Terms and Conditions

General

All dogs must be older than 4 months of age, fully vaccinated and registered with the appropriate council. Dogventures is not liable for any fines incurred for an unregistered dog in their care, as it is your responsibility to register your dog.

Your dog must be in good health and fully vaccinated.

Your dog must wear a collar with an ID tag and their walking lead must be provided.

Your dog must be compatible with other dogs, and familiar with common commands.

If you request an off lead walk, you certify that your dog is trustworthy off the lead.

Vaccinations

All dogs must be up to date with their full C5 vaccinations.

You must provide a Vaccination Certificate (from your vet) prior to commencement of service and on an ongoing yearly basis when vaccinations are readministered.

Key and access requirements

To access your property you will need to provide key/s, access code and alarm code (if needed). Keys are to be stored in a secure location such as a keysafe on your property. At all times your keys remain your property. Our preference is that you supply a keysafe that remains at your property and share the code with us at the consultation.

If key/s are not provided and we are not able to gain access to the property to collect your dog, a cancellation fee will be charged for the full rate for the service. If key/s are not provided and we are not able to return your dog, a $30 fee will be applied on top of the full session fee to care for your dog while you return home and to revisit your address.

Cancellation policy

We kindly ask for at least two full business days notice, before the scheduled walk, for any cancellations or change requests. Cancellations or schedule changes provided with more than 2 business days notice will not incur a fee. Cancellations or schedule changes with less than 2 business days notice, will incur a cancellation fee of the full rate of the service.

Any ‘no-shows’ or dishonoured reservations where we were not advised prior to a booked session or were not able to gain access to the property will incur a fee for the full rate for the service.

Sick Dogs

To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all dogs, we require that owners do not send their dogs on group walks if they are unwell. We kindly ask for 2 business days notice for any cancellations due to your dog being unwell. Cancellations with less than 2 business days notice, will incur a cancellation fee.

If a dog displays symptoms of illness whilst travelling in our vehicles, a $50 cleaning fee will be charged to cover sanitation and safety measures. This cleaning fee is in addition to the session fee.

Changes or special requests

We endeavour to assist our clients with changes or special requests (where possible) and ask for 2 business days notice to make arrangements and schedule accordingly.

Special requests may be charged:

Groomer drop off or pick up $5-$10
Time specific pick up and/or drop off $10
Changes to address of pick up and drop off $5-$10
Feeding or medication administration $5

Schedule changes made within 2 business days that result in a cancelled service will be charged a cancellation fee of the full rate of the service.

Payment

Payment for services is $55 per dog, per group adventure session.

Payment is to be by provided by direct debit or cash. Weekly payment is due every Friday for the services provided for the week prior. Payment requests will be sent via sms and due on receipt. Payments not made within 3 business days will incur a $5 late fee per day until the payment is made.
Monthly payments are available on request and will be issued for the full month, with payments due in advance.

Recurring Weekly Bookings and Continuity

We operate a recurring weekly schedule. We save a dedicated spot for your dog each week and carefully design locations and group dynamics to suit the participants. For this reason, we ask for consistent weekly attendance, even during times when family members may be at home (such as school holidays). Consistency supports your dog’s social behaviours and group integration.

If you need to pause attendance, we can hold a place for your dog for up to four weeks. After this period, rejoining the group will depend on availability.

By engaging with our services, you agree to these terms and conditions. This ensures the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all participants.

Behaviour

You certify to Dogventures that your dog has not harmed or shown aggression or threatening behaviour towards any persons or other dogs.

If, in the opinion of Dogventures, a dog represents a danger to our staff/contractors or to other dogs during a service, then that service may be suspended. If that happens, Dogventures will attempt to contact you as quickly as possible.

Dogventures reserves the right to refuse to take a dog if they display aggressive behaviour at the time of collection or show signs of transmittable illness or are taking medication for a transmittable illness.

Emergency Care

You authorise Dogventures to seek any emergency veterinarian assistance needed during a service, at your cost. Where possible Dogventures will use your preferred vet service, but reserves the right to use any veterinarian as chosen by Dogventures if we consider it necessary given the nature of the emergency or if we are unable to reach you.

Medication

If your dog requires medication you will fully inform Dogventures and equip us with all that is necessary to cater to their needs prior to the service. A charge of $5 for each administered dosage applies.

Elements of Nature

By engaging our dog walking services, you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for any dirt, mud, or other debris your dog may accumulate during or after the walk. While we will take care to ensure your dog's safety and well-being, outdoor conditions can be unpredictable, and dogs may naturally come into contact with various elements. Any cleaning or grooming required as a result of our services is the responsibility of the dog owner. Additionally, we are not liable for any damage to your home, furnishings, or property caused by your dog returning from a walk in a dirty or muddy condition.

Heat Policy

Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable, and hot temperatures pose risks to dogs, including heat stress and heatstroke. To ensure their safety, we have established the following guidelines:

Adventures will be rescheduled if the forecasted temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius at the time of the walk.
If the temperature is below 32 degrees but owners have concerns about their dog’s comfort or health in warmer conditions, they may cancel their participation. However, cancellations must comply with our Cancellation Policy (e.g. two business days' notice to avoid fees).
When we adventure in warmer weather; we select locations that offer shaded spaces, we will avoid high intensity activities, and offer plenty of water and rest breaks. Dogs will be closely monitored for signs of heat stress and durations may be reduced to prioritise safety.
Owner Responsibilities: ensure your dog has access to fresh water before and after the walk. And avoid exercising or feeding your dog at least two hours before or after the walk.

By engaging in our services, you are agreeing to this policy, and understand that the health and safety of the dogs are the primary concern.

This policy helps us ensure that every group adventure is both enjoyable and safe, regardless of Melbourne’s weather challenges.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Bloat is a serious condition that can affect dogs, particularly during or after physical activity. To reduce the risk:

Owners agree not to feed their dog for at least two hours before or after a group walk.
Participation in group walks is at the owner's own risk. By engaging with our services, you accept these terms, you acknowledge this information and you accept responsibility for adhering to these guidelines.

Indemnity and limited liability

Dogventures employees and contractors are not liable for any loss, injury or death to your dog, either inside or outside your home, while in our care. You agree to indemnify Dogventures, employees and contractors against any claim made against them or injury, loss, cost or expense suffered by them resulting from the actions or behaviour of your dog.

You agree to waive any claim you may have against Dogventures, employees and contractors for any loss or injury you may suffer including injury to your pet, caused or arising because of Dogventures services.