HolidayDOG Terms and Conditions
Last updated: 24 August 2026
Welcome to HolidayDOG.
HolidayDOG is a South African pet-friendly accommodation platform connecting people travelling with their dogs with independently verified pet-friendly accommodation across South Africa.
By accessing or using the HolidayDOG website, making an enquiry or booking through HolidayDOG, or listing accommodation on HolidayDOG, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.
Please read them carefully before making or confirming a booking.
1. About HolidayDOG
HolidayDOG provides an online platform through which guests can discover, enquire about and book pet-friendly accommodation.
HolidayDOG may facilitate enquiries, bookings, payments and communication between guests and accommodation providers.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, HolidayDOG does not own, operate or manage the accommodation properties listed on the Website. The accommodation itself is provided by the relevant accommodation provider.
Where HolidayDOG directs a guest to an accommodation provider's own website, booking engine or another booking platform, bookings completed through that external service may also be subject to the terms and conditions of that provider or platform.
2. Independently Verified Pet-Friendly Accommodation
HolidayDOG aims to list genuinely pet-friendly accommodation and independently verifies properties before listing them on the Website.
Verification means that HolidayDOG has taken reasonable steps to establish that a property accepts dogs and to obtain information about its pet-friendly facilities, rules and conditions.
Verification does not constitute a guarantee by HolidayDOG regarding the condition, safety, quality or suitability of a property for every particular guest, dog or stay.
Pet policies differ between properties. Guests are responsible for reading the individual property's pet information and ensuring that the accommodation is suitable for their particular dog or dogs before booking.
If a particular feature is essential to a guest — for example secure fencing, absence of resident dogs, suitability for a large dog or another specific requirement — the guest should confirm this with HolidayDOG before booking if there is any uncertainty.
3. Property Listings
Accommodation providers must provide HolidayDOG with information that is accurate, complete and not misleading.
This includes, where applicable:
the property name and location;
descriptions and photographs;
accommodation facilities and amenities;
rates and additional fees;
availability;
maximum guest occupancy;
the number and size of dogs permitted;
fencing information;
resident animals;
pet fees;
pet restrictions and rules; and
any other information reasonably required by HolidayDOG.
Accommodation providers are responsible for notifying HolidayDOG of material changes to this information.
Where availability is supplied through an external calendar, iCal feed, channel manager or other third-party system, HolidayDOG cannot guarantee that information received from that system will always be current, uninterrupted or error-free.
HolidayDOG reserves the right to refuse, suspend, edit or remove any listing that HolidayDOG reasonably believes is inaccurate, misleading, unsuitable, no longer pet-friendly or inconsistent with the standards or purpose of HolidayDOG.
4. HolidayDOG Fees and Commission
Accommodation providers may participate on HolidayDOG through a commission arrangement, listing fee, subscription package or another commercial arrangement agreed with HolidayDOG.
Where a booking is commissionable, HolidayDOG may earn a commission or booking fee from the booking.
The applicable commission, listing fee, subscription fee or other commercial arrangement is determined by the agreement applicable to the accommodation provider.
HolidayDOG's commercial arrangement with an accommodation provider is separate from any cancellation charge that may lawfully apply to a guest cancellation.
5. Booking Information
Guests are responsible for providing complete and accurate information when making an enquiry or booking, including:
the correct number of adults and children;
the correct number of dogs;
the breed, size or other information about dogs where requested;
the required dates; and
any requirements that may materially affect whether the property is suitable.
Guests may not arrive with additional people or dogs that were not included in the booking without obtaining approval beforehand.
An accommodation provider may refuse additional guests or animals where their presence would breach occupancy limits, the property's pet policy or other applicable rules.
6. Booking Confirmation
Submitting an enquiry or requesting dates does not by itself constitute a confirmed booking.
A booking is confirmed once the requirements communicated during the booking process have been met, including any required deposit or payment and confirmation by HolidayDOG and/or the accommodation provider.
Rates and availability may change until the booking has been confirmed.
Once a booking is confirmed, the guest is responsible for checking the confirmation and notifying HolidayDOG promptly if any information is incorrect.
7. Accommodation Provider Terms
Each accommodation provider may have its own:
payment terms;
cancellation policy;
house rules;
pet policy;
check-in and check-out requirements; and
other property-specific conditions.
By confirming a booking, the guest agrees to comply with the applicable terms and rules disclosed for that property.
HolidayDOG's own booking, amendment and cancellation terms may apply in addition to the accommodation provider's terms where HolidayDOG facilitates the booking.
All terms remain subject to applicable South African law.
8. Payments
Depending on the property and booking method, payments may be collected by HolidayDOG, the accommodation provider, a payment processor, channel manager or another authorised booking platform.
The payment requirements applicable to a booking will be communicated during the booking process.
A deposit may be required to secure a booking.
