If you run a commercial dog kennel, pet hotel or other boarding facility, you know the challenge of keeping dozens of dogs happy and healthy at a time, AND giving pet parents peace of mind about their fur babies.
You’ve already got your hands full with the day-to-day activities, so you want your facility’s design to make your life easier, not harder. When it comes to flooring, an epoxy coating can be a great ally in keeping your facility clean, sanitary and cheerful.
Here are four benefits of epoxy flooring for dog kennels:
Applies over existing concrete
Chances are your building already includes a concrete slab foundation. One of the advantages of an epoxy coating is that it is applied directly to the concrete, and doesn’t require additional materials or intensive labor (such as in applying grout for tiles).
Just be aware that an epoxy installation does require adequate surface preparation and appropriate time to cure if it’s going to properly bond to your floor. And as with any flooring installation, you won’t want animals housed nearby during the application.
Durable and long-lasting
An epoxy coating involves two parts: a resin and a curative. The resulting chemical reaction creates a surface much harder and stronger than either of the two parts alone.
Unlike mere paint, an epoxy-coated floor is scratch-resistant and unlikely to chip or crack under heavy use, so dogs of all sizes can play rough on the floors, day after day, without marring them.
The lifespan of an epoxy floor coating depends on a number of environmental factors, but it can last for five to ten years before needing re-application.
Sanitary
While most people don’t think of concrete as being a porous substance, the fact is that it contains many tiny pockets of air. Spills and dog urine (since there’s no avoiding accidents with that many dogs!) can soak into untreated concrete, and the spaces provide plenty of room for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
An epoxy coating forms an impervious barrier to liquids, keeping them on the surface of the floor where they can be mopped up. Some specialty epoxies even include anti-microbial additives, such as silver nitrate, that inhibit the growth of bacteria or viruses.
Colorful and friendly
Leaving one’s pet behind can be an emotional process for pet owners, so it’s important to communicate to customers that your kennel is fun and welcoming, not stark and industrial.
While epoxy coatings are highly practical, they can also be beautiful. You can choose from a number of epoxy color options, including patterns such as color flakes and shimmering metallic. Colors can be combined to create playful designs or even add helpful directional signs.
When choosing your designs, remember that dogs perceive colors differently than humans do. You’ll want to include calming shades, such as blue and green, and avoid white, which can stress dogs out.
Need an expert opinion?
Epoxy is also a great choice for veterinary clinics and equestrian centers. Have specific questions about your facility and whether epoxy would be a good fit? The experts at CPC Floor Coatings are just a call or click away! Call us at (864) 855-0600 or contact us online.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our full overview of epoxy floor coatings.
