Opening a dog boarding kennel can be a great business opportunity for dog lovers. With more and more people owning dogs as pets, there is a growing demand for quality boarding facilities where owners can leave their dogs while they are away. However, designing and building a boarding kennel requires careful planning and consideration of your dogs’ needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key factors to consider when designing dog boarding kennels, from layout and size considerations to materials and amenities. Read on to learn the essential information you need to design safe, comfortable, and enriching accommodations for your boarding guests.
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Space Requirements
One of the most important design considerations for a dog boarding kennel is determining how much space each dog needs. The general rule of thumb is to allow at least 3.3 sq. meters per dog for indoor kennels and 9.3 sq. meters per dog in outdoor runs. However, larger or high-energy breed dogs may require more space. When calculating your kennel size needs, consider the following factors:
Number of Dogs
Determine the maximum capacity you want your kennel to hold. Kennels generally have between 10-50 kennels, with additional outdoor runs. Your business plan, projected demand, and available space should guide your kennel size.
Size of Dogs
Bigger dogs need more space. Design kennels to accommodate your projected breed mix, allowing extra space for large breeds over 25kg. Giant breed kennels may need upwards of 5 sq. meters indoors.
Group Housing
Dogs from the same family can be housed together in one double kennel, reducing overall kennel needs. But be sure to match dogs appropriately by size and temperament.
Exercise Time
Dogs will spend time outside their kennels each day in exercise yards, so reduce kennel sizes accordingly. The more outdoor time provided, the smaller kennels can be.
Boarding Duration
For longer boardings of a week or more, increase kennel sizes by 10-25% to accommodate a dog’s needs over time.
Layout and Design
Once you’ve determined the number and size of kennels needed, you can map out the layout and flow of your boarding facility. Key elements to include are:
Entry/Reception Area
This is where clients check in and out their dogs. Include reception desk or front counter, seating, displays, and storage for leashes/collars.
Kennel Room
Contains rows of individual indoor kennels with guillotine doors. Place over a sealed concrete floor with drains for easy cleaning.
Outdoor Runs
Attach secure, fenced outdoor runs to each kennel so dogs can access both areas. Runs should be covered for weather protection.
Quarantine Area
Provide a separate room with kennels for intake, isolation, or dogs recovering from illness. This prevents contamination.
Food Prep Area
Designate a utility space for preparing meals, washing dishes, and storing pet food. Include sink, cabinets, and refrigerator.
Exercise Yard
Dogs need open space for play and exercise. Include at least one securely fenced yard, ideally with a purpose-built play structure.
Storage
Provide adequate storage for leashes, toys, cleaning supplies, and records. Easy access improves workflow.
Staff Room
A staff break room, office, bathroom, and lockers improves working conditions for employees.
Kennel Size and Design
Properly sized and designed kennels are key to housing dogs comfortably. Consider the following kennel features:
Dimensions
Standard kennel sizes range from 1-1.5 meters wide and 2-3 meters long. Giant breeds may need larger kennels exceeding 2 meters wide. Kennels should be tall enough for dogs to stand fully.
Layout
Kennels should open into a secure outdoor run. Place guillotine doors away from high traffic areas to reduce stress. Allow 36-inch service aisles between kennel rows.
Flooring
Sealed, non-porous floors like concrete are easy to disinfect. Epoxy coatings create a smooth, waterproof surface. Provide raised beds or platforms for comfort.
Walls
Concrete block walls are chew and scratch resistant. Use moisture-proof sealants and non-toxic paints for durability and safety.
Ceilings
Suspended or solid ceilings allow climate control. Sound-reducing panels absorb noise and stress.
Doors
Guillotine-style kennel doors provide security while allowing humans to pass through easily. Outdoor runs should have double gates for safety.
Ventilation
Proper air circulation reduces disease transmission. Place windows on opposite walls to create cross-breezes. Use fans, vents, and climate control systems.
Sound Control
Kennels reverberate with noise. Apply sound-dampening materials to surfaces. Soft floor and wall coverings also help absorb echoes.
Outdoor Runs
Secure outdoor runs attached to kennels allow dogs private space to relieve themselves and get fresh air. Well-designed runs have:
Surfaces
Paved run floors are easy to clean and non-porous. Pea gravel resists digging and drainage issues. Avoid grass, dirt, or sand.
