Terms & Conditions

1. General Agreement

By booking, attending, or participating in any training session, class, consultation, workshop, or service provided by Midnight Paws Canine Academy, clients agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to update or amend these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice.

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2. Dog Health & Vaccination Requirements

All dogs attending classes, private sessions, or Academy activities must:

• Be in good general health,

• Be free from contagious illness and/or injury,

• Have current vaccinations appropriate for their age,

• Be up to date with parasite control,

• Owners may be required to provide proof of vaccination upon request.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to refuse attendance to any dog showing signs of illness, injury, or unsafe behaviour.

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3. Owner Responsibilities

Clients remain fully responsible for their dog at all times during training sessions and Academy activities.

Owners agree to:

• Keep their dog under effective control using an appropriate lead, harness, or approved equipment unless instructed otherwise,

• Disclose any history of aggression, biting, anxiety, reactivity, or behavioural concerns prior to training,

• Follow trainer instructions for safety and animal welfare purposes,

• Supervise any children attending sessions,

Midnight Paws Canine Academy is not liable for injuries, damages, or losses caused by a client’s dog.

4. Puppy Prep Puppy Preschool Enrolment Terms

Eligibility

Puppies enrolled in Puppy Preschool must:

• Be within the specified age range of 8-16 weeks of age at the commencement of classes,

• Have received age-appropriate vaccinations as advised by a veterinarian,

• Be healthy and free from contagious illness or parasites,

Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to request proof of vaccination or veterinary clearance where required.

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Owner Participation

Puppy Preschool is designed as a collaborative training program between the puppy, owner, and trainer.

Owners agree to:

• Attend classes on time,

• Participate actively in training exercises,

• Practice training techniques between sessions,

• Use humane, reward-based training methods while attending Academy programs,

Children attending classes must remain under adult supervision at all times.

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Socialisation & Behaviour

Puppy socialisation activities are conducted in a controlled environment; however, owners acknowledge that interactions between puppies may involve normal canine behaviours including barking, jumping, mouthing, or play-related contact.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy will take reasonable precautions to maintain a safe learning environment but cannot guarantee the behaviour of participating dogs.

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Missed Classes

Missed Puppy Preschool classes are generally non-refundable and cannot always be rescheduled due to course structure and limited class availability.

Where possible, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may provide:

• training notes,

• homework material,

• or alternative session options at its discretion.

Training Equipment

Owners may be required to bring suitable training equipment including:

• flat collar or harness,

• standard lead,

• treats or rewards,

• and any additional items advised by the trainer;

• Where possible Midnight Paws Canine Academy will have spare equipment,

Check chains, prong collars, electronic collars, or aversive training devices are not permitted in Puppy Preschool classes.

5. Polite Paws Teenage Manners Enrolment Terms

Eligibility

Dogs enrolled in the Polite Paws Teenage Manners program must:

• meet the age requirements for the program (16 weeks of age to 18 months of age),

• be physically healthy and fit to participate,

• have current vaccinations appropriate for their age,

• and be free from contagious illness, parasites, or injury.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to request proof of vaccination or veterinary clearance where required.

Behaviour & Suitability

The Polite Paws Teenage Manners program is designed for adolescent dogs developing foundational manners, impulse control, confidence, and social skills.

Owners must disclose any known behavioural concerns prior to enrolment, including:

• aggression,

• excessive fear or anxiety,

• reactivity,

• resource guarding,

• or previous bite history.

Dogs displaying behaviours considered unsafe for a group environment may be:

• removed from class,

• assessed for suitability,

• or referred to private behavioural training.

Participation in group training is at the discretion of Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

Owner Participation

Owners are expected to actively participate in all classes and continue training exercises at home between sessions.

Owners agree to:

• arrive on time for classes,

• follow trainer instructions,

• use humane, reward-based training methods,

• and maintain respectful behaviour toward staff and other participants.

Consistent owner participation is essential for successful training outcomes.

Training Equipment

Owners may be required to bring suitable training equipment including:

• flat collar or harness,

• standard lead,

• treats or rewards,

• and any additional items advised by the trainer;

• Where possible Midnight Paws Canine Academy will have spare equipment,

Check chains, prong collars, electronic collars, or aversive training devices are not permitted in Polite paws Teenage Manners Classes.

