you need to check the requirements, rules and offers before assuming that your pet will be comfortable.

General House Rules for Pet-Friendly Accommodation

When you travel with your pet you need to understand that the hotel that you stay in will have house rules that you and your four-legged companion are expected to abide by.
Perhaps your pooch sleeps on your bed at home, but many hotels don’t allow pets on the bed or furniture.
There may also be rules concerning leashes. Some hotels require your pet to be on a leash at all times while others have leash-free policies or leash-free areas. There may be certain areas of the hotel that your pet is not allowed in, and so on.
Ensure that you have the pet policies in writing so that you can fully understand what to expect and whether it is the right place for you and your pet.

General Pet Requirements

Along with some house rules and regulations, almost all pet-friendly hotels have basic requirements that your pet will need to meet.
Hotels do not accept aggressive or anti-social dogs (or other pets) that risk hurting people or other pets, causing havoc or intimidating other guests.
Your pet will need to be clean and completely free of fleas and other pests. You will most likely need to show proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
If your pet damages anything during your stay at the hotel, you should expect to pay for the replacement or repairs. The hotel will usually require that you sign an agreement promising to do that at the beginning of your stay.

What Is the Cost of Pet-Friendly Hotels?

While you may come across a hotel that allows you to bring a pet with no extra charge, this is usually not the case. Most pet-friendly accommodation options will charge a fee on top of the usual rates. Additionally, you may be required to pay a deposit which is refunded if your animal doesn’t damage anything or excessively dirty the room.
Again, it’s important to double-check the pet policy with the hotel of your choosing. You may be charged per pet-friendly room, or you may be charged per pet. Hotels may charge extra for cleaning as removing doggy excrement, hair, smells and more require a more thorough cleaning job than with most human guests.

What Are Some Amenities You Should Look For?

When you’re travelling with your fur baby you want to find a hotel that welcomes them with open arms. You want your pet to be as comfortable as possible, to be cared for and entertained. It should be enjoyable and relaxing for the both of you.
One way you can ensure this is by looking for a pet-friendly hotel that offers amazing amenities and fully catered packages for you and your pet.

So, What Do the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels offer?

A top-notch hotel will offer your pet all the bells and whistles. From a comfy pet bed to treats, toys, towels and blankets.
A great pet-friendly accommodation will have play areas where your pooch can be off the leash or your cat can entertain themselves with balls of yarn and climbing posts. There should also be outside areas where your animal can relieve themselves.
For a cherry-on-top, some pet-friendly hotels may offer a pet sitter. This can come in handy when you have business meetings to go to or would like to do some sightseeing at attractions that don’t allow pets.

Booking the Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Sandton

Your options of pet-friendly hotels Sandton are growing but you should ensure that you find the best place for you and your pet.
At SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa, we know that pets are part of the family. From the moment you and your furry friend walk through the door, you’ll both be treated as honoured guests. Our packages include all the best pet amenities and pet sitting services, you can rest assured that your pet will be pawfectly happy.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to find out about our full pet policy before booking your getaway in Sandton, Johannesburg.