Companion Animal Boarding Welfare

Boarding kennels and catteries vary widely in the quality of care they provide. Understanding what constitutes good boarding welfare helps owners make informed choices for their companion animals.

Key Facts

An estimated 4-6 million dogs are boarded annually in the UK during holiday periods
Kennels in England require licensing under the Animal Activity Licensing scheme from 2019
Dogs in kennels typically spend 20-23 hours per day in their kennel runs without enrichment in basic facilities
Separation from familiar people and environments causes elevated cortisol in most boarded dogs
Higher-welfare boarding facilities provide play sessions, human interaction, and enrichment as standard
Home boarding with a trained host provides a more familiar environment for many dogs and reduces stress

Welfare Considerations

Boarding welfare depends critically on the quality of the facility chosen and the individual animal disposition. Dogs that are poorly socialised, have separation anxiety, or have never been boarded may experience significant distress in kennel environments regardless of facility quality. High-quality boarding facilities provide sufficient exercise, human interaction, and environmental stimulation to maintain reasonable welfare during the owner absence period. The minimum standards required by licensing in many jurisdictions are inadequate for genuinely good welfare, meaning owners must research facilities beyond legal compliance to identify those providing appropriate care.

What You Can Do

Research boarding facilities thoroughly including unannounced visits before booking
Ask kennels about daily exercise duration, enrichment activities, and human interaction provided
Consider home boarding with accredited hosts as an alternative for anxious or poorly socialised dogs
Prepare your animal for boarding by visiting the facility before the stay
Support campaigns for higher minimum standards in pet boarding licensing requirements