Missed Classes

Missed classes are generally non-refundable and non-transferable due to limited class availability and structured course progression.

Where possible, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may provide:

• training notes,

• homework material,

• or alternative session options at its discretion.

Safety & Class Environment

Owners acknowledge that adolescent dogs may display excitable, distracted, vocal, or impulsive behaviour during training.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy will take reasonable precautions to maintain a safe and controlled environment; however, owners remain responsible for the handling and behaviour of their dog at all times during participation.

6. Everyday Essentials – Basic Foundations Enrolment Terms

Eligibility

Dogs enrolled in the Everyday Essentials Basic Foundations program must:

• be physically healthy and fit to participate,

• have current vaccinations appropriate for their age,

• and be free from contagious illness, parasites, or injury.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to request proof of vaccination or veterinary clearance where required.

Program Purpose

The Everyday Essentials Basic Foundations program is designed to develop practical life skills, basic obedience, engagement, confidence, and everyday manners in a structured learning environment.

Training may include:

• lead walking,

• recall,

• sit, drop, and stay exercises,

• impulse control,

• confidence building,

• focus and engagement,

• and appropriate social behaviour around people and dogs.

Owner Participation

Owners are required to actively participate in all training sessions and continue practicing training exercises between classes.

Owners agree to:

• arrive on time and prepared for class,

• follow trainer instructions,

• use humane, reward-based training methods,

• and maintain respectful behaviour toward staff and participants.

Consistent training outside of class is essential to achieving reliable results.

Behaviour & Suitability

Owners must disclose any known behavioural concerns prior to enrolment, including:

• aggression,

• fear or anxiety,

• reactivity,

• resource guarding,

• or previous bite incidents.

Dogs displaying behaviours unsuitable for a group environment may:

• be removed from class,

• require behavioural assessment,

• or be referred to private training services.

Participation in group classes remains at the discretion of Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

Training Equipment

Owners may be required to bring suitable training equipment including:

• flat collar or harness,

• standard lead,

• treats or rewards,

• and any additional items advised by the trainer;

• Where possible Midnight Paws Canine Academy will have spare equipment;

Check chains, prong collars, electronic collars, or aversive training devices are not permitted in Everyday Essentials Basic Foundations Classes.

Missed Classes

Missed classes are generally non-refundable and non-transferable due to limited class availability and structured course progression.

Where possible, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may provide:

• training notes,

• homework material,

• or alternative session options at its discretion.

Safety & Training Environment

Owners acknowledge that dogs participating in group classes may become excited, distracted, vocal, or reactive during training activities.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy will take reasonable precautions to maintain a safe and controlled training environment; however, owners remain responsible for the handling, supervision, and behaviour of their dog at all times.

7. Private Consultations

This section applies to all private consultation services provided by Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

Service Description

Private consultations are one-on-one training sessions delivered in person at a location agreed between the client and the trainer, which may include the client’s home or other suitable environments.

Private consultations are tailored to the individual dog and handler and are designed to address specific behavioural, training, and/or lifestyle goals.

Scope of Services

Private consultations may include but are not limited to:

• basic obedience and manners,

• lead walking and handling skills,

• recall training,

• behavioural modification strategies,

• reactivity and arousal management,

• confidence building and environmental exposure,

• and structured training plans for ongoing development.

The exact content of each session will be determined by the trainer based on assessment, progress, and suitability.

No Guarantee of Results

The client acknowledges that dog behaviour is influenced by multiple factors, including but not limited to genetics, prior learning history, environment, consistency of handling, and follow-through between sessions.

While all reasonable care and professional skill will be applied, Midnight Paws Canine Academy does not guarantee specific training outcomes or behavioural changes.

Client Responsibilities

The client agrees to:

• provide full and accurate disclosure of their dogs history, behaviour, and health,

• actively participate in all consultation sessions,

• follow all trainers instructions during and between sessions,

• implement recommended training exercises consistently,

• and use only humane, reward-based training methods

Failure to follow recommendations may impact training progress and outcomes.

Safety and Conduct

The client acknowledges that dog training may involve unpredictable behaviour, including excitement, fear, reactivity, or stress responses.

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The client remains fully responsible for the control, handling, and supervision of their dog at all times during consultations, including ensuring appropriate equipment and safety measures are in place.

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The trainer reserves the right to pause, modify, or terminate a session if the dog, client, trainer, or any third party is at risk of harm or if the environment is deemed unsafe or unsuitable for continued training.

