Terms and Conditions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Welcome to Happy Paws Studio. By using our website (www.happypawsstudio.com.au) and the photography services and information we offer, you agree to the following terms and conditions. If you purchase any product through our website or studio, please ensure you also read the specific terms and conditions relating to that purchase.

Definitions

  • Services: Refers to photography.

  • Website: Refers to www.happypawsstudio.com.au.

  • We/Us/Our: Refers to Happy Paws Studio and our team, including affiliates, employees, officers, agents, or assigns.

Accuracy of Content

We have taken proper care and precautions to ensure that the information we provide on this website is accurate. However, we cannot guarantee, nor do we accept any legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of anything contained on this website or on any linked site.

The information contained on this website should not take the place of professional advice.

Use

The Website is made available for your use on your acceptance and compliance with these terms and conditions. By using this website, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

You agree that you will use the website in accordance with all applicable local, state, national and international laws, rules and regulations.

You agree that you will not use, nor will you allow or authorise any third party to use, the website for any purpose that is unlawful, defamatory, harassing, abusive, fraudulent or obscene, or in any other inappropriate way or in a way which conflicts with the website or the Services.

If you contribute to our forum (if any) or make any public comments on this website which are, in our opinion, unlawful, defamatory, harassing, abusive, fraudulent, obscene or in any other way inappropriate or which conflict with the website or the Services offered, then we may at our discretion, refuse to publish such comments and/or remove them from the website.

We reserve the right to refuse or terminate service to anyone at any time without notice or reason.

Passwords and logins

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your passwords and login details and for all activities carried out under your password and login.

Indemnification for loss or damage

You agree to indemnify Us and hold Us harmless from and against any and all liabilities or expenses arising from or in any way related to your use of this website or the Services or information offered on this website, including any liability or expense arising from all claims, losses, damages (actual and consequential), suits, judgments, litigation costs and solicitors fees of every kind and nature incurred by you or any third parties through you.

Intellectual property and copyrights

We hold the copyright to the content of this Website, including all uploaded files, layout design, data, graphics, articles, file content, codes, news, tutorials, videos, reviews, forum posts and databases contained on the Website or in connection with the Services.

You must not use or replicate our copyright material for commercial purposes unless expressly agreed to by Us, in which case we may require you to sign a licence agreement.

If you wish to use content, images or other of our intellectual property, you should submit your request to us at the following email address: admin@happypawsstudio.com.au

Errors

Occasionally there may be information on our website that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, delivery times and availability.

We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order).

If Happy Paws Studio cancels an order after processing your payment, we will issue a full refund to your original payment method.

Availability

All goods are subject to availability. We may offer a substitute of equal or greater value if the item is unavailable. If you decline a substitute for an out-of-stock item and we have already charged your credit card, we will cancel the order and refund the payment.

If an item you order is temporarily out of stock, we may supply part of the order and send the remainder when it is back in stock, or we may hold your order until the item is back in stock and ship all items together.

Excusing events

You acknowledge and agree that we assume no responsibility for delays and will not perform our supply or other obligations when events or causes beyond our reasonable control prevent us from doing so.

We will endeavour to notify you of any delay and its expected duration. If we are prevented from performing our obligations for longer than a reasonable time, we may elect to cancel your order and issue you a credit in the amount paid for the order without further liability to you.

Entire Agreement

We may change these terms and conditions at any time. Your continued use of the website following any changes will be deemed to indicate your acceptance of such changes.

It is your responsibility to regularly check the Terms and Conditions for any updates.

Changes to terms and conditions will only apply to purchases made after the date of change.

Alterations

We may change these terms and conditions at any time. Your continued use of the website following any changes will be deemed to indicate your acceptance of such changes.

It is your responsibility to regularly check the Terms and Conditions for any updates.

Changes to terms and conditions will only apply to purchases made after the date of change.

Limitation of Liability

We take no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the content or statements contained on this website or in relation to our Services. Statements made are by way of general comment only and you should satisfy yourself as to their accuracy. Further, all our Services are provided without a warranty with the exception of any warranties provided by law.

