About HolidayDOG: Verified Pet-Friendly Accommodation in South Africa

Why HolidayDOG Exists

Travelling with dogs in South Africa is often more stressful than it should be. The term pet-friendly accommodation is widely used, but often without clear information about pet rules, fencing, dog size limits, or real suitability. Many travellers only discover these limitations once they arrive.

HolidayDOG was created to address this by listing accommodation more carefully and deliberately. While many platforms prioritise scale, HolidayDOG grows more slowly, focusing on verified listings that are accurately described and clearly communicated. This approach helps ensure expectations are met on arrival, allowing dog owners to book with confidence.

What Makes HolidayDOG Different

HolidayDOG is the only accommodation platform in South Africa dedicated exclusively to verified pet-friendly stays. Listings are reviewed before publication through direct conversations with hosts and, where possible, on-site checks by HolidayDOG Canine Ambassadors.

This verification process ensures that pet rules, outdoor space, fencing, and suitability for different dogs are clearly and honestly described — allowing travellers to understand exactly what they’re booking before they commit.

Our Approach to Verification

HolidayDOG’s approach to verification is not a pass-or-fail assessment or a set of pet-friendly standards that accommodation must meet. Instead, verification is about confirming accuracy. If a property lists specific pet rules, fencing, outdoor space, or dog suitability, HolidayDOG verifies that this information is current, complete, and correctly described.

Verification is carried out through in-depth telephonic and video interviews with hosts, supported by in-person visits from HolidayDOG Canine Ambassadors where possible, with listings reviewed regularly to ensure information remains up to date. This approach ensures that dog owners can rely on the details provided and make informed booking decisions based on real conditions.

Who Is HolidayDOG For?

For travellers who want to go on holiday with their dogs

HolidayDOG is designed for travellers who want to go on holiday with their dogs, not leave them behind. It suits dog parents who see their dogs as part of everyday life and choose to travel in a way that supports the future of pet-friendly tourism in South Africa. By selecting accommodation that genuinely suits their dog’s needs, these travellers help build long-term trust and a better reputation for pet-friendly travel.

For accommodation providers in the pet-friendly tourism market

HolidayDOG is also built for accommodation providers operating in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the South African tourism industry: pet-friendly travel. The platform supports hosts who want to attract more dog-owning travellers, increase occupancy, and grow revenue — without taking on unnecessary risk.

By clearly communicating pet rules, fees, and expectations upfront, HolidayDOG helps accommodation providers attract informed, rule-aware guests and reduce the likelihood of damage or misunderstandings. This creates better outcomes for hosts while supporting sustainable growth in the pet-friendly tourism market.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation in South Africa: The Complete Guide

HolidayDOG publishes Pet-Friendly Accommodation in South Africa: The Complete Guide, an in-depth blog resource that explains what pet-friendly accommodation really means and what travellers should look for when booking accommodation with dogs.

The guide provides context and practical guidance that underpins the standards used across the HolidayDOG platform, helping travellers and accommodation providers understand how clearer information leads to better pet-friendly travel experiences.

Bring Your Dog!

HolidayDOG exists to make dog-friendly travel simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. When expectations are clear and accommodation is genuinely pet friendly, travelling with dogs becomes part of the experience — not a complication.

About the Founder

HolidayDOG was founded by Dee Lourens, a filmmaker, photographer, and widely published travel journalist with over 20 years’ experience in marketing and media within the international travel industry. HolidayDOG combines her professional background with her personal experience as a dog owner, shaped by years of navigating the challenges of booking genuinely pet-friendly accommodation.

Dee works closely with accommodation providers throughout the verification process. Each listing is handpicked and carefully crafted to be accurate, current, and highly informative — allowing travellers to book with confidence, arrive prepared, and enjoy a truly pet-friendly holiday.