With long weekends coming up, many of our beloved pets will be heading off to boarding kennels or catteries while their humans take a short break.
For some pets, this is no big deal at all. They trot in confidently, recognise familiar staff, enjoy the company of other animals, and settle quickly into the boarding routine.
For other pets, however, staying in kennels or a cattery - especially for the first time - can be deeply unsettling.
Why Kennels and Catteries Can Be Stressful for Pets
Imagine suddenly being removed from your home and placed into a completely unfamiliar environment. New smells, new sounds, different people, other animals, altered feeding times, and a totally new routine. For many dogs and cats, this can feel overwhelming and even frightening.
Common signs of stress in boarding environments can include:
Anxiety or clinginess
Trembling or pacing
Vocalising
Withdrawal or low mood
Digestive upset
Restlessness or poor sleep
This is where homeopathy for pets can be a gentle yet powerful support.
How Homeopathy Can Help Pets Adjust to Boarding
The correct homeopathic remedy can help your pet adjust more easily to time away from home by supporting their emotional resilience and nervous system. Rather than suppressing symptoms, homeopathy works to help your pet adapt and cope more comfortably with change.
Below are some of my most commonly used homeopathic remedies for pets staying in kennels or catteries.
Top Homeopathic Remedies for Pets Away From Home
Ignatia
Ignatia is often the first remedy I consider when a pet struggles emotionally with separation. These pets are typically very sensitive and deeply affected by change. They may appear sad, withdrawn, or overwhelmed, and often prefer to be left alone. Trembling or becoming worse from emotional stress are common indicators.
Best suited for:
Pets grieving separation, highly emotional pets, sudden emotional shock.
Pulsatilla
These are the classic “velcro” pets — always by your side, following you from room to room. They are gentle, affectionate, and thrive on reassurance. In unfamiliar environments, they may seek comfort from staff and other animals and can become unsettled when alone.
Best suited for:
Clingy, affectionate pets who need reassurance and struggle with independence.
Arsenicum album
Arsenicum pets dislike change — especially changes to routine. They often have a strong fear of being alone and may appear restless, anxious, or demanding. Pacing, constant checking of surroundings, and needing human presence are common behaviours.
Best suited for:
Anxious pets, routine-dependent pets, those distressed by being alone.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus pets are usually outgoing, affectionate, and love attention. However, they are also very sensitive and easily overstimulated. The noise, movement, and activity of kennels or catteries can quickly overwhelm them, causing fear or withdrawal.
Best suited for:
Highly sensitive pets, easily startled pets, those affected by noise and activity.
When Anxiety or Stress Is Recurring
While acute homeopathic remedies can be incredibly helpful during short stays away from home, ongoing or recurring anxiety is a sign that your pet may need deeper constitutional support.
If your pet:
Struggles every time they go into kennels or a cattery
Develops anxiety, digestive issues, or behavioural changes that keep returning
Needs the same remedy repeatedly with diminishing results
then it’s often an indication that a more in-depth homeopathic approach is needed.
A personalised consultation allows us to look beyond the immediate situation and support your pet’s overall emotional and physical balance.
👉 If this sounds like your pet, I invite you to get in touch to discuss a homeopathic consultation.
A Gentle Reminder
Homeopathic support does not replace veterinary care. If your pet is distressed, unwell, or in pain, please seek advice from your veterinarian.
