Is Kalahari Pet-Friendly? 2024 Guide
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Kalahari is unfortunately not pet-friendly. The resort does not allow pets of any sort. If guests arrive with pets, they will be asked to leave, and their reservation will not be refunded.
Of course, they do allow service animals for those with disabilities. However, the pet must meet the requirements of the ADA. Emotional service animals do not count towards this and fall into the unallowed pet category.
That said, we still recommend calling ahead and letting the staff know you’re bringing a service animal. There may be steps they can take to ensure that your service animal is properly accommodated, or they may have useful information you need to consider when bringing your service dog.
Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals
As we mentioned, Kalahari allows service animals certified under the American Disabilities Act (ADA), but emotional support animals are not permitted at Kalahari Resorts.
Service dogs are trained to perform specialized tasks that ease the challenges associated with their owner’s physical, psychiatric, sensory, and/or developmental disability, including guide, hearing, medical alert, mobility, autism service, and psychiatric service dogs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities to bring their service dogs with them to most public places, including restaurants, theaters, shops, and hotels.
Emotional support animals, on the other hand, are companion animals who help owners cope with emotional and mental health conditions such as anxiety. These dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, rather, it’s their presence alone that is of comfort and support to their owners. These dogs are not permitted in non-pet-friendly places and are considered by the law as “normal pets” for the most part.
Are There Any Pet-Friendly Locations Nearby?
Pennsylvania
Camelback Resort & Indoor Waterpark
The Camelback Resort is a 3-star hotel with a large indoor waterpark, and since the hotel is pet-friendly, it could be a great alternative to Kalahari. There is also an outdoor waterpark across the road available throughout summer, plus many other attractions including ziplines, escape rooms, and rock climbing.
Texas
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Round Rock East
This pet-friendly hotel is very close to Kalahari Resort and includes a pool, free WiFi, and air-conditioned rooms. While there is no waterpark, its proximity to Kalahari is great, plus there is another waterpark, Rock N River, very close by too.
Virginia
Lake Harmony Inn
This relaxed, pet-friendly inn may not have the excitement of a water park, but there are tons of activities for families. There is a lake with water sports and fishing, seasonal boat rentals, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Also, Kalahari Waterpark is just a 20-minute drive away!
Wisconsin
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells
Only a few miles from Kalahari waterpark, this relaxed hotel is a great pet-friendly option for families. It is situated near Noah’s Ark Waterpark—the largest waterpark in the US—a sprawling 70-acre park with 51 water slides and dozens of other attractions.
Ohio
Tru by Hilton Sandusky
This pet-friendly hotel is only 9 miles from Cedar Point Beach, features an indoor pool, and is only a few miles from Kalahari Waterpark. It is also close to several amusement parks and a few miles from Cedar Point Shores Water Park.
Final Thoughts
Kalahari does not allow your average pet, even if they are well-behaved. This is true of most waterpark resorts, though, as having pets around other swimmers in the water can be a safety hazard. It just isn’t a place that works well for most pets.
Of course, the resort does allow service animals. These must perform tasks as qualified by the ADA, and emotional service animals do not count. Therefore, your dog must perform specific tasks that are necessary for your disability.
You should still inform the resort that you’re bringing your service dog, as they may need to make some accommodations to your room or experience. You should also plan how you’re going to meet your dog’s needs while at the park.
Featured Image Credit: Kalahari Resort (Image Credit: Sam, Wikimedia Commons CC 2.0 Generic)