Any outstanding balance must be paid according to the payment schedule applicable to the booking.
Failure to make payment when due may result in the booking being cancelled.
HolidayDOG is not responsible for failures or delays caused by banks, payment gateways or other independent payment systems outside HolidayDOG's reasonable control.
9. Changes to Confirmed Bookings
A request to change a confirmed booking is not automatically accepted.
Changes may include:
changing arrival or departure dates;
postponing a booking;
moving the booking to another period;
changing the property;
changing the number of guests or dogs; or
making another material change to the original booking.
All changes are subject to availability and approval by the relevant accommodation provider where required.
Changing or postponing a booking does not automatically create a new booking for cancellation purposes and does not automatically reset or remove cancellation obligations associated with the booking.
Where a guest requests repeated or substantial changes, HolidayDOG may take the booking history and work already performed into account when determining a reasonable cancellation charge if the booking is subsequently cancelled.
Any increase in price resulting from an amendment remains payable by the guest.
10. Guest Cancellations
Guests may cancel an advance booking subject to these Terms and Conditions, the applicable accommodation provider's cancellation policy and South African law, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.
HolidayDOG Cancellation Charge
Where HolidayDOG has generated, facilitated, secured, processed or administered a confirmed booking, the standard HolidayDOG cancellation charge is 15% of the total confirmed booking value.
This charge recognises the work and services already performed by HolidayDOG in generating, facilitating and administering the booking, as well as the administrative and commercial impact of a confirmed booking subsequently being cancelled.
The standard HolidayDOG cancellation charge is calculated on the total confirmed booking value, rather than only the amount already paid by the guest.
The applicable HolidayDOG cancellation charge may be deducted from any amount otherwise refundable to the guest.
In accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, a cancellation charge must be reasonable in the circumstances. The standard 15% HolidayDOG cancellation charge may therefore be reduced where the circumstances of a particular cancellation make a lower charge reasonable or where required by law.
When determining the reasonable HolidayDOG cancellation charge applicable to a booking, HolidayDOG may take into account factors including:
how far in advance the booking is cancelled;
the total value and duration of the booking;
the dates for which the accommodation was reserved;
whether the booking falls during a weekend, public holiday, school holiday, festive season, peak season or other high-demand period;
the likelihood of the cancelled dates being rebooked;
the period for which the accommodation was held for the guest;
the reasonable potential to obtain another booking for those dates;
the work already performed by HolidayDOG in generating, arranging, processing and administering the booking;
communication and administration associated with the booking;
previous changes, postponements or amendments requested by the guest;
transaction or payment-processing costs already incurred;
the nature of the accommodation service;
general practice within the accommodation industry; and
any other factor that may reasonably be considered under applicable South African law.
The fact that a cancellation results from illness, injury, personal circumstances, changes in travel plans, work commitments, financial circumstances or another unforeseen event does not in itself automatically waive the HolidayDOG cancellation charge.
However, all statutory exceptions remain applicable.
In particular, HolidayDOG will not impose a cancellation charge where section 17(5) of the Consumer Protection Act prohibits such a charge because the person for whom, or for whose benefit, the booking was made is unable to honour the booking due to death or hospitalisation.
HolidayDOG may request reasonable supporting documentation where a guest relies on a statutory exception.
Nothing in this section limits any consumer right that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded.
11. Accommodation Provider Cancellation Policies
HolidayDOG's cancellation charge is separate from the cancellation policy of the accommodation provider.
Each accommodation provider may have its own cancellation terms. Depending on the property's policy, the timing of the cancellation and the particular circumstances, the accommodation provider may be entitled to retain some or all of an amount paid towards the accommodation.
A guest cancelling a booking may therefore be subject to:
the applicable HolidayDOG cancellation charge; and
the applicable accommodation provider's cancellation terms.
Any cancellation charge remains subject to applicable South African law.
Where HolidayDOG has collected payment relating to the booking, HolidayDOG may deduct the applicable HolidayDOG cancellation charge and any amount lawfully due to the accommodation provider before determining the amount refundable to the guest.
12. Refunds
Where a booking is cancelled and a refund is due, the refundable amount will be calculated after taking into account:
the applicable reasonable HolidayDOG cancellation charge;
any amount lawfully retained under the accommodation provider's cancellation policy;
any other amount or cost lawfully applicable to the cancellation; and
any statutory rights applicable to the guest.
The amount refunded may therefore be less than the amount originally paid.
Where HolidayDOG determines that the circumstances justify reducing its standard 15% cancellation charge, that reduction will be reflected in the guest's refund.
Where a refund is payable, HolidayDOG will process it within a reasonable period after the refundable amount has been determined and, where necessary, amounts involving the accommodation provider have been confirmed or recovered.
