Booking & Stay Terms

1. Booking approval and confirmation

A stay request, waitlist request or first-stay intake is an enquiry only. A booking is reserved after The Little Dog Homestay approves the dates and dog, the client accepts the current booking terms, and the required deposit clears.

Approval remains subject to capacity, suitability and the accuracy of all information supplied. Written booking details about dates, price and agreed care requirements form part of these terms.

2. Little-dog suitability and complete disclosure

The service is designed for small dogs in a home environment. Before approval and again before arrival, the owner must disclose anything that could affect safe care, including:

• medical conditions, pain, recent illness, allergies and medication;
• vaccination and parasite-control status;
• aggression, biting, snapping, resource guarding or reactivity;
• escape, bolting, separation distress or destructive behaviour;
• feeding, toileting, mobility, sleep and supervision needs; and
• any material change since the intake or request was submitted.

We may decline, condition or end a stay if important information is incomplete, inaccurate or withheld, or if the environment is no longer reasonably safe or suitable.

3. Health, vaccination and contagious illness

Dogs must meet the vaccination and parasite-control requirements communicated for the stay and must not arrive with a known contagious illness. The owner must provide current records when requested. We may separate a dog, request collection or arrange veterinary advice if illness or a safety concern becomes apparent.

4. Food, medication and daily care

We provide reasonable home-based care using the accurate written instructions and materials supplied. Medication must be clearly labelled and accompanied by complete directions. We may refuse a task we cannot safely or lawfully perform and will seek a practical alternative with the owner where possible.

5. Emergency veterinary authority

If we reasonably believe urgent care is needed, the owner authorises The Little Dog Homestay to transport the dog and obtain veterinary examination, diagnostic work, medication, treatment or an emergency procedure.

We will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner or nominated emergency contact first when it is safe and practical. We may act without prior contact where delay could risk the dog’s welfare. The owner authorises the treating veterinarian to share relevant clinical information with us for continuity of care.

The owner is responsible for reasonable veterinary, transport, medication and after-hours costs arising during the stay, except to the extent a cost was caused by our breach, negligence or another liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

6. Safety, separation and early collection

We may separate dogs, restrict activities, request immediate collection or arrange safe alternative care where a dog poses a material risk to people, animals or property; becomes medically unsuitable for home boarding; or needs care beyond what was disclosed and agreed. The owner must nominate an emergency contact who is reachable and able to collect the dog when the owner cannot.

7. Price, deposit and remaining balance

The approved booking shows the applicable dates, total, deposit and remaining balance. The deposit is credited toward the stay. The remaining balance is due at the time stated in the booking confirmation or Client Portal. A booking is not secured until the deposit has been received and recorded.

8. Cancellations, date changes and the non-refundable deposit

The deposit is non-refundable where the owner cancels, changes the approved dates, does not arrive, collects early, or the stay ends because important health, behaviour or care information was not disclosed. At our discretion, we may allow one transfer of the deposit to replacement dates that we approve.

If we cancel and cannot provide a suitable alternative, the deposit will be refunded. Nothing in this clause limits a refund, remedy or consumer guarantee that applies under the Australian Consumer Law.

9. Extended care, damage and extra costs

The owner agrees to pay reasonable, documented extra costs caused by late collection, owner-requested additional services, exceptional cleaning, property damage beyond fair wear, or undisclosed care needs. We will explain material extra charges where reasonably possible.

10. Personal belongings

Owners must provide adequate food, medication and essential equipment requested for the stay. We take reasonable care of belongings but cannot guarantee against ordinary wear, damage or loss caused by dogs. Valuable or irreplaceable items should remain at home.

11. Photos, private updates and privacy

Private updates may be provided through the Client Portal. Owner-identifying information is not used publicly without an appropriate basis. Public use of a dog’s photo is optional and separate from the private care updates needed to provide the service. See the Privacy Policy for more information.

12. Consumer guarantees and responsibility

Our services come with rights and consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. We use reasonable care and skill in delivering the agreed service.

To the extent the law permits, we are not responsible for loss caused by an owner’s inaccurate instructions, an undisclosed condition, a dog’s inherent or undisclosed behaviour, or circumstances outside our reasonable control. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability where doing so would be unlawful.

13. Communication and changes

Owners must keep contact and emergency details current and monitor booking communications. Changes to an approved booking or special care arrangement should be agreed in writing. The current terms version accepted in the portal applies to that booking unless both parties agree otherwise or the law requires a different result.

14. NSW law and severability

NSW law applies. If any part of these terms is invalid or unenforceable, it is read down or removed only to the extent necessary, and the remaining terms continue.