Companion Animals

Companion Animal Boarding and Kennel Stress

Boarding kennels and catteries cause significant stress in many companion animals, with behavioral and physiological changes that owners often underestimate.

Key Facts

Up to 40% of dogs show behavioral changes following kenneling including increased anxiety and aggression
Cortisol levels in kenneled dogs can remain elevated for days after return home
Cats typically experience more boarding stress than dogs due to territorial sensitivity
Familiar scent items from home significantly reduce stress markers in kenneled animals

Welfare Considerations

Boarding stress is frequently dismissed as a minor inconvenience, but for some animals it causes genuine welfare deterioration. Animals that appear withdrawn or reluctant to eat in kennels are expressing distress, not simply adjusting. Understanding this helps owners make informed choices and helps boarding facilities improve welfare practices.

What You Can Do

Provide familiar bedding and items with home scents when boarding your pet
Choose boarding facilities with individual housing for cats and small quiet areas for anxious dogs
Consider hiring a trusted pet sitter who can maintain home routines instead of boarding
Visit boarding facilities before booking to assess enrichment and stress management practices
Reduce boarding frequency where possible and use extended family networks for pet care