Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

Common Ground Canine Ltd | Last updated: 30 October 2026

These Terms & Conditions apply to services provided by Common Ground Canine Ltd (CGC), including dog daycare, overnight care, grooming, training, enrichment and other dog care services offered by us from time to time.

They apply whether services are paid, subsidised or provided at no charge, including services provided through CGC's community and crisis-care programs.

By making a booking, accepting a service or leaving a dog in our care, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

 

1. About Us

Common Ground Canine Ltd is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing dog care services in Logan Village, Queensland.

Our priority is the safety, welfare and appropriate care of the dogs entrusted to us, while maintaining a safe environment for our staff, customers, visitors and other animals

 

2. Owner Information, Health, Behaviour & Disclosure
Owners must provide accurate and complete information about their dog and must keep this information up to date.

You must tell us about anything that may reasonably affect your dog's care, welfare, handling or suitability for our services, including:

• medical conditions, injuries, pain, allergies or illness;

• medication or treatment;

• anxiety, distress, escape behaviour or destructive behaviour;

• aggression, reactivity, resource guarding or significant behavioural concerns;

• any bite, fight or aggression history involving another animal or person;

• changes in your dog's usual temperament or behaviour;

• special handling or care requirements;

• recent infectious illness or exposure to infectious disease; and

• any other information reasonably relevant to the safe care of your dog.

This obligation is ongoing. Information must be updated if circumstances change, even if your dog has previously attended CGC without difficulty.

You must also tell us if your dog has been declared, or is subject to proceedings concerning declaration as, a dangerous, menacing or otherwise regulated dog.

Failure to disclose relevant information may result in refusal or discontinuation of services, a requirement for your dog to be collected, and responsibility for reasonable losses or additional costs caused by the non-disclosure.

3. Suitability for CGC Services
Acceptance for daycare, boarding or another CGC service is not permanent or guaranteed.

A dog's suitability may change over time and may vary depending on the particular dogs attending, group size, environment, health, age, behaviour, arousal level or other circumstances.

Successful completion of an evaluation or previous attendance does not guarantee ongoing suitability.
CGC may reasonably:

• change the group your dog participates in;

• limit interactions with particular dogs;

• provide individual or quiet time;

• modify activities;

• require a break from daycare or boarding;

• request veterinary or behavioural assessment or management; or

• suspend or discontinue a service.

We may refuse, suspend or discontinue services where reasonably necessary for animal welfare, safety, health, behavioural, operational or regulatory reasons.

4. Group Care & Interaction Between Dogs
Daycare and overnight care may involve supervised interaction between dogs of different breeds, ages, sizes, temperaments and play styles.

CGC actively manages its groups and takes reasonable precautions to promote safe and positive interactions. However, dogs are living animals whose behaviour cannot be predicted or controlled with absolute certainty.

Normal dog interaction, play and movement can result in scratches, abrasions, small cuts, bruising, strains, broken nails and other minor injuries. On occasion, bites, fights or more significant injuries can occur despite reasonable supervision and management.

By choosing group care, you acknowledge these inherent risks.

CGC remains responsible for providing its services with due care and skill and nothing in these Terms removes any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded.

5. Supervision & Day-to-Day Care Decisions
Dogs are appropriately supervised and monitored having regard to the nature of the service, the environment and the individual dogs in our care.

CGC staff move throughout the facility and undertake normal care, cleaning, feeding, administrative and operational duties while monitoring the dogs.

You authorise our Dog Care Attendants and other staff to make reasonable day-to-day decisions in your dog's interests, including:

• selecting appropriate groups and playmates;

• separating dogs where appropriate;

• providing rest or quiet periods;

• using leads, barriers, pens and other reasonable management tools;

• redirecting or interrupting behaviour;

• modifying or ending activities; and

• removing a dog from group interaction where appropriate.

 

CGC will reasonably consider owner instructions, but may depart from them where reasonably necessary for immediate animal welfare, safety, veterinary advice, legal or regulatory requirements, or safe operation of the facility.

We do not guarantee that your dog will interact with any particular dog, group or staff member, or participate in any particular activity.

6. Vaccination, Parasites & Infectious Illness
Dogs must be at least three months of age and have age-appropriate vaccination suitable for participation in a group dog-care environment. CGC may require evidence of current vaccination before confirming or continuing services.

Owners must not bring a dog to CGC where the dog has, or is reasonably suspected of having, a contagious illness or condition.

