Terms & Conditions

1. Our Commitment to Your Pet

We take the welfare and care of every dog entrusted to us very seriously. Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited endeavours at all times to provide the highest possible standard of care, including appropriate feeding, exercise, shelter, supervision, and companionship. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure your dog is safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for throughout their stay with us.

Notwithstanding the above, dogs are living animals with unpredictable behaviours, and despite our best efforts, incidents may occur. The Owner acknowledges this inherent uncertainty and agrees to the liability provisions set out in these Terms and Conditions.

2. Owner's Acceptance of Liability

The Owner accepts full responsibility and liability for their dog at all times, including during any boarding period with Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited. To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, the Owner releases and indemnifies Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited, its directors, employees, agents, and contractors from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, costs, and expenses arising directly or indirectly from:

• •The dog's illness, injury, death, or escape, howsoever caused;
• •Any act or omission of the dog, including biting, scratching, or otherwise injuring a person or animal;
• •Any pre-existing medical, physical, or behavioural conditions affecting the dog;
• •Damage caused by the dog to property belonging to Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited or any third party;
• •Any allergic reactions, adverse responses to food, or unforeseen health events occurring during the boarding period.

This indemnity applies whether or not any such event arises from the negligence of Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited or its staff, except where such negligence constitutes gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

3. Veterinary Costs and Medical Care

4. Health, Vaccination, and Parasite Requirements

For the safety of all animals in our care, all dogs must meet the following health requirements before boarding will be accepted:

• •Current vaccinations as recommended by a New Zealand veterinarian, including (but not limited to) distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and kennel cough (Bordetella);
• •Current flea, tick, and worm treatment administered within the period recommended by the Owner's veterinarian;
• •Free from any contagious illness or disease at the time of drop-off.

The Owner warrants that all health information provided to Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited is accurate and complete. Where a dog arrives showing signs of illness, Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited reserves the right to refuse boarding or to require the Owner to collect the dog immediately. In such circumstances, no refund of any booking deposit will be made.

5. Owner's Disclosure Obligations

The Owner must disclose to Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited prior to boarding all relevant information about their dog, including but not limited to:

• •Known medical conditions, allergies, or ongoing treatments;
• •Dietary requirements, feeding schedules, and food sensitivities;
• •Behavioural traits including aggression towards people or other animals;
• •Any history of escaping, destructive behaviour, or separation anxiety;
• •Previous incidents of biting or injury to any person or animal.

Failure to disclose relevant information may result in the immediate termination of the boarding arrangement at the Owner's cost and expense. The Owner remains fully liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from undisclosed information.

6. Bookings, Payment, and Cancellations

7. Collection of Dog and Abandonment

The Owner agrees to collect their dog on the agreed departure date. If the Owner fails to collect their dog within forty-eight (48) hours of the agreed departure date without prior notice and agreement, Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited may take such steps as are reasonably necessary to ensure the welfare of the dog. All costs associated with extended boarding and any subsequent re-homing action will be the sole responsibility of the Owner.

If a dog is abandoned or the Owner cannot be contacted, Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited reserves the right to contact the relevant animal welfare authorities in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (NZ).

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable New Zealand law, Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited shall not be liable to the Owner for any indirect, consequential, special, or incidental loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the boarding services, including loss of income, emotional distress, or the cost of a replacement animal.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy, or any guarantee, warranty, or other term or condition, implied or imposed by any legislation (including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986) where to do so would be unlawful.

9. Photography and Media

From time to time Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited may take photographs or video of dogs in our care for use on our website or social media. By boarding with us, the Owner grants Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited permission to use such images for promotional purposes. If the Owner does not wish their dog to be photographed, they must advise us in writing prior to the commencement of boarding.

10. Privacy

Personal information collected from the Owner will be used solely for the purpose of providing boarding services and will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (NZ). Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited will not share personal information with third parties except where required by law or as necessary to provide veterinary or emergency services.

11. Amendments to These Terms

Kowai Farmstay and Boarding Limited reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be published on our website and will apply to all bookings made after the date of publication. Continued use of our services following any amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. Any dispute arising under or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.