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Key takeaways
- Only choose venues marked pet friendly, and message the host before booking with the type, size and number of animals.
- Easy-clean floors, a balcony or rooftop and a private toilet make a pet party far easier.
- Bring pee pads, waste bags, cleaning spray and a water bowl, and keep the last 30 minutes for clearing up.
- Where a deposit is taken, it is normally returned about 48 hours after the booking ends, and always in full if you cancel.
- Tell the group in advance that a pet is coming so anyone allergic or nervous can decide for themselves.
To bring your pet to a party, choose a party room marked pet friendly and, before booking, tell the host what animal you are bringing, how big it is and how many. Venues set their own rules, so pet friendly does not mean anything goes. Bring cleaning supplies and pet essentials and the day will go much more smoothly.
When does a pet-friendly venue make sense?
- A pet's birthday: celebrate your dog or cat and take good photos
- Pet owners' meet-ups: a group of friends who all have pets
- Friends' gatherings: when you would rather not leave your pet at home
- Something more outdoors: see pet-friendly BBQ venues
If your group plays mahjong, there are also pet-friendly mahjong rooms.
Pet-friendly party rooms
What must I ask the host before booking?
Message the host from the venue page. Ask about:
- Type and size: are large dogs, cats or other animals accepted?
- Number: how many animals can come?
- Where they can go: are pets allowed on sofas, and are any areas off limits?
- Cleaning: how clean must the room be left, and is there an extra cleaning charge?
- Access: does the building have rules, such as carrying pets or using a carrier, and is there lift access?
Asking first avoids arriving to find your pet is not accepted.
What should I look for in the room?
Space
Pets need room to move, so do not overfill the space with people and animals. Enter your real headcount and judge the size from the photos.
Floors and furniture
Easy-to-clean floors and furniture make a pet party much easier. Lots of carpet makes accidents harder to deal with.
Outdoor space
A room with a balcony or rooftop gives pets some air and makes things easier for owners.
Toilet
A private toilet is handy for rinsing bowls and dealing with accidents.
What should I bring?
- Pee pads and waste bags
- Wet wipes and cleaning spray
- A water bowl and treats
- A lead
- A familiar mat or toy to help your pet settle
Use the party checklist so nothing gets left behind.
Is it your pet's first party?
If your pet has not been somewhere unfamiliar before, take it in this order:
- 1
Book a shorter slot
Keep the first visit short and see how they cope. Slots run in 30-minute steps, so you can size it precisely.
- 2
Arrive before your friends
Let your pet explore the room before it fills up, so they are less anxious when people arrive.
- 3
Set up a quiet corner
Put down a familiar mat and water bowl where they can retreat when tired.
- 4
Quiet activities first
Karaoke or loud music can unsettle animals. Start with board games or photos and save the music for later.
- 5
Watch how they react
If your pet is hiding or barking non-stop, let them rest rather than pushing them to join in.
Tips for the day
Think about other guests
Not everyone is comfortable around animals. Tell the group in advance, so anyone who is allergic or nervous can decide for themselves.
Food safety
Party food such as chocolate or bones may not be safe for pets. Keep food out of reach and ask friends not to feed your pet. At a BBQ venue, keep pets away from the grill.
Clean-up
Keep the last 30 minutes for packing up and cleaning. Where a refundable security deposit is taken, it is returned about 48 hours after the booking ends, unless the host reports damage or extra cleaning with evidence.
- 48 hours
- Deposits are normally returned about 48 hours after the end, unless the host reports damage or extra cleaning with evidence
- In full
- A security deposit is always returned in full when you cancel
How is it priced?
Venues charge per person per hour or per room per hour. Friday to Sunday, public holidays and the day before a public holiday are at the weekend rate. For typical levels, see the price index. There is no booking fee, so the total shown is what you pay.
Cancellation
Each venue uses a Flexible, Standard or Strict cancellation policy; see the cancellation policy. A security deposit is always returned in full on cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Does pet friendly mean any pet is welcome?
Not necessarily. Venues may have rules on the type, size and number of animals. Message the host from the venue page before booking and say what pet you are bringing and how many.
What if my pet makes a mess?
Some venues take a refundable security deposit. If the host reports damage or extra cleaning within 48 hours of the end, with photos, part of it may be withheld. Bringing your own cleaning supplies avoids most problems.
Can I bring a pet to a BBQ venue?
Some BBQ venues are marked pet friendly, and you can filter for them in the BBQ category. Keep pets well away from grills and food.
What if a friend is allergic to animals?
Tell the group in advance that a pet is coming so people can decide for themselves. A larger room or one with a balcony also helps.
Who decides whether pets can use the building lift?
The building may have its own rules, such as carrying pets or using a carrier, and those are not up to the host. Ask how the building handles pets when you message the host, so you do not get stuck in the lobby.
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