Cancellations, Rescheduling, and Fees

Private consultations are time-allocated and reserved exclusively for each client.

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Cancellations and rescheduling requests must be made in accordance with the business booking policy. Late cancellations, missed appointments, or no-shows may result in the full session fee being charged or forfeited.

Rescheduling is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

Trainer Discretion

Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to decline, modify, or discontinue private consultation services at its discretion, including where a dog’s behaviour is assessed as unsuitable for continued training in the current format or where safety concerns arise.

8. Training Results Disclaimer

Dog training outcomes vary depending on consistency, environment, breed, temperament, health, and owner participation.

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While Midnight Paws Canine Academy uses professional training methods and aims to support positive behavioural outcomes, no specific results or guarantees can be made.

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Clients understand that continued practice outside of sessions is essential for success.

9. Payment Terms

• As places in each class are strictly limited, all group class bookings require a $50 non-refundable deposit to secure your place.

• The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to the course commencement date.

• Clients may choose to make full payment at the time of booking if preferred.

• Course places, packages and consultations are non-transferable unless otherwise approved by Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

• Prices are subject to change without notice. Price changes will not affect bookings that have already been confirmed and paid for.

• Failure to make payment by the required due date may result in cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of the reserved place.

10. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

Group Classes

Due to the limited number of places available in each class:

• A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place.

• Clients who withdraw from a course more than 7 days before the course commencement date may receive a refund of payments made, less the $50 non-refundable deposit.

• Clients who withdraw within 7 days of the course commencement date will not be eligible for a refund.

• Once a course has commenced, no refunds will be provided for withdrawal, missed classes or failure to attend.

• Group class places are non-transferable unless otherwise approved by Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

• Missed group classes cannot generally be rescheduled or transferred to another course.

Where a dog is deemed medically unfit to participate by a veterinarian, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may consider a refund, credit or alternative arrangement on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate veterinary documentation may be requested.

Private Consultations & Appointments

Clients must provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a private appointment.

• Cancellations with the required notice may be eligible for a rescheduled appointment or account credit.

• Late cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice or no-shows may result in the full session fee being forfeited.

• Where appropriate, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may offer an alternative arrangement at its discretion.

Academy Cancellations

If Midnight Paws Canine Academy needs to cancel a session or service, clients will be offered, where reasonably possible:

• a rescheduled session;

• account credit; or

• a refund where appropriate.

Where Midnight Paws Canine Academy cancels a service and cannot reasonably reschedule it, clients will be offered either a full refund or account credit.

11. Refund Policy

Training Services & Classes

Refunds will generally not be provided for:

• change of mind;

• missed classes or appointments;

• failure to attend scheduled sessions;

• withdrawal after the applicable cancellation period; or

• behavioural outcomes not meeting client expectations where the agreed training services have been delivered.

Clients may request to reschedule private appointments in accordance with Midnight Paws Canine Academy's

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy.

Group Classes

Group class refunds are subject to the following conditions:

• Where written cancellation is received more than 7 days before the course commencement date, an approved refund will be provided less the $50 non-refundable deposit.

• Where written cancellation is received within 7 days of the course commencement date, no refund will be provided.

• No refunds will be issued once a course has commenced, including for missed classes, non-attendance or withdrawal from the course.

• Where a dog is deemed medically unfit to participate by a veterinarian, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may consider a refund, credit or alternative arrangement on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate veterinary documentation may be requested.

Package Bookings

• Training packages are non-refundable once commenced, unless otherwise required under Australian Consumer Law.

• Unused sessions within a package will expire 12 months from the purchase date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

• Packages are non-transferable unless otherwise approved by Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

Private Consultations

• Private training consultations cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged in full.

• Where sufficient notice is provided, clients may be offered:

  • a rescheduled appointment;

  • account credit; or

  • a refund at the discretion of Midnight Paws Canine Academy.

Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in this Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies available to clients under the Australian Consumer Law.

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Clients may be entitled to remedies, including a refund, replacement or re-supply of services, where services fail to meet applicable consumer guarantees.

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Where Australian Consumer Law provides a right that differs from the terms outlined above, the client's rights under the law will apply.

