| Cover | May 11, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | KINDRED BIOSCIENCES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36225 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-1160142 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1555 Bayshore Highway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Burlingame |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94010 |
| City Area Code | 650 |
| Local Phone Number | 701-7901 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001561743 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock, $0.0001 par value | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | KIN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | KIN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
