.png)
What are Boarding Kennels?
In simple terms
Boarding kennels provide short-term accommodation and care for dogs when their guardians are away, offering a safe, supervised environment with routine feeding, exercise, and monitoring.
Kennels are purpose-built for dogs and may include individual indoor spaces, outdoor runs, and designated exercise areas. Care focuses on safety, routine, hygiene, and welfare.
Boarding kennels are a care and accommodation service, not a medical or behavioural intervention.
How it’s used with animals
Boarding kennels are typically designed to:
provide safe, secure accommodation for dogs
maintain feeding, exercise, and care routines
offer supervision and basic wellbeing checks
support dogs with regular movement and outdoor time
monitor for changes in appetite, behaviour, or health
Stays may range from overnight to longer periods. Many kennels require dogs to be vaccinated and healthy prior to boarding and may request familiar items to help dogs settle.
What animals it’s appropriate for
Boarding kennels are appropriate for:
Dogs — of all ages, provided they are healthy enough to board
Suitability depends on the individual dog’s temperament, health, training, and tolerance for being away from home. Some dogs adapt easily to kennel environments, while others may find them stressful.
What animals it’s not appropriate for
Boarding kennels may not be appropriate for:
cats or other non-canine animals
dogs with infectious illness
dogs requiring intensive medical or nursing care
dogs who experience severe distress when kenneled
dogs with aggression issues that cannot be safely managed
In these cases, alternatives such as in-home pet sitting, home boarding, or veterinary boarding may be more appropriate.
What people often seek it for
People use boarding kennels for reasons including:
holidays or travel
work commitments
temporary housing changes
short-term care needs
peace of mind knowing their dog is supervised
For many guardians, a well-run kennel offers reassurance that their dog is safe and cared for during their absence.
What it’s not
Boarding kennels are not:
a substitute for veterinary treatment
a training or behaviour modification service
home-based care or pet sitting
suitable for all dogs
Boarding should never compromise a dog’s physical safety or emotional wellbeing.
Things to consider
When choosing boarding kennels, it’s helpful to:
visit the facility in advance if possible
ask about staff experience, ratios, and daily routines
check cleanliness, ventilation, and noise levels
understand exercise, enrichment, and rest provision
confirm vaccination, health, and emergency procedures
In the UK, boarding kennels are licensed by local authorities and must meet specific welfare standards.
How to explore this safely
When choosing boarding kennels, it’s helpful to:
visit the facility in advance if possible
ask about staff experience, ratios, and daily routines
check cleanliness, ventilation, and noise levels
understand exercise, enrichment, and rest provision
confirm vaccination, health, and emergency procedures
In the UK, boarding kennels are licensed by local authorities and must meet specific welfare standards.
Boarding kennels may be listed in our directory. Providers are responsible for clearly describing their facilities, licensing status, and care approach.
Important notice
Alternative Pet Health Scotland does not verify or accredit individual qualifications and holds no responsibility for the experience or capability of any person or business listed in this directory.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always make choices appropriate to your animal and circumstances.