There is no one-size-fits-all approach to animal shelter housing. Length of stay, individual animal needs, and daily operations all influence housing decisions.
When planning or evaluating shelter housing, consider:
- How many housing units? Too many or too few both cause operational problems and compromise animal wellbeing.
- What types of housing? Individual versus group? Cage versus kennel versus room?
- How many wards and subdivisions? Separation may be needed for intake holding, isolation, long-stay animals, neonates, nursing mothers, or non-infectious medical cases.
In most traditional shelters aiming to move animals efficiently, the majority of housing units should be individual double-compartment housing for dogs and cats, especially for animals staying less than two weeks. These units:
- support efficient daily cleaning
- reduce unnecessary handling
- help limit disease spread
- promote choice and normal, healthy behaviors and body postures
However, having a variety of housing types is important. Different types of housing allow animals with different needs to be in housing that meets their needs. We’ll cover group housing for cats and dogs in upcoming posts.
Dog kennel housing
Dog housing drives both square footage and cost in new shelter facilities. Durable, easy-to-clean flooring, proper drainage, and adequate space all support animal welfare and staff efficiency.
Dogs come in a range of sizes and shapes, so dog housing dimensions can vary. However, even the largest dog should be able to move, turn, and rest comfortably in a range of body positions without touching kennel walls or ceiling.
Some small dogs and puppies do well in double-compartment cages.
Indoor-outdoor, front-to-back double-compartment kennels are the ideal configuration. Indoor-indoor or side-to-side layouts are reasonable alternatives when space or design constraints require them.
Cat cage housing
Cats should never be housed in the same area as dogs. Even the sound of barking can be a significant source of stress for cats.
Double-compartment cages with at least 11 square feet of floor space allow adequate separation of litter, food, and resting areas for individual adult cats or a litter of kittens. Cages should be tall enough that no part of the cat’s body touches the walls or ceiling when moving, turning, or resting in natural body positions.
Stacking cage banks higher than two levels makes daily care and animal handling difficult for animals in upper cages. Ideally, the lowest level of cages should be raised 6–18 inches off the floor to support feline preferences and limit splashing of cleaning fluids into lower-level cages during floor cleaning.
Dog kennels (single or double compartment) with furniture that provides hiding spaces and vertical options can serve as spacious individual housing units for cats, as long as they are covered and have no gaps wide enough for a cat to escape through.
Common Concerns About Cages and Kennels with Bars
“Cages look bad to the public.”
Cages photographed poorly or appearing barren reinforce negative perceptions. However, well-designed, spacious cages with thoughtful furnishings, enrichment, and care demonstrate a shelter’s commitment to meeting each cat’s needs.
“Animals in cages seem sad.”
Animals showing signs of distress in cages may be experiencing stress from their housing environment (noise, proximity to dogs, inadequate space or furnishings) or may need a different housing type. Animals who are coping well in cages and kennels engage in normal and even joyful behaviors including grooming, eating, stretching, playing, and resting comfortably.
Housing decisions shape animal care
Shelter housing should support humane care, efficient operations, and positive outcomes. The number, type, and configuration of housing units all affect how well a shelter can serve animals and sustain staff over time.
If you’re evaluating your current housing or planning a facility project, contact Paws to Elevate for consultation on housing design and population management strategies that align with your operations and goals.
AI Use Disclaimer
This blog post was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed and edited by Becky Stuntebeck. It is provided for general informational purposes.
