Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction
 

Welcome to Whiskered Away. These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of our services, including cat boarding and the sale of pet products. By booking with us or purchasing from our shop, you agree to comply with these terms.

 

2. Boarding Services

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• Booking and Payment: All bookings must be made in advance. Full payment is due on or before the start of the boarding period.

• Cancellations: Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. 

• Check-In Times: Between 9:00am - 11:00am Monday - Friday and 9:30am - 11:30am Saturdays. Check-In NOT available on Sundays or Public Holidays. 

• Check-Out Times: 3:00pm - 5:00pm Monday - Friday and 9:30am - 11:30am Saturdays. Check-Out NOT available on Sundays or Public Holidays. Late pick-ups may incur an additional fee.

• Vaccination Requirements: All cats must be up-to-date with their vaccinations, including F3 Vaccination. Proof of vaccination is required prior to booking. 

• Health and Medication: Owners must inform us of any pre-existing health conditions. We can administer prescribed medications, but owners are responsible for providing clear instructions. Additional fees will apply for medication administration.

• Emergency Veterinary Care: In the event of illness or injury, we will seek veterinary care immediately. Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the cat owner.

 

3. Cat Wellbeing

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• Suitability for Boarding: We reserve the right to refuse cats that are ill, aggressive, or otherwise unsuitable for boarding. Cats must be flea-free and in good health at the time of check-in.

• Stress and Anxiety: While we provide a calm and soothing environment, some cats may experience stress during boarding. We are not liable for any stress-related health issues that may arise during or after the stay.

 

4. Limitation of Liability

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• Damage to Property: While we take every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of your cat, Whiskered Away is not liable for any damage, loss, or injury that may occur during the stay, except in cases of gross negligence.

• Personal Items: We do not accept responsibility for any personal items left with your cat during its stay (e.g., toys, bedding, collars, etc.).

 

5. Pet Products Sales

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• Product Descriptions: We strive to ensure product descriptions are accurate. However, we do not guarantee that all information is error-free. If a product is not as described, you may return it in unused condition for a refund or exchange.

• Refunds and Exchanges: We accept returns of unopened products within 30 days of purchase with a valid receipt. Perishable items and used products cannot be returned unless defective.

 

6. Pricing and Payments

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• Service Fees: Fees for boarding are clearly listed on our website and may be subject to change. You will be notified of any price changes before booking or purchasing.

• Accepted Payments: We accept credit card, debit card, EFT, or cash. 

• Payment for Boarding: Please note that payment is required upon check-in or before & is non-refundable once paid.

 

7. Privacy Policy

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• Personal Information: We collect and use your personal information (e.g., name, contact details, and pet information) solely for the purposes of providing our services and improving our customer experience. We do not share your information with third parties without your consent.

 

8. Amendments to Terms
 

• ​Whiskered Away reserves the right to update or modify these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and continued use of our services implies acceptance of the revised terms.

 

9. Abandoned Cats

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• Failure to Collect: If an owner fails to collect their cat within 30 days of the agreed-upon pick-up date, and after multiple attempts to contact the owner using the contact details provided, the cat may be considered abandoned.

• Abandonment Protocol: In the event a cat is considered abandoned, Whiskered Away will take reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of the cat. This may include rehoming the cat through a rescue organisation or surrendering the cat to a local animal shelter. Owners may still be liable for any outstanding fees and costs incurred during the cat's stay, including additional boarding and rehoming fees.

• Legal Reporting: Under Australian law, animal abandonment may be reported to the RSPCA or relevant local authorities, and the cat’s owner may face penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) or equivalent legislation in other states/territories.

• Outstanding Fees: Owners are responsible for any fees incurred up to the date the cat is rehomed or surrendered. These may include additional boarding charges, veterinary care, and any costs associated with rehoming.

 

10. Desexing Policy

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• Desexing Requirement: For the safety and comfort of all cats in our care, Whiskered Away only accepts desexed (neutered/spayed) cats for boarding. This helps prevent issues such as aggressive behavior, marking, and stress among the cats.

• Exemptions: Kittens aged between 16 weeks to 6 months that are too young to be desexed may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Owners of such kittens must agree to additional monitoring requirements.

• Proof of Desexing: Owners must provide proof of desexing at the time of booking. This can be in the form of a veterinary certificate or a statement from a registered vet.

 

11. Minimum Age for Boarding

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• Kittens: Whiskered Away accepts kittens for boarding from the age of 16 weeks, provided they have completed their full course of vaccinations and are in good health.

• Vaccination Requirements: Proof of up-to-date vaccinations must be provided before boarding. Kittens that have not completed their vaccination schedule or are younger than 16 weeks may not be accepted for boarding for health and safety reasons.

• Special Cases: In certain situations, kittens younger than 16 weeks may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, provided they are fully weaned, healthy, and the owner agrees to any additional monitoring or care that may be required.

 

 

12. Emergency Veterinary Care
 

• Veterinary Care Protocol: In the event of illness or injury during your cat's stay at Whiskered Away, we will seek veterinary care immediately to ensure their well-being.

• Local Vet Option: If your preferred veterinarian is located within a 5km radius of Whiskered Away, we will take your cat there for treatment, provided they are available and able to accommodate care.

• Hurlstone Park Veterinary Hospital: If your local vet is unavailable or outside the 5km radius, we will take your cat to Hurlstone Park Veterinary Hospital, our trusted veterinary partner.

• After-Hours and Emergency Care: If the above options are unavailable (e.g., outside of business hours), we will take your cat to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic to ensure they receive immediate care.

• Owner Responsibility: All veterinary costs, including transport, consultations, treatments, and medications, will be the responsibility of the cat owner. We will notify you as soon as possible if veterinary care is required.

 

13. Pricing and Seasonal Rates
 

1. Standard Rates:

   • Our standard (off-peak) rates apply during regular, non-peak periods and include all of the services listed on our website.

   • Prices are subject to change, and any updates will be reflected on our website.

2. Peak Season Pricing:

   • During peak periods such as holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year, Easter), long weekends, and school holidays, higher rates may apply.

   • Peak season dates will be published in advance on our website, and any bookings during these times will be subject to the adjusted rates.

3. Rate Adjustments:

   • Whiskered Away reserves the right to adjust rates based on market conditions, demand, and operational costs. Customers will always be informed of rate changes before their booking is confirmed.