Introduction
Proper disposal of dog waste is a critical concern for kennels and other facilities housing multiple dogs. Dog feces contains harmful bacteria and parasites such as salmonella, E. coli, roundworms, and hookworms. These pathogens can spread disease to other dogs and humans if allowed to accumulate. Improper disposal also poses environmental risks, with rainwater washing waste into storm drains and local waterways. An effective dog waste disposal system is therefore essential for any kennel to maintain sanitary conditions and public health.
This article provides an overview of options for automated and manual dog waste disposal systems tailored for kennel facilities. Key factors in selecting an appropriate system are discussed, along with implementation considerations. By establishing proper dog waste management procedures, kennels can promote animal and human health, avoid environmental contamination, and operate more efficiently.
Health Risks of Improper Disposal
Improperly disposing of dog waste from kennels can pose serious health risks to dogs, staff, and the surrounding environment. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, dog feces contains harmful bacteria and parasites like E. coli, Giardia, and Salmonella that can infect humans if ingested directly or through contaminated water sources (https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/petwaste/). A 2013 study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that contact with dog feces can transmit antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria to humans as well, making infections harder to treat (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564131/).
For dogs housed in kennels, exposure to accumulation of waste can increase their risk of getting sick from bacteria, intestinal parasites, and respiratory infections. Kennel staff are also at high risk when cleaning unhygienic kennels, especially if feces contaminates food bowls or runs off into play areas. From an environmental standpoint, dog waste left on the ground gets washed into storm drains and local waterways. The harmful bacteria can render water unsafe for drinking, swimming, and aquatic life.
Types of Kennel Dog Waste Disposal Systems
There are several main options for managing and disposing of dog waste at kennels:
Manual Cleanup
The most basic method is manual cleanup where kennel staff regularly walk through the kennel and pick up solid waste and hose down kennel runs. This requires diligent cleanup multiple times per day to keep the kennel sanitary. Workers need proper protective gear like gloves, boots, and masks when cleaning (K9 Kennel Store).
Automated Conveyor Belts
Some large kennels install automated conveyor belt systems that transport the waste to a collection point for disposal. This reduces manual labor for cleanup, but requires installation costs and maintenance (CKC USA).
Drainage Systems
Kennels can install drains and grates in kennel floors that route waste and wash water to a septic tank or other wastewater treatment system. Proper drainage prevents standing effluent. Septic systems may need to be oversized for kennel waste (Onsite Installer).
Composting Dog Waste
Some kennels compost solid dog waste along with other organic materials to produce fertilizer. Composting requires proper procedure to generate sufficient heat and prevent odor. The end result is an organic product that can be used or sold.
Manual Cleanup Considerations
Manually cleaning dog waste from kennels can be very labor intensive. Kennel staff must go into each kennel run armed with the proper tools and personal protective equipment (PPE). At minimum, the following should be used:
- Heavy duty rubber gloves
- Face mask
- Shovel and/or scoop
- Disinfectant solution and scrub brush
- Mop and bucket
- Waste bags or bins
All solid waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Most kennels use the “scoop and bag” method where feces are scooped up with a small shovel or scoop and placed into waste bags or bins. It’s important that kennel staff are diligent in removing all solid waste from kennel floors, walls, bedding areas etc. Any remaining organic material can spread bacteria and lead to unsanitary conditions.
After solids are removed, all surfaces should be scrubbed down with a disinfectant solution using brushes, mops and spray bottles. Kennel floors, walls, grooming tables, bedding areas and any other exposed surfaces must be thoroughly disinfected at least once per day. Allowing disinfectant to soak into porous surfaces like concrete can help eliminate odors.
Proper storage and frequent disposal of waste bags/bins is critical for cleanliness and odor control. Sealed waste containers should be stored away from kennels and habitat areas until they can be disposed of properly. Most kennels opt for daily pickup and disposal either onsite or through waste management services.
While very thorough, manual cleaning of dog kennels has significant labor costs. It also exposes workers to bacteria and potential injury while working inside kennel runs. For these reasons, many larger boarding and breeding facilities are turning to automated solutions.
Source: https://www.thedogkennelcollection.com/blog/cleaning-a-dog-kennel-guide/
Automated Conveyor Belt Systems
Automated conveyor belt systems are a popular option for large commercial kennels that need to efficiently remove high volumes of dog waste. These systems utilize a motorized conveyor belt that travels through the kennel floors, automatically transporting waste into a collection container or disposal area.
Conveyor belts are often constructed using durable rubber or plastic materials that can withstand exposure to moisture, cleaning agents, and dog waste. The belt material has raised edges to help contain waste as it travels. An automated control panel allows staff to operate the conveyor, adjusting speed and run times as needed.
Some key benefits of automated conveyor systems include:
– Hands-free waste removal without need for manual labor.
– Can handle very high waste volumes from large kennels.
– Allows waste to be transported away from dogs to improve hygiene.
– Reduced risk of disease transmission via waste.
– Flexibility to run conveyor on schedule or as needed.
Potential downsides to consider:
– High upfront equipment cost, especially for long conveyor systems. Installation can also be complex.
