While Johannesburg has solidified itself as an entertainment hotspot for people throughout Gauteng and beyond, the city hasn’t forgotten about our furry friends either. There are plenty of pet-friendly venues in Joburg, from markets to restaurants and parks alike.

But, as any pet-owner knows, your furry pals also need to be kept in great health to be able to truly enjoy these wonderful pet-friendly offerings across the city, and for that, MedicalAid.com is here to help. This in-depth pet insurance aggregator and comparison tool gives you peace of mind when it comes to pet insurance and safety in South Africa.

A great pet health care plan is a lot like a great medical aid plan for people: it reassures pet owners that they’ll be able to get the best care for their beloved companion if they get sick or injured, and it helps ensure that your pets are healthy enough to live to their fullest capacity. Read on to explore some of our top pet-friendly venues in Joburg.

Syringa Park

Leashes required: Yes

Syringa Park at Avianto Estate is a sprawling outdoor nature venue in Muldersdrift that comes packed with activities for all ages (and species!).

Bring your dogs along and take them on a walk or a run through the beautiful park venue. Visitors are kindly reminded to clean up after their pets. After your walk, pop into AfricaBlack Coffee for your pup’s Pupp-a-chino or try one of the many other on-site restaurants.

When: AfricaBlack is open on Fridays & Saturdays from 7am to 4pm, and Sundays from 7am to 3pm
Where: Syringa Park, Avianto Estate, Muldersdrift

The Whippet Coffee

Leashes required: Yes

Rated among the Top 100 Best Coffee Shops in the World in 2025, The Whippet is a must-visit spot for a warm cuppa paired with a delicious pastry or a light meal. The cosy cafe spot also encourages pet owners to bring their pets along, even offering them a complimentary biscuit.

When: Monday to Thursday from 7am to 4pm. Friday from 7am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4pm
Where: The Whippet in Linden, 34 7th St, Linden, Randburg

Ground Café

Leashes Required: Yes

Ground Café is one of the many offerings at GROUND The Venue, a natural scenic location in Muldersdrift that offers hiking and running trails, restaurants, spaces perfect for hosting your dream wedding, and more.

With a cosy indoor area that opens onto a veranda flowing into the greenery, Ground Café is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy with your loved ones. The cafe encourages pet owners to bring their fur babies along for a delicious beef mince or liver snack, and a pupp-acino.

When: Wednesday to Sunday. Kitchen opens at 8am to 3pm, Cafe & Deli closes at 4pm
Where: Ground Café, Plot 19 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift

Walkhaven Dog Park

Leashes Required: No. Dogs can play freely within the fenced park area.

Just a tail’s wag from the Cradle of Humankind in beautiful Muldersdrift, Walkhaven sprawls across 22 hectares of rolling green grass, shady trees, and doggie dreams come true.

Bring your pets along to mingle with other pets, enjoy a picnic with their owners, swim in the lake, or for the more active canine companions, enjoy a hiking trail.

Cost: Day visitor fees to the park may be anywhere from R40 to R50 per adult and R20 to R35 per child or pensioner

When: Daily from 7am to 6.30pm
Where: Walkhaven Dog Park, Plot 77, Walkhaven farm, M5, Zwartkop, Johannesburg

James and Ethel Gray Park

Leashes Required: Not always. There are off-leash areas in the park but be prepared by bringing a leash along for other areas.

This park was named after former Johannesburg mayor in 1946, James Gray and his wife Ethel and is a 36-hectare former bird sanctuary with a lake, city views and a large, grassy field for sports and dogs.

Kick back and spread out on the rolling hills, take in the stunning city views from a lookout point or enjoy one of the many walkways with your pets.

Cost: Free entry

When: Open daily from 6am to 6pm
Where: James and Ethel Gray Park, Edgewood Avenue &, Melrose St, Melrose, Johannesburg

Delta Cafe and Don Quixote

Leashes required: Yes

Delta Cafe and Don Quixote is an upmarket, chilled dining hotspot in Craighall Park that offers famous pizzas, outdoor seating and a pet-friendly atmosphere with great views.

Four-legged friends are always welcome for a cuppa and to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor venue.

