Frequently Asked Questions

Important Info

Toilet Talk

This building was designed for your animal’s comfort. This means they may toilet in here in dedicated toileting areas. All eliminations are cleaned and sanitised straight away. Do not be embarrassed if your dog has an accident inside our reception or if your cat has had an accident in its cat cage on the way to the hotel, we will get them cleaned up straight away and they can go off and enjoy their time with us.

If you have a puppy that you are in the process of toilet training and you start coming to Central Bark where they can toilet indoors, we recommend making sure you step the training back up at home so that they are still clear on the house rules you are setting.

Behaviour

Central Bark animal care coordinators are all trained in positive reinforcement care and training methods. Rewarding positive behaviours to encourage good behaviour and socialisation. Our team are experienced in reading pet body language and behaviour in both dogs and cats and so can identify if an animal is enjoying itself or is feeling stressed. We always provide honest feedback with our clients about their pet’s behaviour during their stay with us, giving advice and offering training options. Dogs socialising at Central Bark are only allowed to engage in mutual physical or mouth play with other dogs. Rough, overly boisterous or aggressive behaviour cannot exist in our day care environment.

Bookings and Cancellations

Booking requests are held for 48 hours only. Your booking is only confirmed once full payment has been received. If no payment is received within 48 hours of the request, the booking will be released.
Cancellations made within 5 days of the booking commencing date, will not be entitled to a refund.
Cancellations made with 5 days or more notice from the booking commencement date, will receive a credit for all but a 25% cancellation fee of the total amount paid. This credit will be valid for 90 days and can be used for hotel, daycare and grooming services.
For all secured bookings (where payment has been received) a $25 administration fee will be applied each time the dates are amended. If you are reducing the length of your stay, please refer to the cancellation timeframes.
Hotel booking requests for new clients are subject to passing the behavioural assessment.
We do not accept pets with stitches, cones, injuries or that are unwell. Please check that we can administer any required medication prior to booking.
Pets over the age of 6 months must be desexed to attend our facility.
Please note that there if you are dropping your pet off outside of the Check in/ Check out times fees apply.
We do not offer an after-hours pick-up service. If you are unable to pick up your pet prior to closing, please advise at your earliest convenience and we can book them in for an additional overnight stay.
Pre-payment is required for all services.
In the event of picking up your pet early from their stay no refund or credit is given.
For all peak periods (public holidays and school holidays), there is a surcharge per day. Please contact for further information regarding exact dates.
Daycare concession passes have expiry dates. No extensions or refunds will be offered for expired passes.

We provide high quality beds and bedding, bowls, blankets and enrichment toys for your pets – meaning there is no need to bring anything with you. However, for first time boarders sometimes something from home can help them settle in a little faster. Their usual blanket or a t-shirt that you wear can be good for them to snuggle up in. Please ensure any items are labelled.

We provide high quality dry food and treats during your pets stay and this is complimentary. If your pet has a special diet or allergies, please bring your own food.

Absolutely! We update our social media group daily with photos and videos so you can see what your pet is getting up to during their stay. You are welcome to contact Reception anytime for more detailed updates if you need them, otherwise a report of your pets stay will be provided at pick up.

Not yet, but please do let us know if you would be interested in this service, as we are looking at offering it in the future.

Annual vaccinations for Leptoguard, vanguard and canine cough – Puppies must wait 7 days from final booster before attending daycare and boarding
Pets over 6 months must be desexed.
Cannot attend if pet is sick (running eyes, cough, warts etc)
Due to the social and playful nature of our parks, we cannot accommodate pets wearing a cone, have stitches, or need to wear a bandage. Dogs with old injuries or arthritis unlikely to be suitable due to high energy environment.

Our staff are experienced and trained in dog and cat care and behaviour. We pride ourselves on using positive reinforcement for all animals in our care and being able to help enrich their lives through fun training and stimulation. First Aid qualified staff are onsite for both humans and animals too!

If your pet becomes ill or injured while in our care we will always notify you as soon as possible. In the rare case of an emergency, we have first aid qualified staff for animals and we are lucky to be one minute away from The Strand Veterinarian if a serious emergency. If your pet is boarding and becomes unwell you or your emergency contact would be contacted and vet treatment arranged either with the clients own vet or local Vet at the clients cost.

Our experienced staff have plenty of tips and tricks up their sleeves to assist with ensuring pets get their medication. Please notify us prior to booking to discuss your pet’s medical requirements.