Boarding kennels and catteries vary enormously in quality, and choosing appropriate facilities and preparing pets well for boarding significantly affects their welfare during owner absence.
Boarding welfare depends heavily on facility quality, individual animal personality, and preparation. For cats, boarding in the owner's home with a trusted sitter may be preferable to even a high-quality cattery, as environmental familiarity is crucial for feline stress reduction. Dogs vary in their social tolerance and some are poorly suited to group daycare environments. Site visits before booking and careful attention to kennel design, social environment, and staff-to-animal ratios help identify higher welfare facilities.