The Harsh Reality of Boarding That No Pet Parent Wants to Face
Tanisha Kumari | Sep 01, 2025, 14:44 IST
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Leaving a pet in boarding can be hard for pet parents. Dogs often face stress and kennel anxiety in unfamiliar places. In India, many pet boarding centres lack proper care leading to scared, unhappy pets. Here we explain the real problems of pet boarding like separation anxiety and unsafe kennel conditions. It helps pet parents understand how to choose safe boarding options and reduce their dog's stress. Knowing this helps protect pets and keeps them happy even when parents are away.
The truth about boarding your pet can be very difficult for any pet parent. Many do not know what happens after they leave their furry friend at the boarding kennel. Even though pet boarding in India is growing fast, the truth is that not every pet feels safe there. Dogs may look okay at first, but inside they often experience something called dog boarding stress. Their world has changed in a big way.
Pets feel alone and scared when they see new faces instead of their family. Some kennels look clean and friendly, but they can be loud and very busy. A dog that is used to love and hugs at home may not adjust well in a strange place. You know that kennel anxiety is a real thing, right? It can cause dogs to behave out of character. Some pets will refuse to eat, will bark or cry and or get sick.
Sometimes there are too many pets, which increases the difficulty. Employees do their best, but they cannot devote the same amount of time for every dog. This lack of love and care causes more worry for the animal. Owners might not notice these changes at first when pets return because they seem normal outside but are sad inside.
Why Pets Feel Stressed in Boarding

In a boarding center, pets do not have the same routine. There is no soft bed from home, and the smells are strange. Other dogs bark a lot, which creates more stress for any animal. The food may be different and pets may refuse to eat because of anxiety. This stress makes recovery harder when the owner comes back to take them home.
Some pets are strong and adjust quickly, but most are not that lucky. Dog boarding stress comes from small changes that build up over time. In India, many boarding kennels offer basic services, but not every staff member is trained to handle fearful animals. This is why some dogs act nervous weeks after their time at the kennel.
Finding good pet boarding in India is not just about looking at reviews online. Many places promise comfort and safety but may not deliver. Sometimes pets are locked away for hours without much contact. Kennel anxiety can happen if dogs are left alone or handled roughly by strangers. It is hard for owners to know what really happens inside until they see change in their dog's behavior.
Pet parents must visit kennels before leaving their pets. They should look for clean spaces and kind staff. They should ask how animals are cared for and if someone is always nearby. A safe place will reduce stress and make the pet feel loved even when away from home.
Simple Ways to Help Your Pet Before Boarding

Preparing for boarding is crucial as owners must pack a favorite toy or blanket, something that they are used to, so that their pet feels secure. Pre-exposure helps if the dog is already familiar with the staff or has done a trial stay at the kennel. Short visits before the actual trip can reduce kennel anxiety. Always communicate with the staff about the pets eating habits any fears and the requirements.
For a compassionate pet parent, it is almost impossible to leave their beloved furry friend with anyone else. But with planning, stress can be less. Understanding your pet’s feelings will help you choose a better place for their boarding. Always welcome them with love when they return home.
The Real Impact of Boarding on Pets

Pet boarding is not easy for most animals. Dog boarding stress and kennel anxiety can change your pet’s mind and heart. Some pets feel lonely and lose trust in people. It is important for pet parents in India to know these facts before deciding. A loving home is always better than any kennel. If boarding is needed, choose the safest and kindest place you can.
Every pet deserves comfort and care. When owners learn about dog boarding stress and kennel anxiety, they make better choices for their furry friends. Pet boarding in India is becoming more common, but the pet’s happiness matters most. Every action should help pets feel safe and loved, both in the kennel and at home.
In India, pet boarding comes with many challenges. Dogs can feel lonely and scared if not given proper care. Kennel anxiety and dog boarding stress are real issues that must not be ignored. Pet parents should always check where their pets are left and make sure it is a loving place. Every dog needs a safe and happy home, even when the parent is away.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pets feel alone and scared when they see new faces instead of their family. Some kennels look clean and friendly, but they can be loud and very busy. A dog that is used to love and hugs at home may not adjust well in a strange place. You know that kennel anxiety is a real thing, right? It can cause dogs to behave out of character. Some pets will refuse to eat, will bark or cry and or get sick.
Sometimes there are too many pets, which increases the difficulty. Employees do their best, but they cannot devote the same amount of time for every dog. This lack of love and care causes more worry for the animal. Owners might not notice these changes at first when pets return because they seem normal outside but are sad inside.
Why Pets Feel Stressed in Boarding
Unfamiliar places
( Image credit : Unsplash )
In a boarding center, pets do not have the same routine. There is no soft bed from home, and the smells are strange. Other dogs bark a lot, which creates more stress for any animal. The food may be different and pets may refuse to eat because of anxiety. This stress makes recovery harder when the owner comes back to take them home.
Some pets are strong and adjust quickly, but most are not that lucky. Dog boarding stress comes from small changes that build up over time. In India, many boarding kennels offer basic services, but not every staff member is trained to handle fearful animals. This is why some dogs act nervous weeks after their time at the kennel.
The Challenge of Finding Safe Boarding in India
Pet parents must visit kennels before leaving their pets. They should look for clean spaces and kind staff. They should ask how animals are cared for and if someone is always nearby. A safe place will reduce stress and make the pet feel loved even when away from home.
Simple Ways to Help Your Pet Before Boarding
comfort and safety
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Preparing for boarding is crucial as owners must pack a favorite toy or blanket, something that they are used to, so that their pet feels secure. Pre-exposure helps if the dog is already familiar with the staff or has done a trial stay at the kennel. Short visits before the actual trip can reduce kennel anxiety. Always communicate with the staff about the pets eating habits any fears and the requirements.
For a compassionate pet parent, it is almost impossible to leave their beloved furry friend with anyone else. But with planning, stress can be less. Understanding your pet’s feelings will help you choose a better place for their boarding. Always welcome them with love when they return home.
The Real Impact of Boarding on Pets
Impact of pet boarding
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Pet boarding is not easy for most animals. Dog boarding stress and kennel anxiety can change your pet’s mind and heart. Some pets feel lonely and lose trust in people. It is important for pet parents in India to know these facts before deciding. A loving home is always better than any kennel. If boarding is needed, choose the safest and kindest place you can.
Every pet deserves comfort and care. When owners learn about dog boarding stress and kennel anxiety, they make better choices for their furry friends. Pet boarding in India is becoming more common, but the pet’s happiness matters most. Every action should help pets feel safe and loved, both in the kennel and at home.
In India, pet boarding comes with many challenges. Dogs can feel lonely and scared if not given proper care. Kennel anxiety and dog boarding stress are real issues that must not be ignored. Pet parents should always check where their pets are left and make sure it is a loving place. Every dog needs a safe and happy home, even when the parent is away.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are pet boarding centers in India safe?
Although certain pet boarding centers are well secured in India, most centers do not provide right care and are not staffed by trained individuals. - What to look for in a quality pet boarding establishment?
The kennel you choose should be clean, the staff is trained, the dogs have safe spaces, walked every day and that they have specific rules in place regarding vaccinations and health conditions. - Is dog boarding stress common for all pets?
The amount of stress is different for every dog. But while some dogs adjust quickly, others exhibit severe anxiety.
Pet Picnic Spots in Indian Cities You’ve Never Heard About
By Tanisha Kumari
Rickshaw, Metro or Cab: Which Ride Do Pets Prefer?
By Tanisha Kumari
The Harsh Reality of Boarding That No Pet Parent Wants to Face
By Tanisha Kumari
Backpack Pets Are the New Fashion Statement
By Tanisha Kumari
Pet cafés & their rising popularity across India & abroad
By Tanisha Kumari
Gear Up: Top 4 Essentials for Outdoor Dog Safety
By Tanisha Kumari
Vrindavan’s Eternal Harmony, Krishna’s Friendship with Animals and Birds
By Hindveer