Companion Animal Boarding and Kennel Welfare

Boarding kennels and catteries vary enormously in quality, and owners should know what to look for to ensure their pets experience good welfare during their absence.

Key Facts

Boarding stress is real and measurable — dogs show elevated cortisol during kenneling
Individual accommodation versus communal boarding suits different animals differently
Regular exercise, social interaction, and familiar objects from home improve boarding welfare
Vaccination requirements protect boarded animals from disease exposure
In-home pet sitting eliminates the stress of an unfamiliar environment entirely

Welfare Considerations

Kennel welfare varies from excellent to deeply inadequate, and owners often have limited ability to assess quality before booking. Key welfare indicators include genuine daily exercise and social interaction rather than just a walk to the toilet, individual or compatible small-group housing, staff who know individual animal needs, and systems for handling illness or behavioral changes. Pets that return from boarding underweight, anxious, or with new behavioral problems indicate inadequate care.

What You Can Do

Visit boarding facilities before booking to assess exercise, cleanliness, and staff engagement
Provide boarding facilities with detailed behavioral information about your pet
Consider in-home pet sitting as a lower-stress alternative to kenneling
Book early with high-quality facilities to avoid compromising on welfare under time pressure