Kennelosis - the behavioral deterioration of dogs from shelter stress - is preventable with evidence-based enrichment programs.
Kennelosis represents a cascade of welfare failures where the shelter environment intended to protect dogs inadvertently harms them through chronic stress. The paradox - that shelters cause welfare harm while trying to prevent it - reflects genuine constraints of limited resources and imperfect alternatives. Evidence-based interventions including daily training, playgroups, foster networks, and enrichment programs can substantially reduce kennelosis without requiring major facility investment. The welfare case for these programs is reinforced by adoption success outcomes: less stressed dogs are more adoptable.