– Ongoing maintenance and repairs needed for conveyor motor and belt.
– Noise and vibration from operating conveyor may disturb dogs.
– Limited ability to deal with large solid waste items.
Leading conveyor system manufacturers like Newsmith and ARCO-Solutions cater their products specifically for kennel waste management needs.
Drainage Systems
A popular option for commercial kennels is installing a drainage system to remove dog waste and excess water from the kennel floor. Drainage systems use gravity to channel liquid waste into underground pipes that connect to the main sewer line or a septic tank Kennel Drainage – Trench Drain Systems.
There are two main types of drainage systems for kennels:
- Trench drains – Narrow channels installed between kennel runs that lead to a main drainage line.
- Catch basins – Circular or square drains placed at low points in the floor to collect waste.
When installing a drainage system, the floor should have a slope of at least 1% to allow water to run off into the drains. Trench drains are a good option for long rows of kennel runs. Catch basins work well for collecting waste from a central open area. Proper installation is crucial to prevent clogs and back-ups.
The advantages of drainage systems are that they require less daily cleanup and continuously remove waste from the kennel floor. Drainage systems also help control odors and pests. The main downsides are the high upfront installation cost and the need for regular maintenance to clear hair and other debris from the drains to prevent clogging. Routine drain cleaning should be part of the maintenance routine.
Composting Dog Waste
Composting is an effective and eco-friendly way to dispose of dog waste from kennels. The composting process uses naturally occurring microorganisms to break down organic matter like dog feces into nutrient-rich humus. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, composting dog waste can reduce kennel waste volume by up to 50% (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/Composting-Dog-Waste-Booklet-Alaska.pdf).
The main equipment needed for composting dog waste is an enclosed compost bin or tumbler large enough to handle the waste volume. The bin retains heat and moisture while allowing for aeration, which facilitates the composting process. Many kennel operators build custom three-bin composting systems to handle large amounts of waste. Fans, chimneys, and temperature monitors can optimize conditions. Bulking agents like wood chips are added to improve aeration and carbon content.
A key advantage of composting is that it allows waste to be handled on-site, avoiding the need to transport and pay tipping fees. It is a cost-effective, sustainable method. Properly composted waste is sanitized through the heat generated by microbial activity. The resulting compost can even be used to enrich on-site landscaping. However, composting does require dedicated equipment, maintenance, and monitoring to work effectively, which takes time and labor.
Key Factors in Selecting a Disposal System
When choosing a dog waste disposal system for a kennel, there are several key factors to consider:
Kennel size – Larger kennels will produce more waste and require a higher-capacity system. The number of dogs, kennel layout, and square footage should be evaluated.
Budget – Disposal systems range widely in cost depending on the type and size. Labor costs for installation and maintenance should also be included in budget planning. Less expensive manual cleanup options may require more staff hours.
Staffing – More automated systems require less direct staff involvement in waste removal, while manual cleanup demands consistent staff attention. Staff availability and workload should help determine the right system.
Expanding – If the kennel plans to expand in the future, the disposal system should be sized or selected to allow for growth. Harder to expand systems like septic may require complete replacement.
The kennel’s unique configuration, existing infrastructure, waste volumes, and budget will dictate the best disposal solution. Consulting with specialists can help kennels select the most practical system.
Implementing a New Disposal Process
Once a dog waste disposal system is selected for the kennel, careful planning and training is required before full implementation. This helps ensure a smooth transition to the new process. Here are some key steps:
Staff Training
All kennel staff should receive thorough training on proper use of the new disposal system. Hands-on demonstrations and practice sessions should be conducted, along with a review of best practices for safety and hygiene. Training manuals or videos can supplement in-person training. Allow time for staff to ask questions and provide feedback.
Trial Period
Begin using the new waste disposal process on a trial basis first. Start with one section of kennels at a time, monitoring for any issues. Gradually expand to the full kennel over a period of days or weeks. This allows time to identify and resolve any problems with minimal disruption to operations.
Tweaking Process
The trial period provides an opportunity to fine-tune the new disposal process. Gather regular feedback from staff on what’s working well and any suggested improvements. Be prepared to make tweaks to the process, equipment or training as needed. Refine standard operating procedures before full implementation.https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Doggie-Septic-System-With-Natural-Starter/
Conclusion
In summary, implementing an effective dog waste disposal system is critical for any kennel facility. Allowing waste to accumulate poses substantial health risks, including the spread of parasites and bacteria that can infect dogs, staff, and customers. Additionally, the buildup of waste can create noxious odors and attract pests.
For these reasons, kennel owners must invest in a disposal process that is efficient, sanitary, and easy to execute on a daily basis. While manual cleanup is an option, automated systems such as conveyor belts or drainage allow for more thorough removal of waste with less staff effort. Composting dog waste may also be feasible depending on the kennel’s size and layout.
By selecting and properly utilizing the right disposal equipment for their needs and layout, kennels can maintain clean facilities and healthy dogs. This enables excellent service, satisfied customers, and reduced liability and operations costs over the long term.