When your animal care facility is hit with a surge of new arrivals, it can quickly put a strain on your space, staff, and systems. Whether you’re managing a municipal shelter, doggy daycare, rescue center, or boarding facility, high-volume intakes are challenging. They often bring noise, crowding, and sanitation concerns, all while your team is trying to maintain a calm and safe environment for both animals and people.
At Direct Animal, we understand that the right equipment can mean the difference between a stressful intake and a smooth one. That’s why we design housing and handling tools that help animal care professionals stay organized, maintain hygiene, and keep operations moving—no matter how busy things get.
Modular Kennels That Maximize Flexibility and Floor Space
Space is always at a premium during high-volume intake periods. Our animal shelter kennels are designed to be modular and configurable, giving you the flexibility to adapt your layout based on your needs. Whether you’re working with a compact room or a large open area, these kennels can be set up to make the most of your available footprint.
Double-compartment options allow you to house more animals without compromising comfort or safety. Stackable designs help you utilize vertical space, especially useful in urban or small-footprint facilities. These kennels are made from heavy-duty stainless steel, so they’re built to last through years of high traffic and frequent cleaning.
If you manage a facility that sees frequent intake spikes, consider keeping a few extra kennel modules or dividers on-site. That way, you can easily expand your setup when intake numbers rise.
Room Dividers That Help Reduce Noise and Visual Stress
Crowding and overstimulation are two of the biggest stress triggers for animals during intake. Facilities can quickly become noisy and chaotic, which not only affects the animals but also makes it harder for staff to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
Dog room dividers are an easy-to-deploy solution for creating calm zones. These panels provide visual and acoustic separation between kennels, play areas, or intake stations. By reducing line-of-sight contact and muffling sound, dividers help animals settle more quickly in unfamiliar environments.
They’re especially useful in open-concept shelters or daycare facilities where creating separation isn’t always straightforward. Portable and durable, these dividers can be reconfigured as needed and stored away when not in use.
Stackable Housing Solutions for Small or Overcrowded Facilities
When floor space runs out, going vertical is often the only option. Stackable kennel systems and multi-level feline condos allow you to safely house more animals without crowding walkways or compromising ventilation.
These units are ideal for short-term overflow housing, intake observation, or quarantine. They’re built with features like front-access doors, removable waste trays, and smooth interior surfaces that make cleaning quick and easy.
In smaller shelters or older buildings with limited layouts, stackable options help you maintain animal separation and meet capacity needs without major renovations. Just make sure upper levels are easily accessible to staff, using safe steps or platforms to reduce strain during feeding and cleaning.
Hygienic Designs That Support Fast Cleaning and Turnover
During intake surges, your staff doesn’t have time for deep scrubbing between each animal. But cutting corners on sanitation can put your entire facility at risk. That’s why Direct Animal equipment is designed for easy, fast, and thorough cleaning.
Our stainless steel kennels, tubs, and housing units feature seamless welds, sloped floors for drainage, and removable pans that make it simple to wash down and disinfect between occupants. Non-porous surfaces resist odors and bacteria buildup, which helps reduce the spread of illness during busy intake periods.
For even faster cleaning, use systems with integrated drainage and floor-level waste containment. This setup not only saves time but also keeps staff safer by reducing contact with waste and cleaning chemicals.
Built-In Safety Features That Protect Animals and Staff
Busy intakes often involve stressed or unfamiliar animals, which can lead to a higher risk of accidents or injuries. Equipment that supports low-stress handling is essential for maintaining safety during these high-pressure times.
Direct Animal kennels and holding products include practical safety features like one-handed latches, quiet-close doors, anti-slip flooring, and smooth, rounded corners. These details may seem small, but they make a big impact when your team is moving quickly and working with unpredictable animals.
Creating a dedicated intake zone with secure holding kennels and clearly defined traffic flow can also help reduce confusion and minimize risk. If you’re running a boarding or daycare facility, consider separating intake and pickup areas from the main activity spaces to avoid overstimulation and potential conflicts between animals.
Set Your Team Up for Success During the Next Intake Surge
Managing high-volume intakes is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right tools in place, your staff can stay organized, animals can settle in safely, and your facility can continue running smoothly, even during your busiest days.
Whether you’re planning for a seasonal increase, preparing for a community rescue event, or just looking to future-proof your operations, now is the time to assess your equipment and space. A few strategic upgrades can make a major difference when the next wave of animals comes through your door.
At Direct Animal, our pet care experts design and manufacture durable and easy-to-clean dog kennels, cat condos, and other state-of-the-art equipment made to last the life of your business, whether you’re a vet, luxury boarding facility, animal shelter, or doggy daycare. Rely on us for animal care equipment that is ergonomic, hygienic, and affordable.
