Boarding kennels and catteries care for pets during owner absences. Standards vary enormously and the choice of boarding facility significantly affects animal welfare.
Boarding welfare is a hidden but significant welfare issue affecting millions of animals annually. Kennels and catteries range from excellent, enriched facilities with dedicated staff to overcrowded, understimulating environments where animals experience chronic stress. Cats in particular suffer in standard cattery accommodation due to their territorial nature and sensitivity to change. Dogs with separation anxiety may have severely compromised welfare in kennels regardless of facility quality. The welfare-conscious owner researches boarding facilities thoroughly, visits before booking, and considers alternatives — trusted house-sitters, familiar friend and family care, or home boarding — for animals likely to find institutional boarding particularly stressful.