Dogs are among the most common companion animals in urban settings, yet their welfare is often compromised due to inadequate housing conditions. In the Kampala Metropolitan Area, the increasing human population and rapid urbanization have led to a rise in pet ownership, particularly of dogs, but with limited attention to proper sheltering and welfare standards. Studies indicate that over 60% of urban dog owners in Uganda provide substandard housing, exposing the animals to extreme weather conditions, disease risks, and increased vulnerability to abuse or neglect. One of the critical challenges in dog welfare is the lack of proper shelter, which affects both the animals and public health. Poorly housed dogs are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, parasitic infestations, and infectious diseases, some of which pose zoonotic threats to the surrounding human population. Reports suggest that over 40% of canine diseases in Uganda are linked to unhygienic and overcrowded living conditions. Additionally, stray and poorly sheltered dogs contribute to the rising cases of dog bites and rabies transmission, with Uganda ranking among the high-burden rabies-endemic countries in Africa.

Despite the existence of animal welfare regulations, compliance and enforcement remain weak due to inadequate awareness among dog owners and limited implementation by authorities. Many pet owners lack knowledge of proper housing structures and the associated legal requirements. This knowledge gap, coupled with socio-economic challenges, has hindered the adoption of humane dog sheltering practices. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including education, policy reinforcement, and community engagement

This project aims to evaluate the different housing conditions of dogs in the Kampala Metropolitan Area and assess the level of awareness and adherence to existing animal welfare and sheltering guidelines among dog owners. This will help us identify welfare challenges associated with inadequate dog sheltering. The study will employ a cross-sectional descriptive research design to evaluate dog housing conditions in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The design is appropriate for assessing the current state of dog sheltering, identifying associated challenges, and examining levels of awareness and adherence to animal welfare guidelines among dog owners. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be integrated to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue.