Update

GEORGE NEWS - You finally find the perfect home to rent. A big garden, plenty of space and even within your budget. But then comes the dreaded line at the bottom of the listing: “No pets allowed.” And just like that, your heart sinks. The search begins all over again.

Many pet owners in George and the Garden Route know this struggle all too well. Budgets are stretched in the desperate hope of finding a pet-friendly home. 

Nights are spent worrying about where to cut costs or how on earth Rufus and Rex could squeeze into the car because leaving them behind is simply not an option. 

The reality is that very few rental homes welcome pets, and when they do, the rent is often so high it would take three salaries to cover – a near impossibility in George, where the average income can barely sustain one person.

Families forced apart

According to the Garden Route SPCA’s regional manager, Cheri Cooke, 90% of animals brought to SPCAs are not strays but unwanted pets. She warns that restrictive housing rules force families to give up beloved animals, deprive children of the chance to grow up with pets, and place further strain on the system.

“These rules don’t just exclude animals; they create more abandonment, more suffering and more pressure on an already overwhelmed system,” says Cooke.

Colleen Smith from Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin) agrees that pet-friendly housing is a major headache for animal welfare. She says many dogs are returned to them because people cannot find suitable accommodation. 

While some genuinely have no choice, others use it as an easy way out, blaming small yards instead of committing to daily walks or outings. 

She adds that the lack of pet-friendly housing in George is a major problem, leaving animal welfare groups inundated with rescues.

Why landlords say no

The other side of the debate paints a different picture. Many landlords say their refusal to allow pets is not rooted in dislike of animals, but in the high costs they are left to carry when tenants walk away.

One George homeowner told George Herald he had to spend nearly R100 000 to repair a garden after tenants’ dogs dug up plants and destroyed the lawn. 

“The grass was gone, the plants ripped out and the yard completely ruined. The tenants just shrugged and told me to keep the deposit, but it did not even come close to covering the damage,” he said.

In an anonymous letter sent to the newspaper, a former landlord wrote:

“Most people love animals and that is all good and well. Things change drastically when someone else’s pets cost you thousands of rands. No prospective tenant will admit that their dogs love to dig, chew or destroy plants, yet these are normal animal activities. 

"The problem comes when years of gardening are undone in a few months, leaving the landlord out of pocket. I can understand why many do not allow pets, and I can also see how difficult this makes it for tenants. It remains a dilemma. The more affordable rentals are usually not pet-friendly, while the very expensive ones will sometimes allow dogs.”

Attorney Richard Blignaut, principal of City & Suburbs Realty, says landlords often adopt “no pets” or “no children” policies due to fears of damage, noise and added wear. 

He suggests solutions such as refundable pet deposits, clear lease clauses and strong tenant references. Blignaut believes smart investors could benefit by offering more pet- and child-friendly homes, as demand far outweighs supply.

Not everyone’s a fan

Beyond landlord concerns, not all neighbours are keen on pets either. In response to a previous article posted on georgeherald.com, resident Ryan Viljoen shared his frustration with barking dogs in George. He said he had to move three times in four years because of noise and a lack of municipal action.

“My son and I have lost sleep, quality of life and are miserable. People want dogs but do not want to train them, look after them or think of their neighbours. Do yourself a favour and walk through some of George’s streets. It is a constant barking noise. That is not on. I am completely against dogs now, and everyone around me is too. People have taken advantage of people’s peace, and we will not stand for it,” he said.

A campaign for change

Animal welfare advocates say there is a middle ground. BarkingMad has launched its Not Without My Dog campaign to challenge restrictive housing rules and give pet owners a voice. 

The nationwide survey aims to highlight the scale of the problem and push for more pet-inclusive housing. Founder Tracy McQuarrie says no family deserves to be torn apart. “A home without a pet isn’t the same.”

The campaign also promotes solutions such as better access to pet-friendly homes, temporary care during tough times and training support. 

Take part at www.notwithoutmydog.co.za/survey

Ideas for pet owners and landlords

• Pet deposits and pet rent: A refundable deposit or small monthly fee can cover extra wear and tear.
• Clear lease agreements: Rules for responsible ownership, such as noise control and waste management, protect both sides.
• Tenant screening: References from past landlords or vets can help prove that pets and owners are responsible.
• Shared responsibility: Municipalities could offer small tax breaks to landlords for pet-friendly rentals. Animal welfare groups could provide training or mediation if issues arise.

Design and development: Complexes could include pet zones, walking areas or dog parks to reduce neighbour conflict.

Read a previous article: Finding a home in George? Not if you have a pet 

This is a developing story. More updates will follow. 

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’