The ideal design for a kennel block is a single line of kennels; this ensures the dogs are not facing one another as they must in double lines or circular kennels. This reduces barking and stress for the dogs, which must be the primary aim when designing kennels. Dividing walls between kennels should be solid so dogs next door to one another cannot have physical contact.
The kennel block should be divided along its length with thick, sound proofed doors to further reduce the number of dogs together, thus enabling quieter or nervous dogs to be kept separate from the others.
The semi-outdoor design is preferable, with a heated indoor area and an outdoor run. The outdoor run should be accessible by a dog flap in a door. Both areas should be accessible from outside the kennel, the outdoor corridor being enclosed with bars to sustain the outdoor environment and daylight, and the indoor corridor wide and with large windows. This layout allows for separate sleeping/eating and toileting areas.
Size
Kennels should be large enough to accommodate single dogs comfortably, with significantly larger dimensions for pairs. They should be as generous as the site and numbers required allow, with a minimum ideal of 8ft x 8 ft indoors and 10 ft x 10 ft outdoors.
Extras
For long term boarders such as in rescue kennels a ‘home room’ should be available on site which dogs can spend supervised time in as a break from kennels. This should be decorated as a room in a house, with furniture and pictures on the walls. Many dogs will use use this time to really relax and have a deep sleep which they may not get in kennels.
Environmental enrichment must be considered. Many dogs will appreciate a hiding place where the public cannot go (such as the indoor area). Choices should be available to the dogs as this reduces stress; for example of sleeping location or bedding material and toileting substrate. Water should be available in both indoor and outdoor areas. If possible it is good for dogs to have something of ‘theirs’ when they first arrive, such as a bed or a piece of the owner’s clothing. Large enclosed areas outside should be available with play equipment such as platforms to stand on, tunnels and agility equipment.
In summary, it is preferable to have several blocks with fewer kennels in each; dogs not facing each other and doors to divide the block up further. Double sized kennels should be provided for pairs of dogs. Each block should have double doors for safety. The surfaces should be light and easy to clean and keep hygienic, with good draining floors.
Of course the best design in the world is useless unless staff are considerate, sympathetic, hard working and enthusiastic. This is what the dogs are really relying on!
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