Which Kennel System is Best for My Animal Shelter?

Kennel System Configuration

Animal shelter design plays a pivotal role in dog welfare, behavior, and adoptability. One of the most debated features in animal shelters is the kennel system configuration. Design Learned's building and engineering experts often hear our clients ask, "Which is better - double-sided indoor runs or indoor/outdoor runs?" 

Each system has unique advantages and challenges, which impact staff workload, dog behavior, and compliance with best practices like the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines.

Indoor/Outdoor Runs: Flexibility and Efficiency

Indoor/outdoor runs offer direct access to the outdoors. Typically, a guillotine/transfer door can be opened to allow dogs to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. This setup presents a number of operational efficiencies and can reduce certain behavioral challenges.

Pros of Indoor/Outdoor Runs

• Increased Outdoor Access - Dogs in indoor/outdoor runs have more opportunities for fresh air and natural light during the day, which can enhance their physical and mental well-being.

• Lower Staffing Needs - Dogs' ability to self-eliminate outdoors reduces the need for constant staff-led outings and makes cleaning more efficient.

• Secure Housing for Challenging Cases - Staff often use these runs to house aggressive or court-ordered hold dogs since they can be serviced without direct contact, ensuring staff safety.

  
  

Cons of Indoor/Outdoor Runs

• Elevated Stress and Noise - Open access to outdoor spaces may lead to increased barking due to environmental stimuli like passing people, other animals, or traffic, which can elevate stress for all nearby animals.

• Limited Human Interaction - Since staff don't need to remove the dog for elimination or cleaning, they reduce the opportunities for enrichment through human contact.

• Smaller Indoor Space - These runs often have a reduced indoor footprint, limiting comfort during colder months or when outdoor areas are inaccessible.

• Overnight Outdoor Closure - For safety and weather reasons, the outdoor portion is typically closed at night, potentially confining the dog to a smaller space during those hours.

• Heating/Cooling - Keeping transfer doors open for extended periods can be very taxing on the HVAC system and require more heating/cooling and dehumidification, leading to higher operational costs.

Double-Sided Indoor Runs: Welfare-Focused Design

Folks often call double-sided indoor runs "double-compartment kennels". This type of run consists of two connected indoor areas separated by a guillotine/transfer door. Animal shelter staff often favor this configuration as it fits within ASV guidelines and contributes to improved animal welfare.

Pros of Double-Sided Indoor Runs

• Compliance with ASV Guidelines - The ASV recommends double-compartment housing as a gold standard for reducing disease transmission and promoting behavioral health.

• 24/7 Access to Two Areas - Dogs benefit from two separate spaces for sleeping and elimination, which supports natural behaviors and reduces kennel stress.

• Cleaner, Healthier Environments - Staff can clean one side while the dog remains on the other, minimizing disruption and exposure to cleaning agents.

• Flexibility in Capacity - In times of high intake, double-sided runs can temporarily be split into two single-sided units to increase capacity, offering a valuable overflow solution.

  
  

Cons of Double-Sided Indoor Runs

• Greater Staffing Requirements - Without direct outdoor access, dogs must be taken out manually for exercise and elimination, increasing labor demands.

• Reduced Outdoor Time - Due to time and staffing constraints, dogs in indoor/outdoor configurations may spend less time outdoors than those in outdoor configurations.

Making the Right Choice for Your Shelter

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing a kennel system for your animal shelter. Design Learned's animal care and engineering experts help clients make decisions that align with their shelter's mission, staffing levels, population management strategies, and architectural constraints. Over the decades, we have seen many shelters use a combination of each type of kennel system. The combination allows shelter staff more options for their animals, depending on specific needs and requirements at the time.

Ultimately, the best kennel system meets the unique needs of the dogs in care while supporting staff well-being and public safety. Are you ready to discuss the best kennel system for your animal shelter? Call the Design Learned team at 860-889-7078 or schedule a consultation online to discuss your options.