We’re COVID Safe

Health Info: 

There are currently no heath requirements, however this page remains if needed. We only ask that you:

  • wear a mask if you are ill (not covid) for the comfort of the group.
  • Plus, don’t attend a class if you do have covid. Contact us and we will arrange alternate training.

If you’d like to know how we operated under health rules:

  • Classes continued during any Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney restrictions either in-person with reduced numbers, outdoors, or At-Home LIVE (online).
  • Or, jump to the past health order guidelines for info on how classes operated during heath rules.

Past NSW Health order updates:

  • Final update Friday 30th September 2022: Goodog has removed human vaccine requirements.
    • Courses: all courses, classes and workshops continue in-person.
    • Masks: are not required. However, still recommended.
    • Vaccine: no requirement (ended on 30th September 2022).
    • People per pup: 2 people. Children ≤12 are not included in this requirements and can attend as extra attendee (except Seaforth Vet). Seaforth Vet is a small venue so has a strict 2 people per pup rule including children. These restrictions are for training purposes.
    • Illness: If you have covid, are isolating, a close contact, required to isolate and/or awaiting a COVID 19 test, don’t attend class and let us know so we can arrange alternate training. If you are showing signs of a cold or the flu but are not positive for covid, please wear a mask regardless.
    • If further restrictions return: attendee numbers may be reduced and classes may move outdoors or to our At-Home LIVE format.
  • Update 25th February, 2022: NSW has removed the mask requirements for community halls, however Goodog recommends all clients to wear masks when indoors for the time being. This means:
    • Courses: all courses, classes and workshops continue in-person.
    • Masks: are not required. However, we’re asking clients to continue to wear masks when attending indoor classes, to protect clients and staff.
    • Distancing: there are no distancing requirements. However, we ask clients to keep their distance when approaching other groups, to protect other clients and staff.
    • Reminder:
      • Vaccine status: all attendees must be fully-vaccinated/up-to-date and able to show us their status. If you do not want to show us your status, you will not be able to train with Goodog.
      • Other documents: anyone with paper documentation or an accredited exemption must contact Goodog before booking into a class for approval. Children ≤16 are not included in the vaccine rule.
      • Vaccine policy: if a client indicates they are fully-vaccinated on the booking form but are unable to show us their government vaccine status in class or accredited exemption prior to class, no refund will be offered.
    • People per pup: 2 people. Children ≤12 are not included in the attendee rules for all locations except Seaforth Vet and can attend as extra attendees. Seaforth Vet has a strict 2 people per pup rule including children.
    • Illness: If you have covid, are isolating, a close contact, required to isolate and/or awaiting a COVID 19 test, don’t attend class and let us know so we can arrange alternate training. If you are showing signs of a cold or the flu but are not positive for covid, please wear a mask regardless.
    • QR code: not required but available if you’d like to check-in.
    • If further restrictions return: attendee numbers may be reduced and classes may move outdoors or to our At-Home LIVE format.
  • Update 25th January, 2022: NSW has extended some health order rules. This means:
    • Courses: all courses, classes and workshops continue in-person.
    • Masks: masks are required indoors and we ask you to keep them on when attending outdoors classes to protect other clients and staff.
    • Distancing: 2sqm indoors and we ask you to keep this distance when attending outdoors classes to protect other clients and staff.
    • Reminder:
      • Vaccine status: all attendees must be fully-vaccinated and able to show us their status. If you do not want to show us your status, you will not be able to train with Goodog.
      • Other documents: anyone with paper documentation or an accredited exemption must contact Goodog before booking into a class for approval. Children ≤16 are not included in the vaccine rule.
      • Vaccine policy: if a client indicates they are fully-vaccinated on the booking form but are unable to show us their government vaccine status in class or accredited exemption prior to class, no refund will be offered.
    • People per pup: 2 people. Children ≤12 are not included in the attendee rules for all locations except Seaforth Vet and can attend as extra attendees. Seaforth Vet has a strict 2 people per pup rule including children.
    • QR code: please check-in.
    • If further restrictions return: attendee numbers may be reduced and classes may move outdoors or to our At-Home LIVE format.
  • Update 23rd December, 2021: NSW has reinstated some health order rules. This means:
    • Courses: all courses, classes and workshops continue in-person.
    • Masks: masks are required indoors from midnight 24th December (i.e. evening of 23rd December).
    • Distancing: distancing rules of 2sqm have returned from 27th December, 2021 until 27th January, 2022.
    • Reminder:
      • Vaccine status: all attendees must be fully-vaccinated and able to show us their status. If you do not want to show us your status, you will not be able to train with Goodog.
      • Other documents: anyone with paper documentation or an accredited exemption must contact Goodog before booking into a class for approval. Children ≤16 are not included in the vaccine rule.
      • Vaccine policy: if a client indicates they are fully-vaccinated on the booking form but is unable to show us their government vaccine status or accredited exemption in class, no refund will be offered.