Cost: Free entry

When: Mon from 9am to 5pm. Tues, Wed and Thurs from 9am to 6pm. Friday from 9am to 9pm. Sat from 8am to 9pm. Sun from 8am to 6pm
Where: Delta Cafe and Don Quixote, 76 Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg

Cowboy Town

Leashes required: Yes

A trip to Cowboy Town makes for a unique family outing that invites each and all to Go Back West and embrace their inner cowboy.

Trade modernity for nostalgia, and don’t forget to bring your furry friends along. Some of the vendors also sell goods specifically tailored for pets, including toys and beds, so get your pet the perfect gift or accessory whilst you’re there!

Cost: Free entry

When: Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2pm
Where: 1 Mclean St, West Village, Krugersdorp, Johannesburg

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

Leashes required: Yes, while roaming the estate.

Have you ever wanted to take a much-needed vacation, but didn’t want to leave your pet behind? Four Seasons Hotel is the perfect place for you, offering a luxury escape in Joburg with your furry friends.

The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms; however, it is essential that you specify when booking that you will be bringing a pet along. Dog bowls and plush beds are readily available, and both Apres Spa and The Deli onsite, are pet friendly.

Walks around the hotel estate and through the nearby Zoo Lake are perfect opportunities for pets and pet-owners to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Note that weight policies for pets might apply and some cats may be permitted.

Cost: Rates go from R9000 per night. Make a reservation by calling 011 481 6000

When: By availability
Where: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Johannesburg

See more places to book overnight accommodation in Joburg and surrounds

Goddess Cafe

Leashes Required: Yes

The Goddess Cafes in Johannesburg and Pretoria are buzzy hotspots filled with pink colourways in a range of hues, pretty florals, and hanging plant baskets making for a calming and cute oasis to drink and dine.

Your canine friends are welcome to experience these chic locations, with some locations only allowing pets and their pet owners in the outside seating area. Your pets will be well taken care of with water and snacks too.

As there are several cafe locations, be sure to call in ahead to get each location’s specific pet policies.

When: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm | Sunday 8am to 3pm
Where: Linden – 44, 1st Ave, Linden, Johannesburg | Waterkloof – Shop 6, Waterkloof Corner Shopping Centre, Corner Main and Crown Avenue, Waterkloof, Pretoria | Southdowns – Shop 15, Southdowns Shopping Centre, Cnr John Vorster and Karee, Irene, Centurion | Rietondale – 217, Soutpansberg Road, CNR Belrene street, Rietondale, Pretoria

Bryanston Market

Leashes required: Yes

Running for almost 50 years, Bryanston Market has remained committed to offering a safe, welcoming, and pet-friendly space for all.

With over 50 stalls, the market is a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, artisanal delicatessen items, unique arts and crafts, health and wellness products, textiles, and more, making it a true haven for wholesome living and authentic craftsmanship.

The market often also hosts pet charity stalls where attendees can offer aid or adopt/rescue their own pets.

Cost: R25pp (adult); kids u/18 enter free; R50 parking ticket. Book via Quicket | For team building package options and bookings, email [email protected] for more information

When: Every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 3pm
Where: Bryanston Market, 40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Sandton

More about Bryanston Market

Fourways Farmers Market

Leashes required: Yes

Not only is Fourways Farmers Market one of Joburg’s most popular weekend markets, boasting a vast selection of locally made products in a lavender-filled haven of natural beauty, but it is dog-friendly too. So, bring along your canine pals next time you’re there.

Bringing your pets along requires that you follow Fourways Farmers Market’s etiquette guidelines, which ask that:

• All dog owners be responsible and clean up after their pets. Bring along waste bags.
• For the safety and comfort of all visitors, please keep your furry friends on a leash at all times.
• Explore the market stalls, grab some treats, and make it a tail-wagging day out for your pups.

Cost: R20pp, pay at entrance

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 7pm
Where: Taroko Farm Modderfontein Reserve, Norfolk Ln, Klipfontein View, Lethabong

Avianto Estate Hiking Trails

Leashes required: Yes

Tucked away in the scenic surroundings of Muldersdrift, Avianto Estate offers peaceful and accessible hiking trails for visitors. The estate’s dedicated walking trails provide a delightful escape into nature, with two well-marked routes of approximately 2.5km, 5km, 8km and 10km.

These trails feature gentle terrain and modest elevation, making them ideal for families, casual walkers, and dog owners.

Cost: Free entry

When: Open daily from 7am to 5pm
Where: Avianto Estate, Plot 69, R114 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift

Salvation Cafe

Leashes required: Yes

The Salvation Cafe offers a light, contemporary, restful brunch spot for a quick solo break from work or a lingering social chat over great coffee. The outdoor and veranda seating make for a lovely casual dining atmosphere, perfect for a pet to tag along for.

When: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm (kitchen closes at 3.30pm)
Where: Salvation Cafe at 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg

Riversands Farm Village

Leashes required: Yes

This regular Sunday market houses stalls for all sorts of interesting local crafters. From funky African art to delicious homemade goods.

Situated in the Riversand Farm Village, the market serves as a fun-filled destination for families with kids, or pet-owning patrons. With an array of craft beers, food stalls and shopping goods, Riversand Farm Village Market is an easy way to keep busy on a slow Sunday.

 Cost: Free entry

When: Every Friday, 8am to 4pm. Saturday, 7am to 4pm. Sunday, 7am to 5pm
Where: Riversands Farm Village, Rose Rd, Midrand

Delta Park

Leashes required: Yes

One of Johannesburg’s biggest green lungs and an ambler’s paradise, Delta Park offers 104 hectares of grassland and woodland for you and your furry friends to explore.

The park boasts various trails, bird-viewing hides and sanctuaries, an environmental centre, a dam, scout-training grounds, and more.

Cost: Free entry

When: Open daily from 6am to 6pm
Where: Delta Park, 77 Craighall Road, Victory Park, Randburg

PLTFRM Wolwespruit

Leashes Required: Yes

PLTFRM in Wolwespruit offers a little bit of everything from food to social experiences, kids’ and outdoor activities and playgrounds, and of course, a pet-friendly atmosphere.

The venue happily accommodates pets, welcoming pet owners to take their furballs on a Sunday breakfast or lunch run. Plus, they also have some pet-friendly snacks on the menu.

When: Sunday to Thursday from 7am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday from 7am to 10pm
Where: PLTFRM Wolwespruit, 501 Jochemus St, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria

Linton’s Corner Night Market

Leashes Required: Yes

The Linton’s Corner Night Market is full of flavour, vibes, and fun for the whole family! 

From 4pm, you can bring your crew (including the furry ones) and enjoy delicious gourmet street food, refreshing drinks and sweet treats, locally made crafts, gifts & goodies, live music to set the vibe, and a lively, festive market atmosphere.

Cost: R20pp entry. Kids u/12 enter free

When: Every second Friday of the month from 4pm
Where: Linton’s Corner, Lynnwood Rd &, Solomon Mahlangu Dr, Equestria, Pretoria

Busstop7 Open Air Market

Leashes Required: Yes

BusStop7 in Pretoria East is a great way to spend weekends with the family, including leashed pets. You’ll find over 150 stalls selling everything from local cheese, raw honey, organic fruit & veg, and unique lifestyle apparel for gifting. 

Cost: R25pp, kids u/12 enter free

When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 4pm
Where: Cnr Duiker and Foxtrot Street, Pretoria

Huckleberry’s Restaurant at Magnolia Dell Park

Leashes required: Yes. Pets must remain on-leash at the restaurant but may roam off-leash in other areas of the park.

Located in a park, this is the perfect spot for pets to roam around in a beautiful outdoor venue. Pet owners can dine in nature with outdoor seating and a spacious exercise area. And the best part: pets dine for free!

When: Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 8.30pm. Sundays from 7.30am to 5.30pm
Where: Huckleberry’s Cafe, Magnolia Dell Park c/o Florence Ribeiro and Nicolson, Brooklyn, Pretoria

Find the Best Medical Aid for Your Pet with MedicalAid.Com

Pet insurance is a necessary purchase for all pet owners in South Africa to ensure that your pet is properly covered when it comes to emergency vet visits, unexpected bills, regular checkups, and deworming medication, among other things.

MedicalAid.Com offers pet owners the chance to compare pet insurance plans, to find the perfect one for both you and your furry companion. The site gives a full breakdown of the most popular pet insurance plans in South Africa, which includes their prices, the pet species covered, and the benefits and downfalls of each pet insurance plan.

Ease any anxieties around your pet and their health by finding the perfect pet insurance plan on MedicalAid.Com. Check out the website to discover the best plan for you today.

Website: medicalaid.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 072 796 7530
Facebook: Medical Aid.Com
Instagram: @medicalaid_com

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