This includes symptoms such as persistent coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual discharge or other signs reasonably suggestive of infectious disease.

Dogs must also be appropriately managed for fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites.

If a dog develops symptoms of illness while in our care, we may isolate the dog from other animals and require the owner or emergency contact to collect them.

Vaccination and hygiene measures reduce the risk of infectious disease but cannot completely eliminate transmission where dogs share an environment.

CGC may impose reasonable exclusion periods following infectious illness or exposure before a dog returns.

7. Desexing & Hormonal Development
As dogs mature, hormonal changes can affect behaviour and group dynamics even where the individual dog has not previously displayed behavioural concerns.

CGC may require a dog to be desexed as a condition of continuing group care once sexual maturity or hormonal behaviour begins to affect safe or appropriate participation. This commonly occurs somewhere between approximately six and twelve months of age but will be considered individually.

We recognise that veterinary recommendations regarding the appropriate age for desexing vary, particularly for some larger breeds.

Owners are welcome to follow their veterinarian's advice regarding when to desex their dog. However, this may mean that the dog needs to take a temporary break from group care until desexing has occurred or CGC otherwise considers group participation appropriate.

8. Medication & Additional Care Requirements
All medications and relevant health conditions must be disclosed to CGC.

Medication should be supplied in original or clearly labelled packaging together with clear written instructions. Prescription medication must have been prescribed for the dog receiving it.

CGC will take reasonable care to administer medication according to the instructions provided but does not guarantee administration at an exact minute unless specifically agreed.

Where a dog's anxiety, distress, behaviour or medical needs create an ongoing welfare or safety concern, CGC may require veterinary advice or an appropriate veterinary or behavioural management plan before continuing services.

CGC does not prescribe medication or determine whether medication is clinically appropriate.

9. Illness, Injury & Veterinary Care
If your dog becomes ill or injured while in our care, CGC will provide reasonable immediate care and assess what further action is appropriate.

Where reasonably practicable, we will attempt to contact you or your nominated emergency contact before obtaining non-urgent veterinary treatment.

You authorise CGC to obtain veterinary treatment without waiting for further permission where we reasonably believe delaying treatment may compromise your dog's health or welfare or where you or your emergency contact cannot be reached within an appropriate timeframe.

Depending on the circumstances, we may take your dog to their usual veterinarian where reasonably practicable, CGC's usual veterinary provider, or another suitable veterinary clinic or emergency hospital.

You authorise the treating veterinarian to provide treatment they reasonably consider necessary for your dog's health or welfare.

Veterinary expenses remain the owner's responsibility unless and to the extent that CGC is legally responsible for the expense.

Owners must maintain current contact details and provide an emergency contact who can make decisions and, where necessary, arrange collection of the dog if the owner cannot be reached.

10. Incidents Involving Other Dogs
Where an incident occurs involving two or more dogs, CGC may take reasonable steps including separating the dogs, providing first aid, obtaining veterinary care, documenting the incident and notifying affected owners.

CGC's role is to care for the dogs and document and respond to the incident. CGC does not determine civil liability between dog owners.

For privacy reasons, we will not automatically provide another customer's personal contact information. Where appropriate, CGC may facilitate communication between owners or disclose information with consent or where legally required or permitted.

11. Collection Where a Dog Cannot Remain in Care
If CGC reasonably determines that a dog cannot safely or appropriately remain in care because of illness, injury, significant distress, behaviour or another welfare or safety concern, the owner or nominated emergency contact must arrange collection within the reasonable timeframe specified by CGC.

Owners booking overnight care should ensure their nominated emergency contact is capable of collecting and caring for the dog if the owner is unavailable.

Additional reasonable care or veterinary costs incurred while awaiting collection may be charged to the owner.

12. Bookings, Evaluations & Attendance
All dogs must have a confirmed booking before attending daycare, grooming, overnight care or another booked service.

Capacity limits apply and CGC may decline booking requests where appropriate.

Dogs new to CGC may be required to complete an evaluation or trial before ongoing daycare or overnight bookings are accepted.

An evaluation reflects the dog's behaviour and suitability at that time only and does not guarantee future acceptance.

13. Daycare & Overnight Care
Dogs staying overnight will generally participate in appropriate daytime activities, including daycare or group interaction where suitable.

Individual care arrangements, group participation, activity and rest may be modified according to the dog's needs and behaviour.

Dogs may temporarily be more tired than usual following daycare or boarding. Changes in appetite, thirst or routine can also occur because of activity, excitement, routine changes or being in a different environment.

Owners should seek veterinary advice if they are concerned about their dog or if unusual symptoms persist.

Owners should provide sufficient suitable food for overnight bookings unless alternative arrangements have been made. Where CGC supplies food, an additional fee may apply.

Personal belongings are left with CGC at the owner's risk. Bedding, toys and other items can be chewed, damaged, lost or soiled in a dog-care environment, so valuable or sentimental items should not be provided.

14. Grooming Services
Grooming times are estimates and may vary depending on coat type and condition, dog behaviour and additional care requirements.

Where a dog's coat is excessively matted, a shorter or full clip may be necessary for the dog's comfort and welfare.

Owners acknowledge that removal of significant matting can reveal pre-existing skin conditions and may increase the risk of temporary irritation, redness or minor nicks because matting can sit tightly against the skin.

Where reasonably practicable, CGC will discuss substantial changes to the requested groom with the owner.

A particular aesthetic result cannot be guaranteed where coat condition, dog behaviour or welfare considerations limit what can safely or reasonably be achieved.

Where grooming requires substantially more time or care than reasonably anticipated because of coat condition, behaviour or additional needs, a reasonable additional fee may apply.

15. Training & Enrichment
CGC may incorporate reasonable reward-based training, enrichment, handling and behaviour-support activities into a dog's care where appropriate.

Training and behaviour are influenced by many factors including the dog, environment, consistency and owner participation. CGC does not guarantee a particular behavioural or training outcome unless expressly agreed in writing.

16. Hours, Drop-Off & Collection
Current operating and collection hours are published by CGC and may change from time to time.
Owners must comply with agreed drop-off and collection arrangements.

Early drop-offs or late collections outside agreed arrangements may incur a reasonable additional fee where additional staffing or care is required.

Repeated failure to comply with collection arrangements may result in CGC declining future bookings.

17. Payments & Pricing
Prices, deposits, booking fees and payment arrangements are displayed through our booking system or otherwise communicated when a booking is made.

Unless otherwise agreed, fees must be paid by the time specified for the booking or service.

CGC may change its prices from time to time. Changes will not retrospectively alter the agreed price of an existing confirmed booking unless:

• the booking or requested services are changed;

• additional services or care are requested;

• additional care becomes reasonably necessary because of circumstances relating to the dog; or

• another adjustment is agreed with the customer.

Any additional fee will be reasonable having regard to the additional service, care, staffing or cost involved.

18. Cancellations, Changes & No-Shows
CGC rosters staff and reserves capacity based on confirmed bookings.

18.1 More than 48 hours' notice
Where a customer cancels more than 48 hours before the scheduled drop-off or appointment time, amounts already paid for the cancelled service may be refunded or credited to the customer's account, at the customer's choice.

18.2 Within 48 hours and no-shows
Where a customer cancels within 48 hours of the scheduled service or fails to attend a confirmed booking, any deposit or booking fee may be forfeited.

18.3 Early departures, late arrivals and unused services
Early collection, shortened stays, late drop-offs or services the customer chooses not to use after the booking has commenced do not ordinarily qualify for a refund or credit because staffing and capacity have already been allocated.

18.4 Administration and re-rostering costs
Where a customer-requested cancellation or change causes CGC to incur genuine additional administrative or staffing costs, CGC may charge or retain a reasonable amount reflecting those costs.

We will not recover the same loss twice through both a retained booking fee and an additional charge.

18.5 Exceptional circumstances
CGC may waive fees or provide additional refunds or credits at its discretion in exceptional circumstances.

18.6 Cancellation by CGC
Where CGC cancels a service because we cannot provide it, the customer will ordinarily receive a refund or credit for the service CGC did not provide.

Different arrangements may apply where a service cannot continue because of the customer's breach of these Terms, undisclosed information, the dog's health or behaviour, or another circumstance attributable to the customer or dog.

These cancellation provisions apply to customer cancellations and changes of mind and do not limit rights or remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.

19. Damage Caused by Dogs
Owners may be responsible for reasonable costs arising from significant damage caused by their dog where the damage goes beyond ordinary wear and tear reasonably expected in a dog-care environment.

