Welcome to Barkers Park
Family-run, dog-loving, and proud of it
Barkers Park is a family-run dog boarding facility located north of Christchurch, near Kaiapoi Lakes, just off State Highway 1. Founded by Petra Sims and built on a genuine love of dogs, Barkers Park has grown into one of the most trusted boarding kennels in the Canterbury region.
What began as a passion project has become a purpose-built home-away-from-home for dogs of all breeds and sizes. We deliberately keep our numbers small so that every dog receives personal attention, proper care, and plenty of love — never lost in a crowd.
We understand that leaving your dog behind can be stressful. Our goal is simple: to make sure both you and your dog feel completely at ease. Every dog that stays with us is treated as a much-loved family member.
Barkers Park is run by Petra Sims and her two adult children, JJ and Francheska, alongside their much-loved Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Together they bring warmth, experience, and an unshakeable commitment to the wellbeing of every dog in their care.
The Sims Family — Owners & Proud Operators
Barkers Park is a family business through and through. The Sims family purchased the kennels together, born from a shared and lifelong love of dogs. Today, Petra heads up day-to-day operations, with her two adult children working alongside her to keep that same family spirit at the heart of everything they do. Petra personally reviews every boarding enquiry to make sure each dog is the right fit — because great care starts before a dog even arrives. And that belief — that every dog deserves to feel safe, happy and at home — is what the Sims family has built Barkers Park on.
Our Facilities - Their Home Away from Home
❋ Individual heated units
Each dog has their own private, climate-controlled space. No sharing unless two dogs from the same family choose to bunk together!
❋ Large Communal Yards
Spacious outdoor exercise areas where dogs can run, play, and enjoy fresh air several times throughout the day.
❋ Ready for All Weather
We have plenty of dog coats for those chilly Canterbury days — your dog still gets their outdoor time whatever the weather!
❋ Inspections are welcome!
Come and see for yourself during our check-in hours (9–11am or 4–6pm, any day). We love showing off our home.
❋ A Convenient Location
Just off State Highway 1 near Kaiapoi Lakes — easy to find and easy to get to from across greater Christchurch.
A Day at Barkers Park
As four-legged guests arrives, we take time to settle them in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around them.
8:00 am
Rise and shine!
First let-out of the day — everyone gets a chance to stretch their legs and have a toilet break while breakfasts are prepared
8:30 – 9:00 am
Breakfast time
Fed in their own units with any medications given. Followed by 30 minutes of quiet rest time to let breakfast settle.
By 9:30 am
Play time!
Out to the yards for play while rooms are cleaned and beds are freshened up. Socialisation for those who enjoy it!
12:00 pm
Treat & rest
A mid-day treat then time to relax. Every dog deserves a good afternoon nap!
4:00 pm
Afternoon stretch
Out for a pee and a stretch before dinner is served
4:30 – 5:00 pm
Dinner
Evening meal followed by half an hour of rest, then back outside for more fun with friends.
7:00 pm
Evening treat & bed
By this time everyone is happily tired and ready to be tucked up in bed for the night!
NOTE: Schedule may vary with the weather — but we do have plenty of coats for the dogs! We aim to get every dog out and socialised as much as possible.