Boarding kennels vary enormously in their ability to provide for the welfare of dogs in their care, and choosing appropriate facilities is critical.
Boarding kennels range from facilities that approximate a home environment to those where dogs experience significant stress throughout their stay. Anxious dogs in kennels may stop eating, develop diarrhea from stress, and vocalize continuously. High-quality facilities recognize that each dog has individual needs and adapt care accordingly. The barking of other dogs in kennel environments creates a stressful acoustic environment that is difficult to fully mitigate. Dogs with separation anxiety or significant anxiety disorders may suffer profoundly in any kennel setting, making in-home care a welfare necessity. Evaluating kennel quality before booking is an important preventive welfare measure.