Front Matter

572 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Kennels

Researching the type of kennels, including
size, material, and drainage is essential prior
to beginning construction (Figure  23.6).
Kennels on the ground (using a concrete
floor) must have drains cut into the floor that
are connected to the main drain. This can be
costly. Another option is to elevate the floor
of the kennel room so that drains from the
cages direct fluids into one central drain.
Cameras can be installed to allow staff and
the client to monitor the pet in the kennel.

Storage

Dedicated space is required for items that
will be stocked and sold in the rehabilitation
practice. Common retail items include
slings/harnesses, booties, cold/heat packs,
treats/food, supplements, and fitness
equipment.

General construction concepts

Insulation

Insulation helps modulate temperature changes

and reduces noise. The need for sufficient insu-

lation becomes apparent when dogs in the ken-

nels are barking while the therapist is working

on a nervous patient in the acupuncture room.

Heat/air conditioning

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

(HVAC) is especially important if the practice

has hydrotherapy equipment, which creates

substantial humidity. This should be discussed

with the contractor well in advance, because

special accommodations are often required.

Thermostat units that connect to the internet

are very helpful, allowing the staff to control

them remotely.

Lighting/natural light

Good lighting is essential to improve employee

performance, health, and safety (Dianat et  al.,

2013). When possible, windows and or sky-

lights should be used, because they help reduce

electricity usage. Dimmable lights are benefi-

cial in an acupuncture room.

Flooring

The flooring in a rehabilitation department/

facility is extremely important. Most patients

are compromised in some way, and having a

floor with good traction throughout the facility

will help them ambulate and gives the clients

more confidence in the practice. There are many

excellent options including rubber flooring,

yoga mat runners, and rough concrete; different

surfaces might be used in different areas of the

facility. It is also helpful to have large, movable,

waterproof floor mats in the evaluation and

treatment rooms. Flooring products should be

nonporous, easy to clean, provide good traction,

and if possible (though less important), should

be esthetically pleasing.

Figure 23.6 Kennels appropriately sized for medium to
large dogs and good traction flooring. Source: Image
courtesy of the Beach Animal Rehabilitation Center.