Doggie Rules and Pet Policy

At Riverman Cabin Country Lodge, we know that pets are family, and we're delighted to welcome your four-legged companions. To ensure an enjoyable stay for everyone—both two-legged and four-legged—we kindly ask that you observe the following guidelines.

Please note: Riverman is a peaceful country retreat. Excessive barking is the number one cause of guest complaints. We therefore ask owners to ensure their dogs are never left unattended or allowed to disturb the peace and tranquillity enjoyed by other guests.

Number of Dogs:
A maximum of two dogs per cottage is included in your stay. Additional dogs are welcome by prior arrangement and will incur a charge of R50.00 per dog, per two-night stay.

Supervision:
Please ensure that your dog is accompanied at all times. Dogs may not be left alone in the cottage or in the fenced garden while you leave the property or spend the day away. An unfamiliar environment can cause anxiety, often resulting in excessive barking or attempts to escape.

Barking:
One of the greatest pleasures of Riverman is the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Please be considerate of other guests by ensuring your dog does not bark continuously or become a nuisance.

Our rescue donkeys roam freely around the farm and may occasionally wander past your cottage, sometimes exciting curious dogs and encouraging them to bark. If this happens, we kindly ask that you shoo the donkeys along and calm your dog as soon as possible to prevent continuous barking. If your dog is naturally vocal, please hush and settle them promptly out of consideration for fellow guests seeking a peaceful country escape.

Outside Your Cottage:
All cottages are securely fenced for your pet's safety. Around the cottages, communal areas and whenever other guests are nearby, dogs must be kept on a leash and under your control.

Dogs are welcome to enjoy the Doggy Dam, driving range, walking trails and the back of the farm off leash, provided they are well socialised, under voice control and do not disturb other guests, their pets, livestock or wildlife.

Please ensure your dog behaves appropriately around people and other animals at all times.

Rescue Donkeys & Farm Animals:
Our rescue donkeys and other farm animals roam freely around the property. Although many of our donkeys are accustomed to dogs, they are still large animals and can react unpredictably if threatened. A frightened or protective donkey can deliver a powerful kick capable of causing serious injury.

Please do not allow your dogs to roam freely around the cottages or chase any livestock. Always supervise your pets and ensure they respect the farm animals.

Doggy Dam & Fishing Dams:
Dogs are welcome to enjoy our dedicated Doggy Dam next to the driving range, where they are free to splash, swim and cool off.

We kindly ask that dogs are kept away from our trout and bass fishing dams so as not to disturb the water or interfere with fellow guests enjoying their fishing experience.

Ticks & Fleas:
As Riverman is a working farm, ticks and fleas are a natural part of the environment. We strongly recommend treating your pets before arrival with a suitable tick and flea preventative to protect both your pet and our accommodation.

Cleaning Up After Your Pet:
Please help us keep Riverman beautiful by cleaning up after your pet throughout your stay. While our housekeeping staff clean the cottages between departures, they are not available around the clock.

Pet-Friendly Linen:
If you would prefer, we offer a pet-friendly dark grey linen option in place of our standard white bedding. This can be requested at least 48 hours before arrival.

Please note that this is simply a darker bedding option for guests travelling with pets. It does not mean that dogs are permitted to sleep on the beds or that soiled bedding is acceptable. A R500 cleaning fee will apply to heavily soiled or stained linen. Should any linen require replacement due to pet-related damage or staining that cannot be professionally removed, the replacement cost will be charged to the guest.

Liability:
Pet owners accept full responsibility for their pets and will be held liable for any injury, damage or loss caused to other guests, staff, property, livestock or wildlife during their stay.

Thank you for helping us preserve the peaceful atmosphere that makes Riverman Cabin Country Lodge such a special destination for both our guests and their four-legged companions.

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