We are not liable for any damages whatsoever, incurred as a result of or relating to the use of the website or our Services.

All images on this site are copyright to Happy Paws Studio. Screenshots of this site or images from this site are not permitted. You may, however, share any of our images from our social media pages. We do not allow images to be altered, printed or reproduced in any way without permission. They must be credited to Happy Paws Studio.

Refund & Returns Policy

We produce all products using archival inks and print them on high-quality canvas or photo paper.
Clients typically receive, collect, or have their orders posted within 4–6 weeks of placing the order. We require clients to inspect all products at the time of pickup or delivery.

Clients must handle wall art items with care, as these products are fragile. We do not accept liability for any damage resulting from improper handling.

Under the Trade Practices Act 1974 you may seek a refund if goods:

  • are or become faulty through no fault of your own
  • are not fit for a stated purpose or a purpose you made known to our staff
  • do not match our description
  • have defects that were not obvious or we did not bring to your attention

Goods must be returned within 7 days.

To request a return, please email us with the following details:

  • your full name
  • product details
  • reason for return
  • your preferred outcome (e.g. exchange, refund)

We do not offer refunds for incorrect selections or change of mind.

If you would like to speak to us about any aspect of this Refund & Returns Policy, please contact us.

Bookings & Sessions

Only the legal owner of the pet being photographed may enter communication and sign contracts. As such, persons under 18 years of age are not eligible to claim giveaways, prizes, competitions or model callouts.

Clients must provide the contact details of all participating pet owners to ensure clear communication regarding the process. We only include prints, products, or digital files when explicitly stated. It also ensures the owner is fully aware of the pricing should they wish to purchase additional items.

All booking fees are non-refundable up until the viewing and purchase appointment. We understand things happen, however, cancellations may result in the session and booking fee being forfeited.

In the event of a refund, credit card fees and admin costs will be deducted.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the session may result in the full session fee being required for reschedule.

Cancellations or no-shows made less than 24 hours before a viewing and purchase appointment may result in an additional appointment fee.

Session fees do not include digital files or print products unless otherwise stated. Please contact us for a copy of our full price list.

Gift Vouchers

  • Gift vouchers are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable.
  • They are not valid with any other offer or special.
  • They are not valid for Limited Edition, Mini or Christmas sessions.
  • Gift prints are not eligible for upgrades to other products or items.
  • Payment of the full session fee is required to confirm your appointment and will be refunded at the viewing and purchase session.
  • Failure to attend or cancellation without sufficient notice will result in forfeiture of the refund.
  • The expiry period is less than 12 months and cannot be extended under any circumstances.

Gift voucher sessions include only what is stated on the voucher. Additional prints or digital images are available for purchase.

Complimentary Sessions, Prizes and Giveaways

Redeeming Special Offers and Booking Process

Clients must redeem all special offers or prizes during their initial purchase appointment. Offers become void if not redeemed at that time.
If a client chooses to accept only the prize without purchasing additional photos, they must select the prize photo immediately after the photoshoot. In this case, no purchase appointment will be scheduled.

All complimentary sessions require a booking fee, which we will either fully refund at the purchase appointment or apply as print credit. These sessions include, but are not limited to, prizes, third-party vouchers, and referral incentives.

Clients who arrive late or miss their scheduled appointment forfeit the booking fee.

Claiming and Scheduling Timeframes

Unless otherwise specified, clients must claim and schedule their complimentary session within six weeks of receiving the prize notification. This applies to sessions issued directly by Happy Paws Studio or through third-party giveaways.

Winners must be available for a phone consultation before confirming their session. If we do not receive a response within 24 hours of contacting the winner, we will consider the prize forfeited.

Limitations Per Household

Each household may redeem only one complimentary session within a 12-month period, regardless of how or where the session was offered. This includes prizes, giveaways, vouchers, competitions, or model callouts from both Happy Paws Studio and third-party sources.

Clients who have previously received a complimentary session become ineligible for additional giveaways, competitions, model callouts, or prize offers within the same 12-month period. This limitation also applies to gift vouchers obtained through raffles, business collaborations, or charitable promotions.

Complimentary sessions may not be combined with any other type of booking or offer.

Health, Safety, and Conduct Requirements

Clients must inform us immediately if their pet comes into season, gives birth, or suffers from illness or infectious disease. We will reschedule the session accordingly.

If a pet acts aggressively or destructively toward the photographer, studio, or others, the photographer reserves the right to terminate the session immediately.

Clients must ensure that the pet’s owner and primary handler attend the photoshoot. If a pet behaves uncooperatively or lacks sufficient training, the selection of usable images may be limited. We do not issue refunds for session fees if we are unable to proceed with the session due to a pet’s behaviour.

Model Callouts

Accuracy of Pet Information

If you misrepresent your dog’s level of training and your dog behaves uncooperatively during the model callout photoshoot, we will still complete the session to the best of our ability. However, you will forfeit any additional incentives we originally offered, allowing us to reallocate them to a more suitable model.

Pets, People, and Studio Attendance

Only bring the pets included in your original booking. If you wish to include additional animals, contact us beforehand to confirm availability. If time or studio conditions do not allow for the inclusion of extra pets, and sufficient notice is given, we will reschedule your session. Additional pet fees apply.

Please contact us before bringing children or additional guests to the studio. For multi-pet households, we encourage clients to bring extra handlers. However, due to safety and workflow considerations, young children are not permitted in the studio environment.

Usage of Digital Files

You may only use purchased digital files for personal purposes. You must not sell or use these files for commercial purposes. This restriction applies to all files we supply, regardless of resolution.

Direct all commercial inquiries to Happy Paws Studio. Clients may not use images for competitions, marketing campaigns, or as reference material for artworks. Commercial use includes, but is not limited to, breeders, groomers, pet merchandise retailers, boarding kennels, and trainers. These parties must contact us to purchase their own digital files and may not obtain them through a client.

We provide low-resolution files resized specifically for social media use. Do not print or edit these files, and do not remove the watermark. You may, however, share them with friends, family, and on your personal social media accounts.

When applicable, we provide high-resolution files in JPG format only. You may use these for printing, but keep in mind that colour profiles vary between print labs, and we cannot guarantee exact colour reproduction. We do not provide RAW files.

Order Changes and Cancellations

To cancel an order, you must notify us in writing within 3 days of placing the order and before manufacturing or printing begins. However, editing fees of $25 per image will still apply. After 3 days, all payments become non-refundable.

We may apply a late payment fee for overdue invoices. Additionally, late payments may result in cancellation of complimentary offers such as referral gift vouchers, print credits, or complimentary digital files.

Product Issues and Image Archiving

Notify us of any issues with digital or print products within 3 days of receiving them.

We archive your images for 30 days after the photoshoot. After that, a $350 retrieval fee applies, which we will credit toward any purchase. We do not retain unordered images beyond 12 months.

Editing

The photographer applies edits following their distinctive style, as showcased in our online portfolio, website, and social media channels. Full editing occurs only after the purchase appointment and exclusively for the images selected for purchase.

Hair fall and dirt on backdrops, along with eye boogers and treat crumbs, receive removal during the editing process. Tear stains around the eyes and beards may undergo slight lightening but will not be completely eliminated. Permanent features such as birthmarks or lumps remain visible unless the client expressly requests their removal at the time of the purchase appointment.

If your dog has had recent surgery and has shaved patches, please contact us in advance, as we may need to reschedule.

We aim to photograph dogs without a collar or lead whenever possible. However, if your dog cannot remain still, we will use a lead to ensure safety. Our editing process may remove collars and leads when feasible, but we do not remove harnesses or large collars (such as martingales) unless you pay an additional editing fee.

Clients are responsible for ensuring their pet is clean, brushed, and well-groomed prior to the photoshoot. The photographer does not digitally correct excessive dirt or inadequate grooming.
The editing process may include minor retouching, such as removing occasional stray hairs, but it does not include extensive grooming adjustments.

Excessive editing requests may be charged at an hourly rate.