| Cover | Dec. 11, 2020 | May 11, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 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 |
