Kennel Design with welfare considerations

Effective kennel design can improve dogs’ physical and mental health. When building a new kennel or modifying an old one, factors to consider include: 

  • the breed(s) and size of the dogs  
  • the materials used for flooring type, the impact on noise level, and ease of cleaning 
  • safety of materials and design 
  • the sizes and locations of play yards, whelping, nursery, and quarantine areas 
  • the complexity of the environment from platforms, stairs, surfaces, and resting areas

Design kennels with separate quarantine, exam, and medical treatment areas. Locate whelping and nursery areas away from high traffic areas.  Kennel design should make cleaning, observation, and interaction with the dogs easy for caretakers.

Both the size and complexity of living spaces are important for dog welfare. More space allows for more complexity. 

Complex environments are good for dogs. Complex living and play areas increase activity that is good for their health. Elements that allow dogs to perform natural behaviors can decrease undesirable behaviors. Larger kennels allow for social housing that is good for social dogs!

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kennel design with welfare considerations Library

 Additional Resources to Support Dogs in Other Environments

SHELTER & RESCUE

Dogs living in shelter or rescue kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, including those caring for dogs in home-based foster systems or rescue networks, are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.

 

PET FAMILIES

Dogs living in homes as family pets face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, support the human-animal bond, keep pets in their homes, and improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.

 

Research & Teaching

Dogs living in research or teaching kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.