Weather and seasons in Johannesburg
Johannesburg sits on the Highveld at high altitude: sunny, dry winters with cold nights and frost, and warm summers with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, lightning and sometimes hail.
Planning around the seasons
In summer, walk in the morning before afternoon storms build, and give noise-sensitive dogs a safe indoor spot during thunder.
In winter, mornings can be close to freezing โ keep short-haired dogs warm, and take extra care with tick prevention all year, as tick-borne biliary is common.
Homes, buildings and access
Many homes and estates have gates, alarms, electric fencing and security guards. Tell your provider about gate remotes, alarm codes, estate access and dogs that might slip out when the gate opens.
Local rules worth knowing
Keep your dog vaccinated against rabies, as required in South Africa, and keep the records handy. City by-laws set rules such as how many dogs a property may keep and keeping dogs on a lead in public spaces.
Getting around Johannesburg with a pet
Pets are generally not allowed on the Gautrain or buses (service animals excepted), and ride-hailing drivers may refuse animals. A pet taxi is the simplest way to reach the vet, a groomer or the airport.
Pet care in Johannesburg โ FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in Johannesburg?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Johannesburg. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address โ the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in Johannesburg?
Providers in Johannesburg set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
What is biliary and how do I protect my dog?
Biliary (canine babesiosis) is a tick-borne disease common in South Africa. Use a tick preventative recommended by your vet, check your dog after walks and see a vet quickly if your dog is lethargic or off its food.
What should a sitter know about home security?
Share gate and alarm details, estate access rules and emergency contacts in the chat, and mention any dog that tries to slip out when the gate opens.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents โ home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training โ before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