12. Dog Aggression & Unsafe Behaviour

For the safety of clients, staff, and dogs:

• Dogs displaying dangerous or uncontrollable aggression may be removed from classes

• Midnight Paws Canine Academy may recommend private behavioural training instead of group sessions

• Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to refuse service where safety concerns exist

13. Client Conduct & Unsafe Behaviour

Midnight Paws Canine Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for clients, staff, and dogs.

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Clients agree to behave respectfully toward trainers, staff, volunteers, and other participants at all times.

Midnight Paws Canine Academy will not tolerate:

• abusive, threatening, aggressive, or intimidating behaviour,

• harassment or discrimination,

• excessive profanity or disruptive conduct,

• unsafe handling of dogs,

• intoxication or impairment during sessions,

• or behaviour that places people or animals at risk.

Where a client’s behaviour is considered unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive, Midnight Paws Canine Academy reserves the right to:

• issue a verbal or written warning,

• remove the client and/or their dog from a session,

• refuse future services or enrolments,

• or terminate training programs immediately.

In serious situations involving threats, violence, harassment, or safety concerns, Midnight Paws Canine Academy may contact relevant authorities if necessary.

No refunds will be provided where services are suspended or terminated due to breaches of this policy.

14. Liability Waiver

Clients acknowledge that working with dogs involves inherent risks, including injury to people, animals, or property.

By participating Midnight Paws Canine Academy services, clients agree that:

• participation is voluntary,

• they assume all associated risks,

• and Midnight Paws Canine Academy, its trainers, employees, contractors, and representatives are not liable for injury, loss, damage, or expenses arising from participation except where liability cannot legally be excluded under Australian law.

15. Legal Waiver & Indemnity

By engaging the services of Midnight Paws Canine Academy, clients acknowledge and agree that participation in dog training activities involves inherent risks to themselves, their dogs, other animals, and third parties.

Clients understand and accept that dogs may react unpredictably despite reasonable care, supervision, and training measures.

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To the fullest extent permitted by law, clients agree that:

• participation in all training sessions, classes, consultations, workshops, and related activities is voluntary and undertaken at their own risk;

• they are solely responsible for the actions and behaviour of their dog at all times;

• Midnight Paws Canine Academy, including its owners, trainers, employees, contractors, assistants, and representatives, will not be held liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage, expense, or claim arising from:

  • dog fights or interactions,

  • bites, scratches, or other injuries,

  • property damage,

  • illness or disease transmission,

  • escape or loss of a dog,

  • or participation in Academy activities,
    except where liability cannot legally be excluded under Australian law.

Clients further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Midnight Paws Canine Academy against any claims, liabilities, damages, legal actions, costs, or expenses arising from:

• the behaviour or actions of their dog,

• breaches of these Terms & Conditions,

• or negligent or unlawful conduct by the client or persons attending with them.

Clients confirm that:

• they are the legal owner or authorised handler of the dog attending training;

• all information provided to Midnight Paws Canine Academy is accurate and complete;

• and they have disclosed any known behavioural or medical issues relevant to participation.

Nothing in this waiver excludes or limits rights or guarantees that cannot legally be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

16. Insurance

Midnight Paws Canine Academy maintains current Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance for its training services and business operations.

While Midnight Paws Canine Academy holds appropriate business insurance coverage, clients acknowledge that they remain responsible for:

• the behaviour and control of their dog,

• any personal belongings brought to training sessions,

• and any injury or damage caused by their dog or actions during participation.

Clients are encouraged to maintain appropriate pet insurance and veterinary coverage where applicable.

17. Media & Photography

Midnight Paws Canine Academy may occasionally take photographs or videos during sessions for educational, promotional, or social media purposes.

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Clients who do not wish for themselves or their dog to appear in media content must notify the Academy in writing prior to attendance. Media consent forms may also be provided where applicable.

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18. Privacy

Client information will be handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws and will not be shared with third parties without consent unless required by law.

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19. Weather & Outdoor Training

Outdoor sessions may be postponed, relocated, or cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions including extreme heat, storms, flooding, or hazardous environments.

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Midnight Paws Canine Academy will make reasonable efforts to notify clients as early as possible.

20. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of South Australia and Australia.

21. Contact Information

Midnight Paws Canine Academy
Owner/Trainer: Sherice Milham
Email: info@midnightpawscanineacademy.com.au
Phone: 0459 486 315
Location: Tanunda, South Australia