In deciding whether to seek reimbursement, CGC may consider the circumstances of the incident, the dog's behaviour, whether relevant information was disclosed and whether the damage could reasonably have been anticipated as part of normal operation.

20. Owner Responsibility
Owners remain responsible for providing accurate information about their dog and for consequences reasonably attributable to their dog's behaviour, particularly where relevant behavioural, health or handling information was not disclosed.

To the extent permitted by law, an owner is responsible for reasonable loss, damage or expense caused by their dog or by the owner's breach of these Terms.

Nothing in this section makes an owner responsible for loss or damage to the extent caused by CGC's negligence, breach of contract, failure to provide services with due care and skill, or another matter for which CGC is legally responsible.

21. Acknowledgement of Risk & Liability
CGC takes reasonable precautions to protect dogs in our care and provides its services with due care and skill.

Owners acknowledge that caring for, handling and allowing interaction between live animals carries inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. These may include illness, injury, escape attempts, behavioural incidents, property damage and interactions between animals.

The occurrence of an injury, illness or other adverse event does not by itself mean that CGC failed to exercise reasonable care.

To the extent permitted by law, CGC is not responsible for loss or damage arising solely from an inherent risk of the service where CGC has exercised reasonable care and skill.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, statutory right or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified. Services supplied to consumers are subject to consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law, including that services be provided with due care and skill.

22. Abandoned or Uncollected Dogs
If a dog is not collected as agreed, CGC will make reasonable attempts to contact the owner and nominated emergency contact.

The owner remains responsible for reasonable ongoing care, accommodation and other necessary costs incurred while the dog remains in CGC's care.

If a dog remains uncollected and we cannot make satisfactory arrangements with the owner or emergency contact, CGC may take steps permitted under applicable Queensland law, including contacting relevant authorities.

Nothing in these Terms gives CGC an unrestricted right to dispose of, transfer ownership of or rehome a dog contrary to applicable law.

23. Emergencies & Events Outside Our Reasonable Control
Where circumstances outside CGC's reasonable control affect our ability to safely provide services, we may reasonably modify, relocate, suspend or cancel services.

This may include severe weather, flood, bushfire, utility failure, infectious disease outbreaks, emergency evacuation, government or Council directions, damage to the premises or another genuine emergency.
Our priority in an emergency will be the safety and welfare of animals and people.

Where reasonably practicable, CGC will communicate significant changes to affected owners.

24. Legal, Welfare & Regulatory Requirements
CGC may take reasonable actions, impose reasonable requirements or modify care arrangements where necessary to comply with applicable laws, animal-welfare obligations, licences, approvals or regulatory requirements.

Where a legal, regulatory, welfare or safety requirement conflicts with an owner's instruction, CGC may act in accordance with that requirement.

25. Photos, Video, CCTV & Incident Records
CGC may photograph or record dogs for operational purposes, including documenting health or injuries, maintaining care records, reviewing incidents, staff training, safety and security.

CCTV or other security monitoring may operate at CGC premises for safety, security, animal welfare, incident review and operational purposes.

CGC may also photograph or film dogs for promotional purposes, including our website and social media.
If you do not want your dog's image used for promotional purposes, please notify CGC in writing. We will record the preference on your customer or dog profile.

An opt-out from promotional use does not prevent CGC from creating or retaining images or footage reasonably required for care, safety, security, record keeping, incident management or legal purposes.

26. Privacy & Personal Information
CGC may collect, use and store personal information reasonably required to provide services, manage bookings, communicate with customers, maintain records, respond to incidents and operate the organisation.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with CGC's Privacy Policy and applicable privacy obligations.

27. Changes to These Terms
CGC may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes to our services, operations, legal obligations or policies.

The version presented and accepted in connection with a booking will ordinarily apply to that booking.
Where a material change affects an existing confirmed booking, CGC will not rely on the change to materially disadvantage the customer unless the change is required by law, reasonably necessary for safety or animal welfare, or agreed with the customer.

28. Acceptance of Terms
By booking or using CGC's services, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to read and understand these Terms & Conditions and agree to be bound by them.

If you are making a booking on behalf of another owner or person responsible for the dog, you confirm that you are authorised to do so.

Important Note
These Terms & Conditions are intended to be fair, reasonable and transparent while allowing CGC to provide safe and appropriate care to the dogs entrusted to us.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to remove rights that cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

If you have questions or concerns about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us at hello@commongroundcanine.org.au