Kennel & VeterinaryDrainage Solutions

For dog kennels, grate slot widths should not exceed 3/8 inch (10mm) for small dogs and 1/2 inch (12mm) for large dogs. Slots should be oriented perpendicular to the primary direction of travel to prevent nail or paw entrapment. Many facilities opt for anti-slip bar grates with narrow parallel slots. NDS heel-proof grates and ACO anti-slip patterns are commonly specified for kennel applications.

Kennel drain odors are controlled through proper design and maintenance: (1) Install P-traps with adequate water seal (minimum 2 inches) on all floor drains; (2) Use trap primers or automatic trap seal devices to prevent trap dry-out; (3) Choose drains with smooth internal surfaces that don't harbor bacteria; (4) Flush drains daily with enzymatic cleaners designed for pet waste; (5) Ensure proper slope for complete drainage—standing water breeds odor. Some facilities use antimicrobial drain materials or ozone treatment systems.

Veterinary surgical suites require hospital-grade drainage that meets sanitation standards. Recommended systems include: (1) Stainless steel trench drains with removable, autoclavable grates; (2) Coved connections between floor and drain for easy cleaning; (3) Floor drains with integral trap primers; (4) Non-porous materials that can be disinfected with hospital-grade chemicals. Josam stainless steel floor drains and ACO stainless channels are commonly specified. Some jurisdictions require drains to meet human hospital standards.

Kennel drains should be cleaned on a strict schedule: (1) Daily: Flush with water and enzymatic cleaner after hosing kennels; (2) Weekly: Remove grates and scrub channels with disinfectant; (3) Monthly: Snake drain lines and inspect for buildup; (4) Quarterly: Professional drain cleaning if needed. High-volume facilities may need more frequent cleaning. Install drains with removable grates and accessible cleanouts to simplify maintenance.

Most kennel areas require Class A (pedestrian) to Class B (light vehicle) rated drainage. Specific recommendations: (1) Individual kennels and runs: Class A; (2) Common areas and corridors: Class B; (3) Vehicle loading areas: Class C; (4) Commercial kennels with cleaning equipment: Class B-C. Over-specifying load class is common since cost differences are minimal and provides durability for equipment like pressure washers and floor scrubbers.

Residential floor drains are generally not suitable for commercial kennel applications. Issues include: (1) Inadequate flow capacity for hose-down cleaning; (2) Standard plastic bodies may not resist kennel cleaning chemicals; (3) Grates may have openings too large for paw safety; (4) P-traps may dry out without daily water use; (5) May not meet commercial building codes. Even for home kennels with 3+ dogs, commercial-grade drains are recommended for durability and sanitation.

Kennel cleaning products include chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, and enzymatic cleaners. Recommended drain materials: (1) Stainless steel 304 or 316—best overall chemical resistance; (2) HDPE/polypropylene—excellent for most chemicals; (3) Polymer concrete—good resistance with proper sealing; (4) Fiberglass—handles most disinfectants. Avoid standard cast iron (corrodes with bleach), galvanized steel (reacts with acids), and PVC in hot water discharge areas.

Outdoor dog runs require drainage that handles weather and waste: (1) Slope concrete or gravel at 1-2% toward drain points; (2) Install trench drains across run entrances to capture runoff; (3) Use catch basins at low points with debris grates; (4) Connect to appropriate waste system (not storm drains in most jurisdictions); (5) Consider permeable surfaces like gravel or artificial turf with subsurface drainage. NDS Spee-D Channel or Pro Series work well for outdoor kennel runs.