Their Safety
Your Safety
Our Safety

Our Safety Philosophy

Safety at Dog Social is built into how our events are designed and run. It’s not a checklist or a one-size-fits-all rulebook. It’s a considered approach that balances dog wellbeing, owner awareness, and calm, shared spaces.

Every decision on the day is guided by the same principle: creating an environment where dogs can engage naturally, owners feel supported, and everyone understands their role in keeping the space safe.

All dogs attending Dog Social events must be up to date with their vaccinations.

Before the Event

Vaccinations: All dogs must have up-to-date core vaccinations (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis). Kennel Cough vaccination is strongly recommended.

Suitability Assessment: Every booking requires a completed behaviour questionnaire. We review these manually to flag potential incompatibility issues before attendance is confirmed.

On-the-Day Screening

Upon arrival, our Check-in Team conducts a visual health check. Dogs showing signs of illness (coughing, discharge, lethargy) will be turned away to protect the pack.

We also assess the dog's emotional state on entry. If a dog is already over-threshold or showing signs of extreme fear/aggression in the car park, they will not be admitted.

Supervision Model

Our 'Pawfessionals' are stationed in specific zones to monitor interactions. They are trained to spot micro-signals of stress or tension before they escalate.

Owners are required to supervise their own dogs at all times. Our team is there to support and manage the environment, not to be a substitute for owner responsibility.

Incident Response

In the unlikely event of an incident, the Dog Social team takes immediate control. Clear protocols guide calm separation, first aid where required, and stabilisation of the environment to prevent escalation. All incidents are managed on the spot and documented, with owners informed promptly and directly.

Dog Social uses a behavioural demerit point system to uphold clear standards. Points are issued for behaviour that compromises safety, with defined thresholds for time-outs, removal from the session, or exclusion from future events where necessary, ensuring consistent and fair management across all events.

We 'Vet' All Our Attendees

Vaccination and Waiver Requirements

To help set each event up well, all attendees are required to complete a short waiver and provide current vaccination details before arrival.

Vaccination certificates must be uploaded prior to the event

Entry may be declined if this step is not completed

If you have any trouble uploading documents, you can email them to events@dogsocial.co

These requirements help us plan appropriately and ensure the environment is suitable for the dogs attending.

Trained. Professional. Assured.

Our Pawfessionals are here for one purpose: maintaining a safe and balanced environment for everyone. They are not babysitters. They act as an experienced extra set of eyes, trained to read canine body language and group dynamics, helping to identify and de-escalate situations before issues arise.

Incidents can involve multiple factors, so if a Pawfessional asks you to pause play or give your dog a short break, please don’t take it personally. These decisions are made to allow the overall energy of the space to settle and to keep the event enjoyable for all.

Owner Responsibilities

We provide the framework, but you are responsible for your dog.

• Maintain visual supervision of your dog at all times.

• Listen to and follow instructions from the Event Crew immediately.

• Clean up after your dog promptly.

• Ensure your dog is healthy and fit to attend.

• Keep your dog on a leash until instructed otherwise.

Our Responsibilities

• Monitors the environment constantly.

• Advocates for dogs who may be feeling overwhelmed.

• Politely but firmly enforces rules to ensure safety.

• Provides guidance on appropriate play styles.

• Acts swiftly in the event of an incident.

• Provide a safe, fun and supportive environment

Safety FAQs

Do dogs need to be desexed?

Yes. All dogs attending Dog Social events must be desexed.

Are vaccinations required?

Yes. All dogs must be up to date with required vaccinations before attending.

Can I bring more than one dog?

Yes, provided all dogs are from the same household and under your direct care. Dogs must be legally owned by you. Friends’ dogs or dogs you are temporarily caring for are not permitted.

Are dogs off-leash?

Dogs are off-leash only within designated activation and active play areas. Dogs must remain on-leash during check-in, departure, and when moving through public or non-active areas.

What happens if my dog plays rough?

Our team actively monitors behaviour and play. Any dog showing signs of behaviour that exceeds rough play which is aggressive they will be removed or managed in a designated area until calm. If aggressive behaviour continues, the dog and owner will be asked to leave the event.

Are children allowed?

Attendance is restricted to ages 16 years and over. This is for the safety of dogs, attendees, staff, and in line with venue requirements.

Can I bring my own toys or treats?

No. Outside toys and treats are not permitted to prevent resource guarding and behavioural issues.

Do you have staff on site?

Yes. Our Pawfessionals "Staff" are present for oversight and safety monitoring only. They are not responsible for supervising or caring for dogs. You must remain with your dog at all times. Our pawfessionals are not responsible for cleaning up after your dog.

If you need to step away briefly, such as to use the bathroom, please notify a staff member. We can monitor your dog for up to 15 minutes. If that time is exceeded, we will locate you to re-engage with your dog.

For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions