The Downside of Kennels That You May Not Be Aware Of
- Lifestyle
- May 6
- 2 min read
Not sure about whether to place your dog in kennels or opt for a Pet Sitter?
You’ve come to right place as we begin to shred some light on some potential downside of kennels and what you keep in mind - however, it’s not all doom and gloom. Let’s dive in to explore this!
Stress & Anxiety
Many pets, especially dogs and cats, experience separation anxiety and high stress in a kennel environment.
Loud barking, unfamiliar smells, and a new routine can overwhelm sensitive animals.
Cats, in particular, often do poorly in unfamiliar spaces and may hide or stop eating.
Lack of Personal Attention
Kennel staff are usually caring — but they have to care for dozens of animals at once.
Your pet may not get individual attention, enrichment, or exercise tailored to their needs.
Some kennels charge extra for things like playtime, one-on-one walks, or cuddle sessions.
Exposure to Illness
Shared spaces mean exposure to common illnesses like:
Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis)
Parvovirus
Fleas or other parasites
Even well-run kennels can’t completely prevent the spread of illness.
Risk of Injury
If dogs are grouped together for playtime, fights can break out — especially if staff are inexperienced or overworked.
Pets may injure themselves trying to escape, from stress chewing, or from interacting with other animals.
Disrupted Routine
Pets thrive on routine. In kennels, feeding, walks, and sleep schedules often follow a one-size-fits-all model.
Your pet may miss their usual meals, toys, beds, and people, which can lead to behavioral regressions or digestive issues.
Hidden Costs
Many kennels charge à la carte for extras:
Walks
Play sessions
Medication administration
Special diets
The daily rate may seem reasonable, but the total cost can add up fast.
Not Ideal for Certain Pets
Senior pets, puppies, anxious dogs, or pets with medical conditions often don’t do well in kennels.
Some may refuse to eat, regress in training, or experience health setbacks.
However, this is how kennels might work:
If your pet is extremely social and used to being around other animals
You're going to be gone for an extended period and want 24/7 professional oversight
The kennel has great reviews, enrichment programs, and individualized care plans
Here are the benefits for the alternative, pet sitting:
Lower stress for the animal
Custom routines, one-on-one attention
Less exposure to illness
Daily updates and communication from the sitter
Great for pets with anxiety or special needs
