Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about booking or hosting a private, fully-fenced dog space in South Africa. For anything else, a real person is on the other end.
01
Bark Parks is South Africa's marketplace for private, fully-fenced dog spaces you can book by the hour. Instead of sharing a public park with dogs and owners you don't know, you book a private garden, farm, or fenced property just for your dog — off leash, with no surprise encounters. to be first in line when we launch.
02
A public dog park is shared and unpredictable — you never know which dogs or owners you'll run into. A private space booked through Bark Parks is reserved entirely for you and your dog for your chosen time slot. No other dogs, no strangers, no surprises.
03
We're launching across South Africa, starting with early hosts as they join. and we'll let you know the moment spaces open near you.
04
Every host sets their own hourly rate, shown on the listing. A flat R25 booking fee is added at checkout to cover platform and payment processing costs. You'll see the full price breakdown before you pay — no hidden costs.
05
Choose a listing, pick your date, time, and duration, and pay securely through the platform. Once the host accepts, your booking is confirmed and you'll receive the exact address.
06
Yes. A free Bark Parks account keeps every booking tied to a real, identifiable profile, which is part of how we keep bookings safe for hosts. and we'll let you know the moment sign-ups open.
07
If the listing allows it — each host sets a maximum number of dogs per booking, shown on the listing page before you book.
08
No — the exact address is only revealed once your booking is paid and confirmed. This protects the host's privacy and is one of the ways Bark Parks keeps every booking safe.
09
Yes — it's who we built this for. Every space is fully enclosed and booked exclusively for you, so there's no risk of an off-leash stranger's dog approaching. It's ideal for reactive, anxious, elderly, or in-training dogs who don't do well at busy public parks. Read why we built Bark Parks.
10
Every host completes identity and property verification before their listing goes live. Addresses stay hidden until payment, all communication happens in-app, and both guests and hosts leave reviews after every booking. See our full safety guidelines.
11
No breed restrictions. Any dog is welcome, subject to the host's maximum-dogs limit for that specific listing.
12
Yes. Cancel more than 24 hours before your session for a full refund. Cancelling within 24 hours of your booking start time means no refund applies, since the host has reserved that time exclusively for you. Full cancellation policy.
13
You'll receive a full refund.
14
Refunds are processed immediately on our end but typically take 3–5 business days to reflect back in your account, depending on your bank.
15
Hosting isn't open yet. and we'll let you know as soon as applications open — you'll go through a quick identity and property verification before your listing goes live.
16
Hosts keep 90% of every booking — the same flat rate for every host on the platform, regardless of experience or how long you've been hosting.
17
No, listing is free. Bark Parks only takes its share when you actually get a booking.
18
A short video walkthrough of your space, a copy of your ID, and proof of address or property ownership. Most applications are reviewed within 2–3 business days.
We're launching soon. Join the waitlist and we'll let you know the moment spaces go live near you.