Boarding facilities provide temporary care for dogs and cats during owner absence. Welfare in these settings depends on facility design, social management, enrichment, and staff training.
Boarding represents a significant welfare challenge for companion animals. Dogs experience separation anxiety, social disruption, and environmental novelty simultaneously. Group play can benefit sociable dogs but may increase aggression risk and disease transmission. Cats, as territorial animals, typically do better in individual suites with visual separation from other cats and access to hiding spaces. Best-practice boarding facilities conduct temperament assessments before placement, vaccinate against kennel cough and cat flu, maintain enrichment protocols, and train staff in recognising fear, pain, and illness. Home-based pet sitting or trusted friends are often better welfare outcomes for highly anxious animals.