Important Points for Kennel Hygiene

Kennel hygiene is mostly a matter of patience and persistence -- the patience to do it right and the persistence to do it often. Like most proactive results, the payoff is in what doesn't happen: sick animals, offensive odors, and irritating and dangerous pests. Cleaning kennels is not the most fun job in the world, but it's an important one. Kennel hands have direct contact with the animals and their observations can provide vital information to others involved in their care, including kennel managers, veterinarians and nurses.

  1. Cleaning

    • Clean on a schedule -- daily or twice a day -- and between occupants if boarding or keeping rescued animals. Pick up solid wastes as soon as possible.

      Apply a commercial sealer to concrete floors to make cleaning easier and animals more comfortable. Unsealed concrete soaks up water like a sponge and stays damp most of the time, which can aggravate arthritis and skin conditions.

      Use reliable cleaning and sanitizing products that are safe for both animals and handlers and are appropriate for the surfaces. Dilute products precisely as directed.

    Necessities

    • Use unbreakable food and water containers and sanitize them daily. Pick up spilled food along with other solid wastes so that it does not attract pests. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times, but remove uneaten food after a reasonable time for the same reason.

    Comforts

    • Use disposable bedding and change it often. Shredded newspaper and wood shavings are good; blankets and pads need frequent laundering.

      Offer only toys that can be sanitized, such as solid rubber balls and chew bones, to visiting animals. Residents may have soft toys, but these should be washed frequently.

    Personal hygiene

    • Wash your hands before entering and after leaving the kennel area, and wash them between cleaning kennels if cleaning more than one.

      Wear rubber boots, aprons and other protective gear inside the kennel area, and leave them there before exiting. This prevents bringing dirt, germs and parasites into the kennel or carrying them out of it.