Where and how dogs are housed significantly affects their welfare; understanding the requirements for appropriate dog housing enables welfare-conscious decisions for pet owners and kennel operators.
Dog housing welfare encompasses both the physical environment — space, temperature, bedding, protection from weather — and the social and cognitive environment that allows dogs to rest, interact, and feel secure. Commercial kennel welfare has improved substantially through welfare design guidance, but the majority of companion dogs live in domestic homes where welfare is determined by owner practices. Key domestic dog housing welfare factors include safe sleeping space, temperature regulation, and restriction of alone time to appropriate levels.