How to Build Up Off-the-Ground Kennels

If you operate a boarding facility for pets, you'll want to put together a system of kennels that keeps your guests clean and safe. By building up your kennels off the ground, you keep your animals out of the dirt, whether your storage facility is a barn or shed, and you make it tougher for insects to bother them, no matter what sort of indoor facility you have in mind. Install above-ground kennels to earn your boarding facility positive reviews from your clients' owners: the dogs' families.

Things You'll Need

  • 6 4-by-4 posts
  • Wire fencing
  • 2 plywood boards
  • Hand saw
  • 4 2-by-4 boards
  • Wood screws
  • Screwdriver or cordless drill
  • 4 hinges
  • Wood glue
  • Staple gun
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut slots into your 4-by-4 posts that are two inches deep, about three feet up the posts from the bottom. Slide the 2-by-4 boards into the notches after you've cut them to fit the size of your kennel. The sides should be twice as long as the front and rear pieces.

    • 2

      Attach 2-by-4s to the top of the frame using screws. Use your hand saw to cut a sheet of ploywood into four 2-by-4 pieces. Near the bottom of one of these pieces, cut a hole that is one foot square. The one with the hole will be at the front of your kennel, and the other three will go on the other walls. Create a door large enough for your dog with 2-by-4 boards.

    • 3

      Build a frame that has 2-by-4 lumber running around the edge. Cover the exposed middle with fence wire. Install one end of a pair of hinges to this lumber frame.

    • 4

      Attach the other end of the hinges to the kennel. Add a latch to the other side of the door, with hardware on that side for you to secure the door.