Finding the perfect rental is no easy feat, especially when you have fur children to consider! While it might be tempting to give up, rest assured there are places that love and welcome pets as much as you do.
No matter where in South Africa you look, pet friendly rentals are notoriously hard to come by. As most renters on the hunt will know, there are very few landlords, body corporates, estates and/or complexes that allow for pets, citing the commonly perceived assumption that pets cause damage. While this may be the case in some instances, there are quite a few areas in this beautiful country of ours that tend to take a less cynical and more welcoming approach. With this in mind, we’ve made the hunt for a pet friendly rental that much easier for you by listing 5 of the best areas to look into for both you and your furry loved ones - we’ve even thrown in some possible rental options to get you started on the right foot:
Sea Point and Surrounds – Western Cape
Situated close to the city centre, Sea Point is a bright and energetic hub of activity with so many beautiful beaches and dining spots to choose from for both you and your little buddy! Perhaps its biggest draw card, especially for dog owners, is the Sea Point promenade, which runs along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean for several kilometres. Thanks to the City of Cape Town, there are also designated “free-running” areas along the route where dogs are free to run and/or play off their leads.
If this sounds like the perfect recipe for fun in the sun with your doggo, check out this beautifully appointed 2 bedroom Sea Point apartment. Situated at the base of Table Mountain, it boasts clean and modern finishes throughout and is available unfurnished or fully furnished with quality Bosch appliances. Best of all, it’s a 3-minute drive from the promenade – just perfect for both you and your canine companion!
Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa’s best when it comes to well-priced rentals that are predominately pet friendly. Termed ‘The Friendly City’, Port Elizabeth is also well-known for its 40km-plus coast that includes numerous Blue Flag Beaches along the way for all members of the family to enjoy. Best of all, after that long day in the sun, your buddy can chill out at home while you enjoy a sundowner at your favourite local spot – it’s beach living at its best!
Seem like the life for you and your beloved pet? Take a look at this stunning 3 bedroom home in Pinelands. Its modern open plan kitchen, indoor braai area and stackable doors that open out onto the lawn are perfect for both entertaining and allowing your pets ample space to play and run around in!
Richards bay – Kwa-Zulu Natal
Richards Bay is one of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s hidden gems when it comes to coastal living at an affordable price. The added bonus is that it is a predominately pet welcoming city, with very few landlords or body corporates adhering to a no pet policy. Despite its reputation for being a mostly industrialised area, Richards Bay is slowly evolving into a town with great
potential, given its spectacular natural scenery and unspoilt beaches. These features therefore make it a great option for pet and nature lovers alike.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect lock up and go, then this 3 bedroom duplex in Meerensee could be a great spot for you and your fur kids. Newly renovated, it boasts an open plan lounge and kitchen area as well as garden space for hours of outdoor play time.
Bloemfontein – Free State
Bloemfontein is fast-becoming a popular city to consider if you are into both the big city life and country-side living! It is well-known for being the judicial capital of our nation and is also known for being a largely pet friendly city with heap loads of natural beauty to boot. It’s therefore a great option for those who are wanting to still remain on the pulse but look forward to walking the dogs and enjoying all that nature has to offer after a long day.
Sound like a good rental option? Take a look at this spacious 3 bedroom house in Hillside with its luxurious finishes, including double volume ceilings and a separate courtyard. The house also has a patio and lovely garden for two small pets to explore and run free!
Randburg – Johannesburg
Located to the north west of Johannesburg, Randburg is one of the province’s most pet accommodating areas to rent in. While it can be a vibrant hub of activity, it also offers the peace and quiet of suburban living, with the beauty of nature close at hand in the form of the Cradle of Humankind.
If you do happen to be on the hunt for a well-appointed and pet friendly home in Randburg, look no further than this 4 bedroom house in Randburg Central! This spacious home boasts porcelain tiling, a separate family room with pub and jet master fireplace! The home also includes a modern kitchen with gas hob as well as a luxurious jacuzzi room. Best of all, there is plenty of space outdoors for your family and pets to enjoy, including a lovely thatched lapa and pool area.
Most renters with pets will invariably have to give up on or let go of at least one seemingly perfect rental opportunity due to the prevalence of the “no pet policy”. That said, there are some beautiful parts of our country that welcome all types of family members. No matter where you end up, remember that there is an etiquette for keeping pets in a rental property so always be sure both you and the furries are respecting the rules while enjoying the home you share together.
