Assessing Kennel Dog Welfare

Introduction For many dogs, time in a kennel often means a brief stay in a veterinary hospital or boarding facility. In breeding kennels and animal shelters, as well as sites where dogs are used for research, time is measured in weeks, even years. Upon entering a kennel environment, dogs may be confronted with stressful situations, such as new environmental events, sounds, or smells, separation from familiar kennel mates or caretakers, as well as confinement in a run or cage. As a result, some dogs may experience fear, boredom, frustration or social isolation, which may result in poor welfare. On the other hand, it is important to know when dogs are doing well so that positive states can be maintained and promoted. Knowledgeable caretakers can impact the health and well-being of dogs by identifying and attending to signs of poor as well as positive welfare states. Regardless of the causes of a dog’s state of being, it is important for those who work with dogs to be aware of key indicators of both positive and negative well-being.