    • People per pup: 2 people. Children ≤12 are not included in the attendee rules for all locations except Seaforth Vet and can attend as extra attendees. Seaforth Vet has a strict 2 people per pup rule including children.
    • QR code: please check-in.
    • If further restrictions return: attendee numbers may be reduced and classes may move outdoors or to our At-Home LIVE format.
  • Update 15th November, 2021: NSW has eased some health order rules. This means:
    • Courses: all courses, classes and workshops continue in-person.
    • Vaccine status: all attendees must be fully-vaccinated and can show us their status.
      • If you do not want to show us your status, you will not be able to train with Goodog.
      • Anyone with paper documentation or an accredited exemption must contact Goodog before booking into a class for approval. Children ≤16 are not included in the vaccine rule.
      • If a client indicates they are fully-vaccinated on the booking form but is unable to show us their government vaccine status or accredited exemption in class, no refund will be offered.
    • Masks: recommended for indoor classes.
    • Distancing: no distancing rules but 2sqm is still recommended.
    • People per pup: 2 people. Children ≤12 are not included in the attendee rules for all locations except Seaforth Vet and can attend as extra attendees. Seaforth Vet has a strict 2 people per pup rule including children.
    • QR code: please check-in.
    • If any restrictions return: attendee numbers may be reduced, mask and distance rules may return and classes may move outdoors or to our At-Home LIVE format.
  • Update 8th November, 2021: while there are some changes to distancing and attendee limits for households, the rules for community centres and gyms remain as listed previously on 17th October – as below. However, the 4sqm indoor rule is now 2sqm indoors (and outdoors).
  • Update 17th October, 2021: NSW has reached the 80% vaccinated mark. This means:
    • Courses: all courses, classes and workshops continue in-person.
    • Vaccine status: all attendees must be fully-vaccinated and can show us their status. Anyone with paper documentation or an accredited exemption must contact Goodog before booking into a class for approval. Children ≤12 are not included in the vaccine rule.
      • If a client indicates they are fully-vaccinated on the booking form but is unable to show us their government vaccine status or accredited exemption in class, no refund will be offered.
    • Masks: required for indoor classes but not required for outdoors classes.
    • Distancing: there is still a 4sqm rule for indoor classes but no distance rule for outdoors classes.
    • People per pup: 2 people. Children ≤12 are not included in the attendee rules for all locations apart from Seaforth Vet and can attend as extra attendees.
    • QR code: all attendees must check-in to classes.
    • From 1st November: those outside of Greater Sydney can travel to attend a Goodog course.
    • If any restrictions return: attendee numbers may be reduced, mask and distance rules may return and classes may move outdoors or to our At-Home LIVE format.
  • Update 5th October, 2021: in addition to the update on 27th September, NSW Gov advised that the LGA and 5km distance rule will end on 11th Oct (70%).
  • Update 27th September, 2021: The NSW Premier and Health Minister announced more details around the 70% and 80% fully vaccinated changes to restrictions and the December 1st easing of restrictions.
    • From 11th October (at the 70% threshold) and for those who are fully-vaccinated:
      • Stay-at-home orders are lifted.
      • Indoor classes can return for those who are fully vaccinated, with the 4sqm rule with a cap of 20 people, whichever is fewer.
      • Masks are mandatory for indoor classes.
      • Up tp 20 people can gather outdoors.
    • From the Monday after 80% are fully-vaccinated which is approx. 25th October and for those who are fully-vaccinated (or with accredited exemption).
      • There is no further change to the info listed under the October 11th info above.
      • However, those outside of the Northern Beaches and more than 5km from our venues can attend our classes without distance restrictions.
    • From 1st December
      • All indoor and outdoor classes switch to the 2sqm rule with no cap on persons, as long as this remains under the 2sqm rule and under our class numbers.
      • Masks are not mandatory.
    • Puppy Preschool changes:
      • Balgowlah: returns in-person at Balgowlah Scout Hall from Saturday 16th October.
      • Seaforth Vet: returns in person from 2nd Nov.
      • Terrey Hills: returns in-person at Terrey Hills Scout Hall from Wednesday 20th October.
    • Teenage Classes:
      • Balgowlah: are already in-person but will switch from outdoors and the 5VOR, to indoors at Balgowlah Scout Hall from 11th October.
      • Seaforth: return in-person from 11th October at Seaforth Scout Hall.
      • Terrey Hills: TBC
      • Collaroy: are already in-person but will switch from outdoors and the 5VOR, to indoors at Collaroy Scout Hall from 14th October.
    • Agility in Balgowlah:
      • are already in-person but will switch from the 5VOR, to increase capacity to allow more dogs to attend from 11th October.
    • Workshops in Terrey Hills
      • are already in-person but will switch from the 5VOR, to increase capacity to allow more dogs to attend from 11th October.
    • One-on-One:
      • Can be outdoors or indoors from 11th October.
  • Update 26th August, 2021: The Health Minister announced  the 5 vaccinated people outdoors rule (5VOR).
    • This means Agility, Workshops and the Balgowlah Teenage class return in-person from 13th September.
      • Agility: bookings
      • Recall Workshop: bookings
      • Teenage Course: bookings
      • You can attend you in-person classes if you:
        • are fully vaccinated
        • can show us the vaccine status
        • live within the Northern Beaches
        • live within 5kms of the location if outside of the Northern Beaches.
      • The 5VOR classes are outdoors.