HolidayDOG is not responsible for subsequent processing delays caused solely by banks, card providers, payment gateways or other independent financial institutions.
13. No-Shows and Early Departures
A guest who fails to arrive for a confirmed booking without cancelling will be regarded as a no-show.
A guest who arrives late, leaves early or chooses not to use all or part of the accommodation booked is not automatically entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the stay.
Any amount retained following a no-show, late arrival or early departure remains subject to applicable South African law and the accommodation provider's applicable terms.
14. Cancellation or Changes by an Accommodation Provider
If an accommodation provider cancels a confirmed booking or becomes unable to provide the booked accommodation, HolidayDOG will use reasonable efforts to assist the guest.
Where reasonably possible, HolidayDOG may help the guest find alternative pet-friendly accommodation.
HolidayDOG cannot guarantee that suitable alternative accommodation will be available or that it will be identical in location, facilities or price.
Any refund due because an accommodation provider cannot honour a booking will be dealt with in accordance with applicable South African law and the circumstances of the booking.
15. Rates and Pricing
Accommodation providers are responsible for supplying accurate rates and pricing information.
HolidayDOG takes reasonable steps to display this information accurately but may correct obvious pricing, typographical or technical errors.
Unless otherwise stated, the price applicable to a confirmed booking is the price confirmed when the booking is accepted.
Additional charges may apply where clearly disclosed, including pet fees, cleaning fees, breakage deposits or other property-specific charges.
16. Pet Policies
"Pet-friendly" does not mean that every property is suitable for every dog.
Individual properties may have rules relating to:
the number of dogs permitted;
dog size or breed;
fencing;
dogs on furniture or beds;
dogs being left unattended;
resident animals;
swimming pools, dams, rivers, wildlife or livestock;
off-lead areas;
cleaning;
pet fees; and
damage caused by animals.
Guests are responsible for reading and complying with the pet rules applicable to their chosen property.
Guests must disclose relevant information about their dogs where reasonably requested.
17. Guest Responsibility and Conduct
Guests are responsible for themselves, the people travelling with them and their dogs during their stay.
Guests must take reasonable steps to ensure that their dogs do not:
cause unreasonable disturbance;
damage accommodation or property;
threaten or injure people or other animals;
interfere with livestock or wildlife; or
breach the property's pet rules.
Guests may be held responsible for loss or damage caused by themselves, members of their party or their animals, subject to applicable law.
Accommodation providers retain the right to take reasonable action where guests materially breach property rules or create a safety risk.
18. Property Safety and Suitability
HolidayDOG provides information intended to help guests determine whether accommodation may be suitable for them and their dogs.
Guests remain responsible for assessing whether a property is appropriate for their particular circumstances and dogs.
Features including fencing, pools, dams, rivers, wildlife, livestock, stairs, balconies, roads and resident animals may present different risks depending on the dog.
Descriptions such as "fully fenced", "pet-friendly", "dog-friendly" or "off-lead" are based on information reasonably available to HolidayDOG at the time.
Guests should contact HolidayDOG before booking if a particular feature is essential to the safety or suitability of their stay.
19. Damage, Injury and Loss
HolidayDOG does not own or control the accommodation properties listed on the Website and is not responsible for their day-to-day operation, maintenance or management.
To the extent permitted by law, HolidayDOG is not responsible for loss, damage, injury or expense arising from circumstances under the control of an accommodation provider, guest or independent third party.
Accommodation providers remain responsible for their own properties and services, and guests remain responsible for their own conduct and that of their travelling party and animals.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where such liability cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under South African law.
20. Photographs, Descriptions and Website Content
HolidayDOG takes reasonable care to ensure that listing information is useful and accurate.
Some photographs, descriptions and other information may be supplied by accommodation providers.
Properties may change over time, including furniture, décor, landscaping, facilities and amenities.
Minor differences between photographs or descriptions and the property at the time of a stay do not necessarily constitute misrepresentation.
Accommodation providers must notify HolidayDOG of material changes affecting the accuracy of their listing.
21. Reviews and User Content
Where HolidayDOG permits guests, accommodation providers or other users to submit reviews, photographs, comments or other content, the person submitting that content is responsible for ensuring that it is lawful and accurate.
Users may not submit content that is:
knowingly false or misleading;
defamatory;
threatening or abusive;
discriminatory;
obscene;
unlawful;
infringing of another person's intellectual property or privacy rights; or
falsely presented as relating to a genuine experience.
HolidayDOG may moderate, refuse or remove user-generated content where reasonably necessary.
Fair and genuine criticism will not be removed merely because it is negative.
22. Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, the HolidayDOG name and branding, Website content, original written material, original photography, graphics and other original material created by HolidayDOG are owned by or licensed to HolidayDOG.
Such material may not be copied, reproduced, republished, distributed or commercially used without permission, except where permitted by law.
