As your facility grows, so does the need for smart space management. Whether you’re running a doggy daycare, grooming salon, animal shelter, or boarding facility, stacked animal cages can help you make better use of every room while keeping animals safe, comfortable, and easy to care for.
Space-saving solutions don’t have to mean cutting corners. With the right equipment, you can improve workflow, support your team, and provide a better experience for the animals in your care.
Here’s how to optimize your layout using stacked cages, and what to consider when selecting equipment built for long-term performance.
Build Your Foundation with High-Quality Cages
Every well-run facility starts with equipment you can count on. Cages see constant use, so they need to be tough, easy to clean, and safe for both staff and animals. Stainless steel remains one of the most dependable materials for animal housing. It resists bacteria, holds up to disinfectants, and doesn’t break down over time like plastic or coated metal.
Direct Animal’s stainless steel animal cages are designed for daily use in real-world settings. Each piece is handcrafted, built to last, and tailored for the needs of busy pet care professionals. Look for features like pull-out pans, quiet-closing doors, and removable dividers to make routine tasks easier and more efficient.
Stacking Cages: How to Use Vertical Space Wisely
Stacking cages allows you to double your housing capacity without expanding your footprint. This is especially useful in rooms with limited space, such as intake areas, grooming stations, or smaller boarding suites.
Double-stacked kennels are a strong choice for shelters, vet clinics, and dog daycares that need flexibility and reliability. Each level provides a secure and comfortable space for animals while helping your team manage housing needs more efficiently.
When installing stacked units, make sure there’s enough clearance for air to circulate. Solid construction and thoughtful placement help reduce noise, stress, and distractions for the animals. Place larger pets on the lower levels and lighter animals on top to make access easier and safer for your staff.
Create a Safe, Comfortable Environment
In addition to saving space, stacked cages should also support animal well-being and daily care routines. Start by reducing noise and visual stimulation, especially in high-stress environments like shelters or grooming salons. Adding solid panels between cages can help minimize barking and reactivity.
Other ways to enhance the animals’ comfort include:
- Adding cage mats or raised grates to keep animals dry
- Using soft-close doors to prevent loud slamming
- Ensuring every cage has good lighting and ventilation
- Placing units at a comfortable working height to reduce back strain
These small adjustments can make a big difference in the day-to-day experience for both animals and caregivers.
Plan Your Space with Efficiency in Mind
Stacked cages work best when they’re integrated into a larger facility layout. Your placement should allow for smooth traffic flow and quick access to animals. Think about how your team moves through the space during feeding, cleaning, or intake. A few steps saved here and there can improve both speed and safety.
In grooming environments, stacked holding cages near the tub or drying area can simplify transitions. In veterinary practices, stacked recovery cages keep post-op patients close by without taking up valuable treatment space. And in shelters or boarding facilities, grouping stacked cages near entrances can make check-ins and pick-ups easier for everyone.
Make the Most of Every Square Foot with Direct Animal
Stacked animal cages offer more than just a space-saving solution. With the right design and placement, they can transform your workflow, support staff safety, and create a more peaceful environment for animals.
If you’re planning to update your equipment or rethink your facility’s layout, our team is here to help. We’ll work with you to find the right configuration for your space, your goals, and your daily operations. Contact us to get started.
At Direct Animal, our pet care experts design and manufacture durable and easy-to-clean dog kennels, cat condos, and stainless steel animal cages made to last the life of your business. Whether you’re a veterinarian, luxury boarding facility, animal shelter, or doggy daycare, rely on us for equipment that is ergonomic, hygienic, and built for everyday use.
