Additional Non Domestic Standards
Where kennels are provided within converted
outbuildings, consideration should be given to:
- cleaning
- energy conservation
- wildlife access
- vermin control
- natural lighting
- ventilation
Converting existing buildings may be more expensive to adapt and
less efficient to operate than building new kennels. Proposed
building works may require approval from the building control or
planning departments. Before carrying out
alterations we recommend that advice is sought from an Animal
Welfare Licensing Officer from Ashford Borough Council.
Where wood has been used in construction it must be smooth and
treated to render it impervious. All exterior wood should be
properly treated against wood rot and only non-toxic products must
be used. Wood should not be used on exposed surfaces of walls,
floors, partitions, door frames or doors in the dog kennelling
area.
The purpose of avoiding wood on surface structures of kennel
interiors is because of the possibility of damage to the material
caused by scratching or chewing by dogs. Worn and splintered
material is difficult to clean, harbours bacteria and viruses, and
allows the splinters to penetrate the animal's skin.
All internal surfaces used in the construction of walls, floors,
partitions, doors and doorframes are to be durable, smooth and
impervious. There must be no projections or rough edges liable to
cause injury.
The interior and exterior of the buildings should be kept in
good decorative order and repair. Outer paths, gardens, exercise
areas, and general surroundings, should be kept in good, clean and
safe condition.
The construction should be such that the security of the dog is
ensured. Fencing material should be secure and safe. Where
galvanised mesh is used for fencing the wire diameter should not be
less than 2mm (14 standard wire gauge), excluding any covering, and
the mesh size should not exceed 5 cm (2in).
Walls and Partitions
Walls and partitions which dogs may come into contact with must
be of smooth, impervious materials, capable of being easily
cleaned. Where concrete, or other building blocks or bricks are
used, they should be sealed and resealed as necessary, using a
proprietary waterproofing agent for sealing the wall against
damp-penetration. Under certain circumstances, sealing of brickwork
can only be achieved by rendering prior to sealing.
Junctions between vertical and horizontal sections should be
coved. If impractical in existing premises, all joints should be
sealed. It is suggested that partition walls between kennels and
individual exercise areas should be of solid construction to a
minimum height of 1.2m (4 ft). Partition construction may be solid
from floor to ceiling, but this should not be detrimental to other
welfare considerations such as the dog's outlook, lighting,
ventilation and socialising.
Suitable materials for the construction of partition walls
include:
- properly surfaced impervious brick/block constructions
- moulded plastic
- glass reinforced plastic (GRP)
- pre-formed plastic surfaced board
Constructing a solid partition to a minimum height provides a
physical barrier to infection. It will also reduce aggression
whilst allowing the dogs to socialise.
Floors
Floors of all buildings, individual exercise areas and kennels
should be of smooth, impervious materials, capable of being easily
cleaned. It is recommended that new kennels should incorporate a
damp proof membrane. Floors of kennels and related exercise areas
should be constructed of impervious material and be easily
cleanable while providing sufficient grip for the animal to walk or
run without sustaining injury. In addition, flooring must be
constructed and maintained in such a condition as to prevent
pooling of liquids.
In new construction it is recommended that floors should be laid
to a minimum fall of one in 80 leading to a shallow drainage
channel or effectively covered deep drainage channel. Drainage
channels should be provided near to the kennel edge so that urine
cannot pass over walk areas in corridors and communal exercise
areas. A separate drainage channel may be needed in the exercise
area and the communal exercise area should also be suitably drained
to prevent pooling of liquids.
Doors
Kennel doors should be strong enough to resist impact and
scratching and should be capable of being effectively secured.
Where metal bars and frames are used, they should be of suitable
gauge with spacing adequate to prevent dogs escaping or becoming
entrapped. Where metal edging is used, this should not present a
risk of injury to the dog. Door openings should be constructed such
that the passage of water/waste is not impeded, or allowed to
accumulate due to inaccessibility.
Windows
Windows should not pose a security risk and, ideally, should be
escape proof. It is recommended that welded mesh or reinforced
glass, polycarbonate or other impact-resistant material is used if
you have any concerns over security.
Ventilation
Ventilation must be provided to all interior areas without the
creation of excessive, localised draughts in the sleeping area. A
balance should be struck between providing adequate ventilation
while avoiding unnecessary removal of heat. Checks need to be made
during the day and night to allow for temperature fluctuations.
Ventilation is important in disease control. It provides
protection against accumulation of odour and prevents excessive
humidity. High humidity increases the risk of infectious
bronchitis, also known as ‘Kennel Cough’.
Bedding should have sufficient depth to allow the dog protection
against draughts.
Kennel Size, Layout and Exercise Facilities
When constructing kennels, appropriate design and use of correct
materials should be used to overcome problems of noise emission and
also to ensure energy conservation. This will minimise discomfort
to the dog(s) and reduce the risk of nuisance to neighbours.
Kennels must provide an adequate sleeping area. Dogs must be
able to lie down, turn around and stand comfortably in the sleeping
area, with sufficient space for the door to open fully.
Special consideration should be given to whelping bitches.
Kennels should cater for the maximum number of puppies having
regard to the size of the breed and litter size. To avoid crushing
puppies, crush bars can be useful when breeding large or giant
dogs, or if the bitch is particularly clumsy.