Accommodation providers grant HolidayDOG permission to use photographs, descriptions, logos and other material supplied by them for the purposes of listing and promoting their accommodation and promoting HolidayDOG.
Accommodation providers are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary rights to provide such material.
23. External Websites and Third-Party Services
The Website may contain links to accommodation provider websites, booking engines, maps, payment providers, social media platforms and other third-party services.
HolidayDOG does not control these services and cannot guarantee their availability, accuracy, security or performance.
Use of an external service may be subject to that provider's own terms and privacy policy.
24. Website and Availability Information
HolidayDOG aims to keep the Website, property information and availability information current and accessible.
However, uninterrupted access or perfect synchronisation of availability cannot be guaranteed.
Availability information may originate from accommodation providers, channel managers, iCal feeds or other third-party systems.
Occasionally a delay, technical error or synchronisation issue may result in availability being displayed incorrectly.
A booking is therefore not guaranteed solely because dates appear available on the Website. A booking becomes confirmed in accordance with Section 6 above.
25. Personal Information and Privacy
HolidayDOG collects and processes personal information where reasonably necessary to:
operate the Website;
respond to enquiries;
facilitate and administer bookings;
communicate with guests and accommodation providers;
process or facilitate transactions;
provide customer service;
maintain appropriate business records; and
provide and improve HolidayDOG's services.
Personal information will be handled in accordance with HolidayDOG's Privacy Policy and applicable South African data-protection law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
Information reasonably necessary to facilitate or fulfil a booking may be shared with the relevant accommodation provider and service providers involved in processing or administering that booking.
26. Marketing Communications
HolidayDOG may send marketing communications where the recipient has consented to receive them or where another lawful basis for such communication exists under applicable South African law.
Where permitted by law, this may include information about HolidayDOG accommodation, travel inspiration, special offers, competitions, news and other HolidayDOG services.
Recipients may unsubscribe from electronic marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe facility provided in the communication or by contacting HolidayDOG.
HolidayDOG will process personal information used for direct marketing in accordance with POPIA and applicable South African law.
27. Complaints and Disputes
If a guest experiences a problem relating to a booking or property, the guest should notify HolidayDOG and/or the accommodation provider as soon as reasonably possible so that there is an opportunity to investigate and, where possible, resolve the issue.
HolidayDOG may assist with communication between a guest and accommodation provider but does not automatically assume liability for a dispute merely because the booking was facilitated through HolidayDOG.
Nothing in these Terms prevents a consumer from exercising any right or remedy available under South African law.
28. Accommodation Provider Listings and Termination
HolidayDOG may suspend or terminate a property listing where:
listing fees or other amounts due remain unpaid;
information supplied is materially inaccurate or misleading;
the property no longer accepts dogs;
repeated legitimate guest complaints are received;
the provider materially breaches its agreement with HolidayDOG; or
continued listing would reasonably risk the reputation, integrity or operation of HolidayDOG.
Accommodation providers wishing to cancel a paid listing or subscription must provide the notice required by the package or listing agreement applicable to them.
Fees, commissions or amounts already accrued before termination remain payable unless otherwise agreed or required by law.
29. Suspension or Termination of Website Access
HolidayDOG may restrict or terminate a user's access to the Website where there is reasonable evidence of fraud, abuse, unlawful activity, harassment, misuse of the Website, material breach of these Terms or conduct that threatens the safety or rights of HolidayDOG, an accommodation provider, a guest or another person.
30. Circumstances Outside Reasonable Control
HolidayDOG will not be responsible for failure or delay caused by circumstances outside its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, fire, flood, civil unrest, government restrictions, widespread utility or telecommunications failures or failures of independent third-party systems.
The effect of such circumstances on a particular booking, including cancellation and refund rights, will be determined in accordance with applicable law and the circumstances of that booking.
31. Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or waive any right that a consumer has under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 or any other applicable South African law where that right cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or waived.
If any provision of these Terms conflicts with a mandatory provision of applicable law, the applicable law will prevail.
32. Changes to These Terms and Conditions
HolidayDOG may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in its services, business operations or applicable law.
The Terms applicable to a confirmed booking will generally be those in effect when the booking was confirmed, unless a subsequent change is required by law or expressly agreed between the relevant parties.
Updated Terms and Conditions will apply to future use of HolidayDOG from the date on which they are published.
33. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
34. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Any dispute will be dealt with in accordance with applicable South African law and the rights and remedies available to consumers and suppliers under that law.
35. Contact HolidayDOG
Questions relating to a booking, cancellation, property listing or these Terms and Conditions can be directed to:
HolidayDOG
Email: woof@holidaydog.co.za
Website: www.holidaydog.co.za
By using HolidayDOG or confirming a booking through HolidayDOG, you acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to read and understand these Terms and Conditions.
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