Survey Reveals Majority Of Pet Owners Consider Kennel Boarding A “Necessary Evil”
An estimated two-thirds of American households (71 million) own one or more companion animals, and 82% consider “in home companion animal sitting at the companion animal’s residence (to be) the most convenient, healthful, and nurturing method of companion animal care,” among the given options. However, many respondents consider boarding a “necessary evil” despite 33% of companion animal companion animals saying they have had a bad experience with kennel boarding.
Survey respondents including a majority of companion animals of one or more dogs (56%), companion animals of one or more cats (32%), and companion animals of one or more other animals (12%).
Major findings:
- 50% said their biggest concern about kennel boarding was that it put their companion animal’s emotional health at risk, while 20% said their biggest concern was risk of transmittable airborne disease.
- 25% felt that kennel boarding induces guilt and anxiousness, knowing that their companion animal is in a kennel.
- The best options for companion animal sitting in the companion animal’s absence were:
- In-home companion animal sitting at companion animal’s home (82%)
- In-home companion animal sitting at the sitter’s residence (13%)
- Group day care (5%)
- Kennel boarding (0.3%)
- 33% of companion animal companion animals have had a bad experience with kennel boarding, with 12% having multiple bad experiences.
- 28% of respondents have had a neighbor take care of their companion animal but “prefer not to”, with 1% “deeply regretting it.” 20% said they will “never” have a neighbor take care of their companion animal.
- Respondents felt that the greatest benefits of in-home companion animal care include:
- Companion animal maintains daily routine in comfortable and familiar surroundings (75%)
- Companion animal receives regular affection, attention, and nurturing (15%)
- Companion animal not exposed to germs, viruses, and diseases common to group care (3%)
- Companion animal receives regular exercise (2%)
- Personalized care, medical needs, and otherwise (2%)
- Convenience (2%)