      • Classes are limited to 4 clients and 1 trainer.
      • Only 1 person per pup can attend. Children 12 and under and not included in the 5.
    • Puppy & other Teenage classes remain At-Home LIVE online until further announcements are made for October.
      • Due to puppy vaccine safety, Puppy Preschool cannot be outdoors but will return in-person once indoor classes are permitted.
  • Update 20th August, 2021: The NSW Premier extended the stay-at-home order which is now due to end on Thursday 30th September 11:59pm.
    • This means classes are At-Home LIVE online until 30th September, while Agility is postponed until the health order eases.
    • Read the common questions about At-Home LIVE online classes before making an assumption on how they operate. They are the same lessons, live and beneficial. Also, read feedback about online classes here: Feedback.
    • If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost. And connects you to other puppies for Puppy Playdates (under the outdoor gathering rules).
    • If restrictions are further updated some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location or time, remain At-Home LIVE (online), or extra class attendee numbers may be reduced.
    • All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements.
    • Future classes are filling up quickly, so book early. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 28th July, 2021: The NSW Premier extended the stay-at-home order which is now due to end on Saturday 28th August 12:01am.
    • This means classes are At-Home LIVE online until 27th August, while Agility is postponed until the health order eases.
    • Read the common questions about At-Home LIVE online classes before making an assumption on how they operate. They are the same lessons, live and beneficial. Also, read feedback about online classes here: Feedback.
    • If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost.
    • If restrictions are further updated some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location or time, remain At-Home LIVE (online), or extra class attendee numbers may be reduced.
    • All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements.
    • Future classes are filling up quickly, so book early. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 17th July, 2021: The NSW Premier added further restrictions to the health order which is due to end on Friday 30th July 11:59pm. None of the new restrictions affect Goodog classes and we are still operating as per the previous update on 14th July. Non-essential retail will close, however pet stores can remain open.
    • This means classes are still At-Home LIVE online until 30th July, while Agility is postponed until the health order eases.
    • Read the common questions about At-Home LIVE online classes before making an assumption on how they operate. They are the same lessons, live and beneficial. Also, read feedback about online classes here: Feedback.
    • If restrictions are further updated some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location or time, remain online (live), or extra class attendee numbers may be reduced.
    • If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost.
    • All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements.
    • Future classes are filling up quickly, so book early. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 14th July, 2021: The NSW Premier extended the stay-at-home order until Friday 30th July 11:59pm. Due to the health order classes have moved to At-Home LIVE online classes until 30th July, while Agility is postponed until the health order eases.
    • If restrictions are further updated some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location or time, remain online (live), or extra class attendee numbers may be reduced.
    • If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost.
    • All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 9th July, 2021: The NSW Premier tightened the stay-at-home order at 11am on 9th July to reduce outdoor activities until Friday 16th July 11:59pm. Due to the health order classes have either moved online for their first class only, while Agility has been postponed until the health order eases. If restrictions are updated some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location or time, remain online (live), or extra class attendee numbers may be reduced. If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost. All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 7th July, 2021: The NSW Premier announced a stay-at-home order at 11am on 7th July for an extra 7 days until Friday 16th July 11:59pm. Due to the health order some classes have moved online for their first class only, while other classes have moved outdoors. If further restrictions are announced some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location, online (live), or class numbers may be reduced. If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost. Agility classes will continue from 5th July as they are outdoors, distanced and 10 people or fewer can attend. See the health order on outdoor exercising: Exercising/Community Sport. Please wear a mask 😷. All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 26th June, 2021: The NSW Premier announced a stay-at-home order at 2pm on 26th June 2021 for 14 days. Due to the health order some classes have moved online and others have been postponed for 2 weeks. If further restrictions are announced some classes may move outdoors (to a safe space), another location, or online (live). If you attend two or more online classes, Goodog offers additional in-person socialisation once the health order eases, at no extra cost. Agility classes will continue from 5th July as they are outdoors, distanced and 10 people or fewer can attend. See the health order on outdoor exercising: Exercising/Community Sport. Please wear a mask 😷. All those currently enrolled in class have been contacted about the new class arrangements. If you have any questions email renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 25th June, 2021: The NSW Premier announced a further change at 11am today 25th June. The mask order is extended until at least 11.59pm on Friday 2nd July. Additionally, while the Northern Beaches is not affected by the latest stay-at-home order, some of you may work in the four Local Gov Areas/Council Zones – City, Randwick, Woollahra, Waverley. If you do work in these locations and are now under a stay-at-home order, please let us know as we have some options to continue training: renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 23rd June, 2021: After the change to masks rules last night 22nd June, the NSW Premier announced a further change at 11am today 23rd June. Masks are now mandatory and the 4sqm rule returns for community halls at 4pm today and therefore all Goodog classes. Please wear a mask in class until at last 1st July 2021, 12:01am.
  • Update 22nd June, 2021: Changes to the Greater Sydney mask guidelines were announced on Thursday 22nd June. Between 4pm Tuesday 22nd June 2021 and 12:01am Thursday 1st July 2021 masks are required or recommended for some indoor public spaces. While Goodog classes do not fall under the required segment, we recommend that clients wear a mask to class. So far outside of this time, masks are not a covid requirement for class, however if you are ill (standard illness) then please wear a mask for the comfort of others. If there is an associated case with a community hall, the in-person component of classes might be delayed and we believe that clients (and us) would like to avoid that outcome.
  • Update 9th May, 2021: Changes to the Greater Sydney guidelines were announced on Thursday 9th May and some restrictions will continue from the announcement on 6th May. Between 9th May 2021 and 12:01am 17th May 2021 masks are required or recommended for indoor public spaces. Community halls fall under the recommended category and so while masks are not a requirement Goodog is recommending that clients wear masks to keep our classes safe, and so they can continue. If there is an associated case with a community hall, the class might be delayed and we believe that clients (and us) would like to avoid that outcome. So far outside of this time, masks are not a covid requirement for class, however if you are ill (standard illness) then please wear a mask for the comfort of others. Additionally, no more than 25 people can gather indoors, however Goodog classes are below 25 people.
  • Update 6th May, 2021: Changes to the Greater Sydney guidelines were announced on Thursday 6th May and some restrictions have returned. Between 5pm 6th May 2021 and 12:01am 10th May 2021 masks are required for all indoor public spaces. So far outside of this time, masks are not a covid requirement for class, however if you are ill (standard illness) then please wear a mask for the comfort of others. Additionally, no more than 20 people can gather indoors, however Goodog classes are below 20 people.
  • Update 24th March, 2021: Changes to the N.S.W. government guidelines were announced on Wednesday 24th March as venue restrictions have eased. Classes are still restricted at 2 people per pup with some room for extra guests upon request.
  • Update 10th February, 2021: Changes to the N.S.W. government guidelines were announced on Wednesday 10th February 2021 as the 4 sqm rule has eased to 2 sqm. Classes are still restricted at 2 people per pup with some room for extra guests upon request.
  • Update 10th January, 2021: The rules for the Northern Zone of the Northern Beaches have eased and return to the rules for Greater Sydney. Welcome back to our northern zone clients.
  • Update 2nd January, 2021: From 12am 3rd January 2021, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches returns to the rules for Greater Sydney. As all Goodog classes are in the southern zone, classes continue in-person. Goodog continues to use the COVID Safe plan for all classes. Due to the return of the 4sqm rule, the people per pup rule is back to 2 and the Seaforth Vet classes in January will move to Balgowlah Scout Hall. Also, due to the mask requirements for some indoor activities, Goodog hopes to see clients in masks during class to protect our trainers, clients and themselves. However, wearing a mask in classes is not deemed a requirement by NSW Health.
  • Update 26th December, 2020: From 27th December, the health order reverts back to the stay-at-home orders on the Northern Beaches. If these continue to 9th January 2021, the first puppy class of 2021 on 9th January will move outdoors (to a safe space), another location, or online (live). If you attend online classes for an extended period, Goodog offers puppy-to-puppy playgroup sessions when the health order eases at no extra charge. All Goodog classes are in the southern zone of the Northern Beaches.
  • Update 20th December, 2020: While this update involves Greater Sydney we anticipate the 4sqm rule will return to the Northern Beaches when the current Northern Beaches order eases. Therefore, the Goodog policy has returned to the 4sqm rule when classes return in future.
  • Update 19th December, 2020: The health order update for the Northern Beaches does not allow any classes until at least 23rd December 11:59pm. This does not affect Goodog at this time considering there are no classes scheduled until 9th January 2021.
  • Update 17th December, 2020: A public health alert has been announced for the Northern Beaches. Residents of the Northern Beaches are to remain at home until 11:59pm on Sunday 20th December. Therefore the Puppy Preschool in Balgowlah on Saturday 19th December will move online (live class). If you are enrolled in this class, Goodog sent an email update today (17th Dec, 7:40pm) about the changes. Or, email us for more info renee@goodog.com.au.
  • Update 7th December, 2020: Changes to the N.S.W. government guidelines were announced on Monday 7th December 2020 as restrictions have eased. The Goodog plan has therefore updated to reflect the new 2sqm rule.