Adequate exercise areas must be provided for all kennels. In
adverse weather conditions, the responsible person must decide
whether or not dogs are given free access to their exercise area. A
minimum of half of the exercise area should be roofed, sufficient
to give the dog protection against the weather. Some of this should
be translucent material capable of filtering UV light and providing
adequate shade.
Kennels should have a minimum height of 1.8m (6ft) to allow
adequate access by kennel staff for cleaning. Kennels and exercise
areas should open onto secure areas so that dogs are not able to
escape from the premises. As some breeds are more adept at climbing
than others, consideration should be given to covering the whole of
the exercise areas.
Exercise areas must not be used as sleeping areas. It is
recommended that the exercise area is separate from the sleeping
area and exclusive to that kennel for free use by the dog during
the day.
Temperature in kennels
The materials used on the kennel exterior should offer adequate
protection against temperature variations throughout the year.
Sleeping areas, in particular, must be insulated so as to prevent
extremes of temperature.
There will be periods in the year where ambient external
temperatures will cause fluctuation above or below the recommended
levels. If the higher temperature level is exceeded due to
structural shortcomings, rather than normal ambient temperature,
then other means of counteracting this high temperature should be
introduced.
Where temperatures fall below the recommended level, the use of
individual heating lamps for dogs may prove adequate. In some
circumstances additional background heating will also be
required.
Failure to give adequate attention to construction and
insulation may cause dogs to suffer and increase running costs.
Geographical orientation will affect temperature e.g., north facing
openings make it difficult to maintain adequate heating levels.
Correct orientation of the kennel will allow maximum use of natural
light.
Cleanliness
All kennels, corridors, common areas, kitchens and so on must be
kept clean and free from accumulations of dirt and dust so that
disease control is maintained and the dogs are comfortable. Each
occupied kennel must be cleaned daily. All excreta and soiled
material must be removed from all areas used by the dogs at least
twice daily and more often as necessary. The floor of living and
sleeping areas as well as bedding must be kept clean and dry. Dogs
must be kept dry whilst kennels and enclosures are being
cleaned.
Great care should be taken when using any chlorine-based
chemical e.g. bleach. Phenolic disinfectants should not be used
around dogs. Combinations of bactericides, fungicides and virucides
may prove expensive to use and may not necessarily provide the best
system. Professional advice should be sought for the most effective
method.
All insecticides, disinfectants and so on, must be used strictly
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Chemicals and
materials must also be stored correctly. In addition, staff must be
told of any precautions they should take before using such
solutions. It may be necessary to provide protective clothing.
Staff Training
Ideally, a written training policy should be provided. Training
of staff, whether permanent or temporary, should be demonstrated to
have been carried out on all aspects of the care of all ages of
dogs. Staff should be adequately trained in the work they are
expected to carry out. For example, in handling dogs safely, and in
procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
The following are regarded as essential topics to be covered in
the training programme relating to the care of dogs: Animal Health
and Welfare; Cleanliness and Hygiene; Feeding and Food Preparation;
Disease Control; Recognition of Sick Animals; Dog Handling; Health
and Safety; Emergency Procedures.
There are a variety of animal care courses available and staff
should be encouraged to attend. Relevant NVQs attained at Level 2
or the equivalent should enable staff to gain a minimum level of
competency.
Supervision
The licensee should have adequate staff ratios to number of
dogs. Non-domestic breeding kennels should have a ratio of at least
one member of staff to 30 dogs where the dogs are adult and not
whelping or nursing puppies. However, whelping and nursing bitches
are time-consuming. It is therefore recommended that at least one
member of staff should be available for every 5 bitches which are
either whelping or nursing puppies.
Exercising the Dogs
Breeding establishments are the permanent home for some dogs and
therefore provision of exercise facilities may be inadequate for
the long term. Arrangements should be made for the dogs to be
exercised at least twice a day. Dogs should not be kept permanently
confined.
Kitchen Facilities
In new construction, a kitchen exclusive to the kennels must be
provided for the storage and preparation of food for the dogs. A
sink with hot and cold running water must be provided in the
kitchen, for washing utensils and eating and drinking bowls.
Disease Control
It is important that there are facilities and procedures for
cleaning and disease control. Staff should know what action to take
in the event of an outbreak of disease and be familiar with the
first signs of disease/illness. In addition, staff should be aware
of the procedure to be followed in the event of a dog being found
dead. Sudden death of a bitch or a puppy should, if possible, be
investigated and therefore advice should be sought from the
veterinary surgeon.
Staff working from kennel to kennel further increases the risk
of spreading disease. Staff must therefore be trained in good
kennel hygiene.
Measures must be taken to minimise the risks from rodents,
insects and other pests within the breeding establishment. Such
pests should be adequately dealt with without delay to eradicate
the infestation.
To avoid flies and odours, food should not be left for excessive
periods in the kennel, nor should food be left outside at night, as
this will attract vermin.
Complete disinfection of the kennel and equipment must be
carried out between occupancies.
Isolation Facilities
In addition to the general standards it is recommended that
isolation facilities should be provided at the rate of at least one
isolation kennel for up to 50 kennels at the breeding establishment
and pro rata above that.
Where stray dogs or new arrivals are accepted by kennels they
must be kept in a separate area.
Nuisance
It is important to consider the potential problems of noise and
odour nuisance. It is important to design and site kennels to
prevent any cause for complaint from neighbours. The choice of
appropriate materials and their correct use in design, in terms of
preventing noise (and odour) nuisance is extremely important.
This webpage was updated on
11/20/2008