A stay at a Radisson RED isn’t complete without our paw-somely, purr-fect pets — and this March, Radisson RED Johannesburg and Radisson RED V&A Waterfront are opening their doors for a full day of furry fun!
Both Radisson RED hotels are proudly pooch-friendly and allow guests to bring their pets along for stays that include home-made treats, dog beds and more. Following on from the success of RED Rosebank’s first Pet Adoption Day last year, the hotel chain has partnered with Pet Heaven, Woodrock Animal Rescue and the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) of South Africa to host a multi-city Pet Adoption Day on Saturday, 4 March from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
The Radisson Hotel Group builds on the principles of sustainable development, which includes a commitment to uplift the communities surrounding its hotels as well as consider the economic, social, ethical and environmental impacts of its business. Laura Hartnady, CEO at Pet Heaven, an online pet store supporting the initiative, says: “We at Pet Heaven are delighted to have partnered with Radisson RED, who understand that fur babies are part of our lives — at home and on holiday. The Wag This Way event is a great opportunity to bring our pet-loving community together for a fun day out, to give pups a chance to try new toys and enjoy some pampering, and stand a chance to win prizes.
The Pet Adoption Days will be held at the hotels’ OUI BAR + KTCHN, where a pet-friendly menu is available while the OUI BAR terraces will host doggie playpens and toy trials. Guests will be met with a gift on arrival and have the opportunity to sign in to win a prize. There will also be interaction (read: plenty of playtime) with the pets up for adoption, education around pet adoption and making a difference with the Woodrock and AWS SA teams, discounted coffee and complimentary ‘puppa-cinos’.
Other paw-mazing activities include:
- Games with Montego Foods,
- Grooming with Ultimate Pet Care,
- Pet treats with Pet Heaven,
- Dog walks through the Silo District for those attending the Pet Adoption Day at Radisson
RED V&A Waterfront, and - A Radisson RED Raffle, with a prize that includes a one-night stay at RED and a Pet Heaven hamper.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Radisson RED again for a Pet Adoption Day,” says Stella Meldau, founder at Woodrock Animal Rescue, which has been a leading non-profit, pro-life, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing organisation since 1992. “The last day was a huge success and we hope that this year, we’ll find forever homes for these deserving animals who have been rescued from neglect, abuse and certain death.”
Dr John McMullen CEO of the AWS of South Africa, adds: “Our non-selective admissions policy at AWS SA means that we do not turn away any animal in need. Adoption Days are an incredible way to ensure we can help some of these animals find loving, forever homes and assists us in opening places for other animals in need of veterinary treatment, food, water, exercise, and a safe and comfortable place to stay.”
According to the State of Pet Homelessness Index (2022), 4.1 million dogs and cats in South Africa are considered strays. And while this number may seem high, equally high is the percentage of South Africans who are open to adoption — up to 77% of the population would be willing to adopt from a shelter in comparison to the global average of 65%.
“This is encouraging news, and only adds to the importance of Pet Adoption Days such as the ones hosted by Radisson RED,” concludes Hartnady. “We urge people to spread awareness on social media and come out to experience the day. Even if you don’t end up adopting; your presence and interaction with the pets are invaluable.”
Join a Pet Adoption Day at Radisson RED Rosebank, Johannesburg and Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town on Saturday, 4 March from 1.30 – 4.30 pm. For more information, visit https://www.petheaven.co.za/wag-this-way-dog-event
