Fire Safety in Animal Care Facilities

Designing for Protection and Prevention

At Design Learned, we specialize in the architectural and engineering design of veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities, and animal shelters. With decades of experience, we know that fire and life safety must be a core design principle, not an afterthought. Scott Learned, President of Design Learned, serves as a Principal Committee Member for NFPA 150, the Code for Fire and Life Safety in animal housing facilities. This expertise, combined with our deep knowledge of code requirements, informs every project we deliver.

Beyond Sprinklers: A Layered Fire Protection Strategy

While sprinkler systems are often the first solution considered for fire protection—and are required by code in many cases - they may not activate early enough to ensure animal survival. In animal care environments, smoke inhalation or rapid fire spread can cause harm before sprinklers engage.

Additionally, facilities using well water systems face higher costs and complexity when installing sprinklers. That’s why Design Learned recommends a multi-layered fire safety approach that includes:

• Sprinklers

• Early detection systems

• Non-combustible materials

• Security systems

Early Detection Systems: The First Line of Defense

A comprehensive fire alarm system is essential for early warning and rapid response. Alarms should be installed in:

• All animal housing areas

• Storage rooms (where flammable materials are often kept and is often not monitored closely)

• Mechanical and utility rooms

• Human occupied areas

  
  

Strategic placement and redundancy are key. Early detection gives staff the time needed to evacuate animals, contain the fire, and prevent spread to other zones.

Building With Resilience in Mind

Using non-combustible construction materials is one of the most effective ways to prevent fires from starting. Unlike reactive systems like alarms and sprinklers, these materials:

• Resist ignition

• Limit fire spread

• Protect facility infrastructure

• Ensure business continuity

  
  

This proactive design choice safeguards both animals and the long-term investment in your facility.

Security as Prevention - Protecting Against Human-Caused Risks

Fire risks aren’t always accidental. Facilities may be vulnerable to:

• Trespassers

• Vandalism

• Arson

• Off-hours incidents

Design Learned integrates safety and security systems into every design, including:

• Surveillance cameras

• Motion-activated lighting

• Access control systems

• Audible alarms

These systems serve as both deterrents and early intervention tools, especially when staff are not on-site.

Designing for Peace of Mind

At Design Learned, our mission is to design facilities that anticipate challenges and protect what matters most - the health and safety of the animals in your care. Fire prevention isn’t about fear; it’s about resilience and readiness.

We often compare our approach to designing a human hospital, where sheltering in place is more realistic than full evacuation. With intentional design, animal care facilities can offer peace of mind to:

• Owners

• Operators

• Staff

• And most importantly, the animals

Let’s Build a Safer Future for Animal Care

By integrating sprinklers, comprehensive alarm systems, non-combustible building materials, and thoughtful security measures, Design Learned creates environments that are safer, smarter, and better prepared. We often liken it to the design of a human hospital keeping in mind that sheltering in place is more realistic than evacuating everything in time. With intentional design and foresight, animal care facilities can provide peace of mind for owners, operators, staff - and above all - for the animals who depend on them.

Ready to upgrade your facility with fire safety best practices?

Call the Design Learned team at 860-889-7078 or schedule a consultation online to discuss your options.