Why We Require a Kennel Trial Assessment
At Beacon Barkers, your dog’s comfort and safety are our top priority. To ensure every guest has a positive experience, we ask all new customers and any dogs who haven’t stayed with us for 18 months or more to book a Kennel Trial Assessment before a full boarding stay.
What is a Kennel Trial Assessment?
- Get to know your dog and understand their personality.
- Assess how they cope in the kennel environment and during exercise in our paddock.
- Monitor for signs of stress or anxiety, such as excessive barking or pacing or panting & drooling
- Check food and water intake to ensure they are eating and drinking normally.
- Evaluate handling safety, making sure our team can safely interact with your dog without causing fear or risking injury.
Trial Length
If your stay is less than 7 days:
- Expect a one-day trial (Drop-off: 9:00 – 9:15 AM, Pick-up: 4:00 – 4:30 PM)
If your stay is more than 7 days: - Expect an overnight trial (Drop-off: 9:00 – 9:15 AM, Pick-up: Next day between 4:00 – 4:30 PM)
Why is this important?
- Identify any concerns early.
- Give honest feedback about how your dog coped.
- Help you make the best decision for your dog’s wellbeing.
Our Promise
At the end of the trial, we will share our observations openly. This ensures you have all the information needed to decide whether boarding with us is the right choice for your dog. We will provide you with a written update outlining how your pet got on during the stay.



