Terms & Conditions

By booking and attending a tour at Gaia's Serenity Animal Sanctuary, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility & Booking

• Tours are available exclusively to those who have donated $100 AUD or more to Gaia's Serenity
• Bookings must be made in advance by emailing proof of donation to info@gaiasserenity.org
• Tours are limited to a maximum of 4 people per booking
• Tours operate on Saturdays only, between 8am-11am
• Walk-ins are not permitted
• We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not comply with these terms

2. Liability Waiver

• All guests will be required to sign a liability waiver before entering the sanctuary grounds
• Guests participate in tours at their own risk
• Gaia's Serenity, its founders, volunteers, and staff are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, or harm that may occur during your visit
• This includes but is not limited to: animal-related injuries, slips, trips, falls, allergic reactions, property damage, or vehicle damage

3. Physical Requirements & Site Conditions

• Our driveway is steep and may be challenging to navigate
• Our grounds are uneven, muddy (especially after rain), and include gravel paths, dirt tracks, and paddocks
• Guests should be reasonably fit, mobile, and agile to safely navigate the property
• Closed-toe footwear is mandatory—preferably boots or sturdy shoes with grip
• The sanctuary is a working farm environment with natural hazards including uneven terrain, mud, animal waste, farm equipment, and unpredictable weather conditions
• Wheelchair and pram accessibility is limited due to terrain—contact us before booking if you have mobility concerns

4. Safety Requirements

• Children must remain behind fencing at all times for their safety
• All children must be supervised by an adult
• Guests must follow all instructions from tour guides and sanctuary staff
• Do not approach, touch, or feed animals without explicit permission
• Do not enter any enclosures or cross safety barriers
• Guests who fail to follow safety instructions may be asked to leave without refund

5. Food & Prohibited Items

• No animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or any food containing these ingredients) are permitted on sanctuary grounds
• Plant-based food and drinks are welcome but must be properly disposed of
• No littering—take all rubbish with you or use designated bins
• No smoking, vaping, or alcohol on the premises
• No pets are permitted (service animals considered on a case-by-case basis—contact us first)

6. Conduct & Behavior

• Guests must treat all animals, staff, volunteers, and property with respect
• Loud noises, sudden movements, or behavior that distresses animals is prohibited
• Flash photography is not permitted
• Guests who behave inappropriately, dangerously, or disrespectfully will be asked to leave immediately without refund
• We reserve the right to remove anyone from the property at any time for safety or conduct reasons

7. Weather & Cancellations

• Tours proceed rain or shine unless severe weather conditions make it unsafe
• Gaia's Serenity reserves the right to cancel tours due to extreme weather, flooding, animal welfare concerns, or unforeseen circumstances
• If we cancel your tour, we will reschedule to another available Saturday
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact info@gaiasserenity.org as soon as possible
• Tours are non-refundable but may be rescheduled subject to availability

8. Health & Medical Conditions

• Guests attend at their own risk if they have allergies to animals, hay, dust, or outdoor environments
• We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment
• Guests with medical conditions that may be affected by physical activity, heat, sun exposure, or proximity to animals should assess their own suitability for attending
• Please inform tour guides of any medical conditions that may require assistance in an emergency

9. Photography & Media

• By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed for Gaia's Serenity promotional purposes
• If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform staff upon arrival
• Guests are encouraged to take photos but must not chase, corner, or distress animals for photography
• Please tag @gaias_serenity when sharing on social media!

10. Parking & Vehicle Safety

• Park only in designated areas
• Gaia's Serenity is not responsible for damage to vehicles or theft from vehicles
• Drive slowly and carefully on our steep driveway—watch for pedestrians and animals

11. Privacy & Data

• Personal information provided during booking will be used only for tour coordination and sanctuary communications
• We do not share your information with third parties
• By booking, you consent to receiving updates from Gaia's Serenity (you may unsubscribe at any time)

12. Donations & Tours

• The $100 minimum donation is a donation, not a payment for services
• Tours are offered as a thank-you gesture to supporters
• Donations are non-refundable under any circumstances
• Tours are non-transferable and cannot be resold or exchanged for cash

13. Assumption of Risk

By attending a tour at Gaia's Serenity, you acknowledge and accept that:

• You are visiting a working animal sanctuary with inherent risks
• Animals are unpredictable and may bite, kick, scratch, headbutt, or knock you over
• The property includes steep driveways, uneven ground, mud, water troughs, fencing, gates, and farm equipment
• You have assessed your own physical fitness and capability to safely navigate the property
• You release Gaia's Serenity, its owners, operators, volunteers, and staff from all liability

14. Changes to Terms

Gaia's Serenity reserves the right to update these terms and conditions at any time. The most current version will be available on our website and must be agreed to before each tour.

By booking a tour, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

For questions, contact: info@gaiasserenity.org