🐶 Book Your Dog’s Trial Night at The Dogchester
Use the calendar below to select a date for your dog’s Trial Night. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation and next steps by email.
🐾 Provisional Booking Request
If you’d like to reserve future dates while waiting for your trial night, please submit a booking request below. This does not guarantee availability.
🐾 Frequently Asked Questions about Trial Nights
🌟 What is a Trial Night? ▼
A Trial Night is a relaxed overnight stay designed to help us understand your dog’s needs, habits, and comfort levels while giving your dog a taste of our luxury experience.
❓ Why does my dog need to do a Trial Night? ▼
Trial Nights help ensure we’re the right fit for your dog. It’s not about assessing your dog, but about making sure our calm, enrichment-based environment suits their individual needs.
🐶 What will happen on my dog’s Trial Night? ▼
Upon arrival, you and your dog will spend 15-30 minutes with Nanci Creedon MSc, our Clinical Animal Behaviourist. Your dog will then enjoy a full overnight experience including enrichment, comfort, and one-on-one care. We’ll observe their comfort, toileting, eating, handling, and sleep habits.
🚫 What if my dog does not pass the Trial? ▼
If your dog is not suited to our hotel, we’ll let you know gently and honestly. This is not a judgment of your dog, but rather a reflection of whether we can safely meet their needs given our boutique setup.
✅ What happens if my dog passes? ▼
Your dog will be welcomed as a member of The Dogchester! You’ll receive access to our Member Portal, where you can book future stays. Members must stay for at least 14 nights or 4 short visits per year to remain active.
📋 What types of dogs are best suited to The Dogchester? ▼
We welcome dogs who are comfortable indoors, non-destructive, and enjoy calm environments. Dogs should be happy to take oral meds (if needed), tolerant of being handled, and settled around other dogs (even if not social).
❌ What types of dogs are not suitable? ▼
Unfortunately, we cannot accept dogs who are aggressive toward humans, require injections, have had recent seizures, or must be physically restrained to take essential medication. Dogs with extreme separation distress or high destructiveness are also unsuitable.
🎒 What should I bring for the Trial Night? ▼
Please bring your dog’s usual food, any medications, and a comforting item like a toy or blanket from home. We’ll provide beds, calming music, enrichment, and plenty of loving care.
📧 When will I hear back after the trial? ▼
You’ll receive an update the next day with feedback and, if applicable, your dog’s membership invitation. We always take the time to ensure each dog’s comfort is carefully reviewed.