A little preparation before your arrival helps make check-in quick, easy and stress-free for both you and your pet. Please work through the checklist below before your stay.
Before you travel, please double-check these three key items. See below for further information.
Vaccinations
Missing or unclear vaccinations are the biggest reason pets cannot be admitted on arrival. Ensure that all vaccine requirements are met, and you have the most up-to-date vaccination certificate.
Medication
Medication must be in original packaging with vet instructions. If you have any concerns about your pet’s medication, please get in touch with us before your pet’s arrival date.
Emergencies
Whilst we will always attempt to call owners first in the event of an emergency, every guest must have an emergency contact we can call as a backup.
1. Vaccinations
Missing or unclear vaccinations are the biggest reason pets cannot be admitted on arrival. Follow the tips below to make sure your pet is covered.
Unsure if your pet is vaccinated? Contact your vet before your stay.
Don’t forget your vaccination certificate!
We don’t keep vaccination records on file. Even if your pet has stayed with us before, we will still need to see their vaccination certificate when they are dropped off.
Keep a photo of the latest vaccination certificate on your phone; that way it’s always available!
2. Health & Medication
If your pet requires medication during their stay, we are happy to administer it under the following guidelines:
- All medications must come in their original packaging from the veterinary clinic; please do not decant it, as we need the prescribed instructions.
- Your instructions must be the same as the instructions on the label, unless a letter from your vet is supplied.
- Dogs currently suffering from illness or injury should be discussed with Hedgegrove, as boarding may be unsuitable.
- We cannot accept pets requiring insulin injections.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s medication, please get in touch with us before your pet’s arrival date.
3. Food & Feeding
You are welcome to supply your own food (wet and/or dry) or use our supplied food. Let us know when checking your pet in which you would prefer.
Supplying your own food?
If you would like to bring your pet’s own food, we can happily accommodate. Please label it clearly and provide feeding instructions, or have each meal individually packaged.
If supplying your own food, understand some days your dog may not want to eat or staff may not deliver it for several reasons. Any food remaining will be returned to you for future use.
Treats
When checking your pet in, we will discuss if you’d like to add any extra treat times into your pet’s schedule. You are welcome to provide your own daily treats if you’d prefer.
Note that food or treats that are considered a choking hazard will not be given during their stay
Before you arrive
Please do not feed your dog too soon before arriving; often pets are fed a large quantity and, in their excitement, can vomit or soil their accommodation almost immediately. This isn’t a great start for them.
We promise they will get plenty of food during their stay, and food is a great way for us to bond with your pet quickly.
4. What Should I Bring?
For safety reasons, we don’t allow personal blankets, beds and toys into our pens. But don’t worry, Hedgegrove will supply everything your dog will need. We have ample supplies of beds and blankets to keep every guest comfortable.
You are welcome to leave your leash, collar, or harness with your pet; however, for safety reasons, we will remove them from your pet and store them outside their pen for the duration of their stay.
5. Activities & Luxuries
Every guest enjoys excellent daily care, exercise and enrichment. You can also personalise your cat or dog’s holiday with a range of optional activities. We recommend looking through our activities list before you drop your pet off. Let us know when checking your pet in what you would like them to do during their stay.
6. During Their Stay
We understand you may want to be updated on your pet’s stay while away. Our priority is always the hands-on care of our guests. Because we are often out in the yards or with the animals, we are sometimes unavailable to answer the phone immediately. Email is our preferred and fastest method of contact. If you would like an update, email us at info@hedgegrove.com.au.
If you’d like to see photos or videos of your pet, we recommend adding activities to their stay. All of our activities include photos and videos posted to our Instagram and Facebook stories. Some activities, including Hydrotherapy, Trainer Times, and Adventure Walks, also include an emailed update with a photo.
7. Emergency Contacts
Whilst we will always attempt to call owners first in the event of an emergency, every guest must have an emergency contact we can call if we cannot make contact.
If you cannot or do not supply one, Hedgegrove will take all directions of our veterinarian at your own cost.
What do we do in an emergency?
In the case of an emergency during opening hours, guests are taken to Tea Tree Gully Veterinary Hospital or Vets For Pets Golden Grove.
After hours, guests are taken to Noah’s Crossing Vet Clinic – Lewiston.
8. Behaviour & Training
Hedgegrove is proud to be working in conjunction with the professional team from Canine Connect to bring you and your dog a wide range of options for behaviour and training services. Their team are on-site and there to assist the Hedgegrove team should they need it.
During their stay, we can offer Trainer Times, which are 15-minute training sessions with one of our qualified trainers. You will receive an report card at the end of the stay, and photos will be posted to Instagram stories. This can be booked in during the check-in process.
If you’d like a more intensive training service, we recommend browsing the website of Canine Connect, our on-site training team.

9. Terms & Conditions
Please read and familiarise yourself with the following policies related to bookings:
2026 © Hedgegrove Pet Retreat
