Pet-friendly Plett Guide 

dog friendly pet friendly plett
Published: December 19th, 2023
by Compiled by Janet Middleton

Pet-friendly Plett Guide

Are you travelling with four-pawed furry friends this Plett Summer? Well, read on for all you need to know about dog-friendly beaches and dog regulations, Plett vets, lost animals and animal welfare in Plett, and, of course, pet-friendly restaurants and accommodation. All your questions answered in one place. Finally, and it’s worth mentioning immediately: please clean up after your dogs – wherever you go.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACHES AND LAGOONS IN PLETT?

14 September 2024 – The Plett Tourism Association would like to inform our visitors and resident that, as a precautionary measure, Bitou Municipality has amended the bylaw regarding dogs on beaches to ensure that dogs remain leashed at all times to minimise possible interaction with seals on Plett beaches due to the recent discovery of rabies in the seal populations along the Western Cape coastal areas. Learn more.

There are dog-friendly beaches, and there are beaches where dogs are prohibited. Please read on to find out more. In partnership with Nature’s Valley Trust, Plett Tourism and the Ratepayer Associations of Plettenberg Bay, Keurbooms and Nature’s Valley, Bitou municipality has specific zones for Dog Friendly / Dog on Leash / No Dogs Allowed on beaches, from Robberg to Nature’s Valley.

Please keep an eye out at beach entrances for the correct regulations in your immediate area and your closest preferred zone. Transition zones will be marked with clear signage on the beaches. Please leash your dog when required as these are high-density shorebird nesting areas. No dogs are allowed on Blue Flag Beaches at any time. Please clean up dog waste at all times and place in the bins provided. Non-compliance to these regulations will be subject to a fine.

There are a number of reasons for these zones including Plett’s six international Blue Flag beaches which are a significant attraction. Additionally, the Bitou area was recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) by Birdlife South Africa in 2015. To maintain this status, we need to zone beaches in a way that protects our shorebirds while also being inclusive to both dog owners and holiday makers that enjoy our beaches.

Dog-on-lead Beaches

  1. Solar Beach
  2. Poortjies Beach (towards caravan park)
  3. Nature’s Valley Beach on either side of Blue Flag demarcated areas
  4. Arch Rock Beach

Dog-friendly Beaches

Please note the amended temporary regulations from September 2024 by the Bitou Municipality above.

  1. Sanctuary Beach
  2. The Wreck Beach
  3. Poortjies Beach (towards Milkwood Manor)
  4. Strandmeer Beach
  5. The Waves Beach
  6. Nature’s Valley Estuary Beach

No-dogs-allowed Beaches

  1. Central Beach
  2. Beacon Isle Beach
  3. Robberg 5 Beach
  4. Lookout Beach
  5. The Dunes Beach
  6. Keurbooms Beach
  7. Nature’s Valley Beach at Garden Route National Park side
  8. Nature’s Valley Beach Blue Flag demarcated areas
  9. Nature’s Valley Beach at Salt River Trail / Blue Rocks

Provincial Notice 6668
Sec. 19(1) Any dog in a public road or public place without a leash.
Sec. 2(2) Failing to remove any faeces left by a dog in a public street or public place.
R500 FINE

DOWNLOAD

Dogs on Beaches in Plettenberg Bay

ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON ROBBERG?

No. Robberg is a nature reserve and, as such, dogs are not permitted. The same applies for other nature reserves and sections of the Garden Route National Park. Some private nature reserves and estates, such as Cairnbrogie, allow dogs on their trails but it’s best to check before you go. You will find lots of information on hiking and biking trails around Plett on the new Plett Trails app. www.pletttrails.co.za 

ARE THERE VETS IN PLETT?

Yes, Plett has some very reputable vets. 

  • Robberg Veterinary Clinic: (+27)44 533 0124
  • Plett Valley Veterinary Clinic: (+27)44 050 1591
  • Marine Way Animal Hospital: (+27)44 533 3100
  • Horse & Hound Veterinary Shop: (+27)44 533 1368
  • Beacon Isle Vet Shop: (+27)44 533 0245
  • The Crags Vet Clinic & Shop: (+27)66 441 1966

IS THERE AN ANIMAL WELFARE OR ANIMAL SHELTER IN PLETT?

Yes, the Plett Animal Welfare (PAWS) is located off the N2 just before the turnoff to Kwanokuthula. Contact: (+27)83 287 9917

ARE FIREWORKS ALLOWED IN PLETT?

No, both fireworks and Chinese lanterns are banned in Plett. Read more here.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DOG OR CAT GETS LOST WHILE I AM HERE?

This is especially true over New Year’s Eve despite fireworks being banned, although it could happen at any time during your holiday. It’s best to get in touch with PAWS (+27)83 287 9917 as any stray animals may be surrendered there. Additional resources include: Plett Lost and Found Pets Facebook group and Plett Animal Welfare Facebook page to extend your search. Sadly, PAWS has had circumstances where lost animals are surrendered and it appears that their families left Plett without them!

Dogs menu at The Plettenberg Pet-Friendly Hotel
Dogs menu at The Plettenberg Pet-Friendly Hotel

ARE THERE PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN PLETT?

Yes, there are a number of restaurants in Plett that welcome furry family members. Please check when booking if there are any conditions.

(If you’re a restaurant and would like to be added to this list, please email us)

IS THERE PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION IN PLETT?

There are a number of accommodation establishments that cater for those travelling with dogs, find out more here.

We hope that you, your friends and family enjoy your visit to our beautiful bay. If you have any queries, please get in touch on info@pletttourism.com or visit our Concierge Desk at the Plett Tourism office in Melville’s Corner.