Companion Animal Boarding Welfare: Stress and Acclimatisation

Boarding kennels and catteries can cause significant stress in companion animals away from familiar territory, with evidence-based management strategies helping to minimise this welfare impact.

Key Facts

Cortisol (stress hormone) levels in dogs rise significantly in the first 2-3 days of kennel boarding, gradually declining in longer stays
Cats show higher stress responses to kennels than dogs in most studies, due to stronger territorial attachment
Familiar smells (owner's worn clothing, familiar bedding) measurably reduce stress in boarded animals
Positive kennel exposure in puppies/kittens reduces stress response to later boarding
Individual housing for cats is strongly preferred - group housing dramatically increases stress and disease transmission

Welfare Considerations

Boarding stress is real and significant, but not inevitable. The biggest determinants of boarding welfare are the animal's prior positive experiences with temporary housing, familiar scent provision, kennel staff behaviour and housing design. Low-stress handling techniques, individual housing for cats, enrichment provision and regular human contact significantly reduce cortisol levels compared to standard kennel management. For animals with severe boarding anxiety, alternatives including pet sitters, home boarding or boarding with familiar dogs may be preferable. Pre-boarding familiarisation visits significantly improve welfare during subsequent stays.

What You Can Do

Choose kennels with individual cat accommodation and documented low-stress handling practices
Bring familiar bedding and toys to reduce stress through familiar scent
Arrange pre-boarding familiarisation visits for anxious animals
Ask about daily enrichment provision and human interaction time before booking