Fencing
Use 9-gauge chain link fencing sunk into the ground to prevent digging. Height should exceed the head height of the tallest dogs, often 6-7 feet.
Sun/Shade
Provide shade via shade cloths or shaded kennel doors. Dogs also need areas of sun exposure for warmth and health.
Water
Include outdoor water bowls with quick-shutoff valves. Auto-filling bowls stay full without waste.
Waste Removal
Proper drainage prevents standing urine or water. Feces should fall through run floors into a collection system below.
Enrichment
Add platforms, ramps, or play objects to runs for behavioral enrichment. Rotating toys keeps dogs engaged.
Materials and Supplies
Choosing the right materials and supplies makes kennel maintenance easier while creating a clean, appealing environment.
Kennel Furnishings
Each kennel should contain:
- Raised bed or cot
- Water bowl
- Blankets, mats, and beds
- Toys
Provide sturdy, chew-resistant items that can be easily sanitized. Rotate bedding frequently for hygiene and scent control.
Cleaning Supplies
Stock disinfectants, brushes, hoses, mops, gloves, sponges, paper towels, rags, poop bags, and more. Store neatly in a janitor’s closet or shed.
Waste System
Drains, grates, and subfloor waste collection simplify cleanup. Connect plumbing to sanitary sewer systems for proper waste removal.
Grooming Area
Include tubs, tables, dryers, clippers, towels, and shampoos to bathe and groom dogs as needed. Provide adequate ventilation and drying space.
Commercial Equipment
Invest in sanitizing washers, industrial dryers, pressure washers, and commercial mops and buckets to make cleaning highly efficient.
Administrative Supplies
Have paperwork, files, pens, computers, and office supplies on hand to keep business operations organized.
Amenities
Going beyond the basics provides a competitive edge. High-end kennels offer:
Climate Control
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and dehumidifiers promote health. Good airflow reduces contagions.
Sound System
Ambient music, podcasts, or TV helps mask startling noises and creates a soothing environment.
Premium Bedding
Orthopedic beds, plush mats, and soft blankets appeal to discerning owners. Elevated cots keep dogs comfy.
Interactive Toys
Food puzzles, treat balls, chew toys, and interactive play objects reduce boredom and stress for boarded dogs.
Indoor Playrooms
Rainy day playrooms allow group play for socialization and exercise. Include toys, obstacles, and padded flooring.
Webcams
Let owners check in on pets via live video feeds of kennels and playrooms for added transparency and convenience.
Grooming Services
Bathing, brushing, nail trims, haircuts, and other grooming options generate added revenue while pampering pups.
Premium Food
Offer or allow special diets, raw food, canned food, or owner-provided meals for picky eaters or dogs with allergies.
Safety and Health
Proper design optimizes safety for dogs, employees, and clients. Be sure to include:
Vaccines
Require proof of Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP vaccines to prevent contagious illnesses from spreading.
Sanitation
Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces between boardings to control infectious agents. Allow drying time.
Pest Control
Prevent infestations through professional pest control plans and perimeter insect screens.
Veterinary Relationship
Partner with a nearby vet clinic that provides exams, urgent care, and overnight observation for boarded pets if needed.
Pet First Aid
Train staff in CPR, first aid, restraint techniques, and other emergency response protocols. Keep first aid kits stocked.
Fire Systems
Install smoke detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting. Post evacuation plans.
Security
Deter unauthorized entry with fencing, gates, alarms, video surveillance, and secure access controls.
Insurance
Carry appropriate business liability, worker’s compensation, and animal bailee insurance policies.
Conclusion
Designing a quality dog boarding kennel requires carefully considering your dogs’ health, safety, and well-being. Provide adequate spaces tailored to your clients’ breeds and needs. Use durable, sanitizable materials that make cleaning and maintenance straightforward. Don’t forget creature comforts like climate control, bedding, and enrichment. With mindful planning and attention to detail, you can create the ideal oasis where dogs love to stay while owners are away. The investment in a well-planned kennel design pays dividends in happy canine guests and successful, reputable business operations for years to come.