Jump to:
2021 health order
2020 health order

How were classes affected by the health order from June to December 2021?

  • Classes were affected to different degrees over this time pending changes to the heath order. Essentially class moved to the At-Home LIVE online format and then returned in-person with either reduced numbers or outdoors classes. Those who attended online classes came back for extra in-person socialisation once the health order eased.
  • Vaccination: once in-person classes returned and vaccine requirements and applications were available only those who were fully-vaccinated could attend classes. Once the vaccine requirement eased, Goodog and our venues kept this rule.
  • Distancing: Changed over time and the people per pup rule stayed at 2 for in-person classes and unlimited for At-Home LIVE classes.
  • Masks: a requirement at times and Goodog asked clients to continue wearing them when not a requirement for client and staff safety.
  • Health order changes: Some classes moved outdoors (to a safe space), another location, or online (live). If anyone attended extended online classes, Goodog offered additional in-person socialisation once the health order eased, and at no extra cost.
    • Start times: At-Home LIVE and some in-person outdoors classes moved start times as people were available from home, or we needed to capture the daylight for outdoors classes (there are no lights outside the halls).
  • QR code: The trainer displayed the Goodog Service NSW app code in each class.
  • Updates: If there were any changes to classes, Renée emailed clients.

How were classes affected by the Northern Beaches health order in Dec 2020 and Jan 2021?

  • No classes were affected and all Goodog classes continued in-person. NB: classes were not scheduled during the initial ‘essential movement only’ lockdown. However, were scheduled during the 4sqm restrictions in public places and went ahead.
  • Distancing: Due to the return of the 4sqm indoor distancing order during January, the people per pup rule stayed at 2 with no extra guests accepted.
  • Masks: It was not a requirement, however Goodog asked clients to wear masks during class to protect themselves, our trainers and other clients.
  • Health order changes: If further restrictions were announced some classes could have moved outdoors (to a safe space), another location, or online (live). If anyone attended extended online classes, Goodog offered additional in-person socialisation once the health order eased, and at no extra cost. Luckily, classes remained in-person, indoors with no changes in January 2021.
    • Start times: if changes were needed some evening outdoor classes might be earlier to capture the light before sundown (there are no lights outside the halls). Also, the start time and day for online classes might have changed.
  • Zones: All Goodog classes are in the southern zone of the Northern Beaches.
  • QR code: The trainer displayed the Goodog Service NSW app code in each class.
  • Updates: If there were any changes to classes, Renée emailed clients.

If you have any questions about NSW Health Order requirements, email us renee@goodog.com.au.