FAQs
Where will my dog stay?
Your dog will have access to both the home and backyard, and will be treated as part of the family with plenty of attention, love, and routine.
All dogs sleep indoors in a safe, climate-controlled environment (air conditioning and heating available).
Depending on your dog’s personality, they may enjoy a solo stay or a small social group. Every booking is assessed individually to ensure your dog feels comfortable, safe, and supported.
Do you have outdoor space?
Yes, we have a secure quarter-acre yard with 6ft fencing surrounding the entire property.
The garden has been thoughtfully designed for dogs, including:
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pathways through trees and garden beds (enrichment)
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quiet areas for toileting and rest
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sunny grass areas (mowed weekly)
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shaded and undercover spaces
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access to comfortable indoor and outdoor rest areas
Fresh water is provided and refreshed multiple times daily.
How many dogs do you care for at once?
We host a maximum of 4 client dogs at any one time, depending on compatibility.
Each booking is carefully assessed:
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Some dogs may stay on their own
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Others may be placed in a small, social group
This ensures every dog has the best possible experience.
Our resident 12-year-old Staffy (trained and well-socialised) is also on the property.
What makes your service different?
Halls Head Dog Services is run by Claire Lathouras, an experienced canine professional with over 20 years working with dogs, including 10+ years running the WA Dog Training Academy and over 6,500 dogs trained.
Claire holds a Diploma in Dog Obedience and Behaviour Training and has completed advanced studies in canine behaviour, communication, and applied psychology.
Dog care is her full-time focus, so she is home throughout the day providing consistent supervision, attention, and care. She takes the time to understand each dog’s personality, helping them feel calm, safe, and settled.
Dogs are cared for in a secure, low-stress home environment, with individual attention and routines tailored to suit each dog.
Will my dog be supervised?
Yes, dogs are supervised throughout their stay and never left for extended periods.
Can you send me updates while our dog is in your care?
Yes! We will be able to What's App you images and videos of your dog and we also will provide a cute 'Report Card' with how they are enjoying their stay.
Are walks included?
Walks are available as an optional add-on ($50 per dog, per day). Walks will be to either the local park, beach and/or foreshore. All dogs still have access to a large backyard for play.
Do I need to provide food?
We recommend bringing your dog’s usual food to maintain routine.
We can provide food if needed for an additional cost of $20/dog/day (unfortunately, we do not take requests when this option is selected).
What should I bring for doggy day care?
We recommend bringing:
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your dog’s food and treats (if they eat during the day)
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any medications (must be labelled with dosage and time given)
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your dog's leash (regardless of if you have selected an additional walk or not)
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ensure your dog has a collar with name tag on it
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harness or coats (if your dog uses them!)
This helps your dog feel comfortable, safe and settled.
What should I bring for overnight stays?
We recommend bringing:
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your dog’s food and treats
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bedding and even a familiar item
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any medications (must be labelled with dosage and time given)
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your dog's leash (regardless of if you have selected an additional walk or not)
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ensure your dog has a collar with name tag on it
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harness, raincoat, PJs (if your dog uses them!)
This helps your dog feel comfortable, safe and settled.
Do you accept all dogs?
We assess each dog to ensure they are suited to a home environment.
Dogs must be:
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friendly and manageable
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be healthy and free from contagious illness
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up to date with vaccinations
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safe around people and other dogs
You must disclose:
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behaviour history (reactivity, aggression, anxiety, escape tendencies)
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medical conditions
If you are unsure, simply give Claire a call on 0434533981 and she will ask you a series of questions and may suggest a meet and greet first.
What if my dog needs medication?
We can administer medication as instructed, just email details in advance.
Do you offer pick-up and drop-off?
Yes, transport is available for an additional fee depending on location. If you choose this option, we will assess your location and add the additional charge to your invoice.
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Mandurah Central / Halls Head: $25 pick up/ $25 drop off
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Other Mandurah areas: $35 pick up/ $35 drop off
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Outer areas (e.g. Pinjarra, Lake Clifton, Singleton): $45 pick up/ $45 drop off
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Other locations: quote on request
How do payments work?
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Payment is required to secure your booking
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A final invoice may be issued before the end of the stay with any additional add- ons/ requests. This must be paid in full before or at pick up (at the latest).
How are bookings charged?
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Overnight stays are charged in 24-hour blocks
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Day care is charged in 12-hour blocks
Please send an enquiry for long stays (over 7 days).
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the booking start time to receive a full refund.
Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable due to the reserved space and limited availability.
No shows or same-day cancellations will be charged in full.
Peak Periods:
For public holidays and peak periods (including Christmas and school holidays):
7 days notice required for a refund
Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable
Early Returns / Shortened Stays:
If you collect your dog earlier than booked, the remaining time is non-refundable.
Uncollected Dogs
If a dog is not collected at the agreed time:
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15-minute grace period applies
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After 15 minutes → 12-hour care charge applies ($50)
If the dog is not collected within 12 hours:
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Booking becomes extended care
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Charged at $150 per 24 hours
This reflects:
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additional supervision
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disruption to capacity
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extended care requirements
Charges continue for up to 3 days.
If uncollected after 3 days and no contact is made:
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The dog may be transferred to a council facility or authorised shelter
All costs (care, transport, surrender) remain the owner’s responsibility.
What happens in an emergency?
If your dog requires urgent care, we will:
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contact you immediately
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seek veterinary treatment if necessary
Any vet costs are the responsibility of the owner.
Can my dog go to the beach or park?
Yes, outings may be available as part of walk add-ons, depending on suitability and conditions.
Will my dog get along with others?
We carefully manage introductions and only accept dogs suited to a safe, social environment.
How does dog training work during day care?
Training is completed during your dog’s stay through structured sessions and reinforcement throughout the day, without the owner present.
What behaviours can you work on?
We can work on foundational skills such as basic to more advanced obedience as well as behaviour modifications depending on your dog’s needs.
How many sessions will my dog need?
This depends on your dog’s age, history, and behaviour. While some improvement can be seen in a single day, multiple sessions are recommended for consistent, lasting results.
Will my dog be fully trained after one session?
No, training is a process. We focus on building and improving behaviours, but ongoing consistency at home is essential for long-term success.
Do I need to be present for the training?
No. Training is completed without the owner present to allow for focused, consistent handling.
Why is the owner handover important?
The handover shows you exactly how to maintain and reinforce the training. Without it, results may not be sustained once your dog returns home.
What happens if I don’t do the handover?
Your dog may improve during their stay, but without the correct follow-through at home, behaviours can become inconsistent or regress.
Do you guarantee results?
No. Every dog is different, and results depend on factors such as temperament, history, and consistency after training.
What training methods do you use?
We use structured, practical training methods tailored to each dog, focusing on clear communication, consistency, and calm, reliable behaviour.
Will my dog be trained with other dogs around?
Yes, where appropriate. Dogs may be exposed to real-world environments and other dogs to support calm, controlled behaviour.
Is training suitable for all dogs?
Most dogs can benefit from training, however suitability will depend on behaviour, temperament, and safety considerations.
Can you work on specific issues?
Yes, please contact us prior to booking to discuss your dog’s specific needs and whether training is suitable.
Where can I find the pull Pet Care Agreement?
Here! (And also at the bottom of the website).
Still not sure?
Book an obligation free 30 minute 'Meet & Greet'. Bring your dog along and they can explore the environment while you meet Claire. Book here.
How do I book?
Bookings need to be made online via our booking system: