Why Rubber Flooring is Perfect For your Dog Kennel and Daycare Facility

Dog Daycare Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring has grown increasingly popular in the pet world as more dog daycare, training centers, kennels and obedience schools use it for its resilience, durability and the traction and support it can provide for canine facilities.

For pet industry business owners, rubber flooring can provide a durable surface that is relatively easy to maintain. As with any flooring, traction depends on the specific product, installation, maintenance and surface conditions.

What Rubber Flooring Options Are Available for My Canine Business?

In general, when it comes to providing your pet facility with rubber flooring, there are two options you want to consider. The option you ultimately choose will be decided by your use, ease of installation, ease of cleaning and aesthetics.

Rolled Rubber Flooring For Dog Daycare Facilities

Rolled Rubber Flooring

Offering excellent durability, rolled rubber flooring can provide broad floor coverage with relatively few seams. Options include basic black and color fleck, giving a business owner the chance to select rubber flooring that offers the fit and finish needed for the facility. Indoor or outdoor suitability and resistance to sun exposure should always be confirmed for the specific flooring product being considered.

Rolled rubber flooring is manufactured in various sizes. Four-foot-wide rolls are a common option and can help a facility create a clean installation with fewer seams. Available lengths should be confirmed for the specific flooring selected.

Depending on the flooring product, subfloor and installation requirements, rolls may be installed using double-sided rubber flooring tape for a more removable installation or an approved flooring adhesive for a more permanent installation. Seam and perimeter treatment should follow the current instructions for the specific rubber flooring and adhesive system being installed.

Some rolled rubber flooring applications may also use a compatible sealant to reduce surface porosity and make routine cleaning easier. Whether a sealant is appropriate, how it should be applied and when it should be reapplied depends on the flooring and sealant manufacturer's current instructions.

Image used with permission of Happy Hound Dog Resorts in Jacksonville, FL

Vulcanized Rubber Mats

A unique choice for pet business owners is the vulcanized rubber mat (virgin rubber) that offers a non-porous surface! This means a kennel owner will not need to apply a sealant to keep urine and feces out of the mats. Better yet, vulcanized mats, which can also be used indoors and outdoors, are extremely strong and used in zoos and farms so they are sure to stand any major test produced by even the largest pack of dogs!

Vulcanized rubber mats come in an assortment of sizes and thicknesses. A 4' x 6' format is commonly available, while thickness and edge styles vary by product. Some mats are suitable for loose lay applications, while others may have different installation requirements. As many doggie daycare and canine agility centers lease space that may grow and shrink with their business, removable mats can provide useful flexibility for a business owner's bottom line!

Rubber mats can offer a stable, comfortable base for daycare, agility and vet care locations and can provide useful traction when moisture becomes a factor. You can quickly mop up an accident and, with removable mats, pull up an individual mat when needed to clean the flooring and subfloor thoroughly.

How Do I Clean My Rubber Flooring at My Canine Facility?

Sure as day your canine clients will bring smiles and smells to your business. While the smiles will keep you on cloud nine, the spills and smells that come along with owning a dog daycare can drive your profits down. Don’t let a prospective canine client’s owner be discouraged on their facility tour as foul odors drive them and your profits out the door. Keep your location smelling fresh with periodic rubber flooring cleaning!

The cleaning products and methods used should be compatible with the specific rubber flooring. A neutral pH flooring cleaner designed for rubber surfaces can be useful for routine cleaning and deodorizing when used according to its label instructions. If the facility requires sanitizing or disinfecting for bacteria, viruses, parasites or other pathogens, use products and procedures approved for the intended purpose and compatible with the flooring surface.

Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's directions for dilution, application, contact time and whether rinsing is required. Cleaning requirements may differ according to the type of flooring, amount of traffic and conditions in the canine facility.

Where Can I Buy Rubber Flooring for My Dog Daycare Business?

No matter how large or small your canine facility flooring needs are, IRON COMPANY® offers a selection of rubber flooring options, flooring thicknesses and color fleck choices for different facility requirements.

End your search for rubber flooring here! Compare the available rubber flooring options to determine which type best fits your canine facility, installation and maintenance needs.

In need of help with your next rubber flooring quote? Let our flooring specialists save you time and money! Call 1-888-758-7527, or send an email to [email protected] today!

About the Author: IRON COMPANY Editorial Team

The IRON COMPANY Editorial Team creates and maintains buyer-focused content for gym equipment, gym flooring, cardio equipment, strength training equipment, free weights, and related fitness facility solutions. Our content is developed to help residential, commercial, government, military, school, institutional, and facility buyers compare products, understand key specifications, avoid common buying mistakes, and make more informed purchasing decisions. When appropriate, content is reviewed against manufacturer information, product specifications, IRON COMPANY category knowledge, and current purchasing considerations before publication.