There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a gate for your dog housing. Historically, gates with chain link or metal bars were the most common. However, while the chain link is strong, it can look old-fashioned, and metal bars can look like prison cells. Today there are additional options and materials that offer strength and durability while also offering an updated look that attracts customers.

Types of Gates
The most common gates are either a 3’ swinging gate or a 4’ stall front consisting of a 2’ or 2 ½’ swinging gate with the remainder a fixed panel. A swinging gate larger than 3’ takes up too much aisle or run space when opened out, which is why anything larger is a stall front. An added bonus of a stall front is the ability to use the fixed portion for food and water bowls so they won’t spill when the gate is opened. Options for constructing swinging and stall front gates are outlined in the next sections, Materials Matter and Privacy Matters.

Slide gates are another option. Slide gates have the advantage of not using aisle space to open, making them ideal for situations where there are tight aisle ways. This helps maximize a building’s footprint. Slide gates can also provide additional safety for staff because an excited or aggressive dog can’t shove the gate back into an employee when entering, causing the employee to potentially lose their balance or worse.

Dutch doors are another gate option in which the door is divided into two parts horizontally. The top door can be opened to allow for interaction with the dog without opening the entire door, and the doors provide a look that many customers like. Some customers also feel dutch doors make it easier to control dogs when attaching leashes.

Ornamental wrought iron gates are sometimes used in kennels. They are most commonly used to dress up the look of block wall kennel runs, but they are typically not a good solution for boarding dogs. While they can look ornate, the gates do not have a latch that is made for interacting with dogs. They also don’t allow for bowl feeding systems. Additionally, these gates are typically made with a decorative powder coating that can easily chip and begin to rust.

A final option is a true human door. This requires a door frame to turn a regular run into a luxury run, which can be a drawback. These doors are used in either modular real-life rooms or contractor-built real-life rooms to create a true feeling of a home away from home.

Materials Matter: Looks that Book the Kennel
Swing gates and stall fronts are by far the most popular gate choice, and there are a variety of options for constructing them. Below is an overview of the most common materials used for design and the advantages and disadvantages of those materials.

Tempered Glass
Advantages: Tempered glass gates have an attractive open-view appearance that customers prefer because the runs do not look like a cage or prison. The glass also provides an easy-to-clean smooth surface and can help prevent the spread of disease and control noise because the glass serves as a barrier in and out of the run. For these reasons glass has been increasing in popularity for several years. (Note: the glass can be frosted or etched to provide a visual barrier or privacy, as discussed later.)

Disadvantages: Frequent cleaning is required to maintain a spotless appearance, which takes staff time. Glass also does not allow dogs to satisfy their natural tendency to smell nor is there an opportunity to interact with the dogs without opening the gate – although it is possible to design a hole in the glass to allow some interaction. Full-length glass isolation also greatly reduces air circulation, so it is critical to take HVAC design and cost into consideration with this choice. Finally, tempered glass is also typically the most expensive material option.

Stainless Steel
Advantages: Stainless steel gates provide superior air flow for odor control, they are strong and do not easily show dirt or nose prints. Stainless steel also allows for interaction with the dogs without opening the gate.

Disadvantages: The stainless steel bars can look like a prison cell. The cost can also be more expensive than some other material options. There can also be a risk of the spread of disease if someone interacts with dogs in multiple runs, though this can be less of a concern in boarding where dogs are generally healthier.

Galvanized Welded Wire
Advantages: Galvanized welded wire offers the same advantages as stainless steel but at a lower price point.

Disadvantages: The same disadvantages as stainless steel but with the added drawbacks of a less clean and sterile look, less rust resistance as well as the potential for sharp burrs due to the galvanizing process.

Chain Link
Advantages: Chain link is the most economical gate option, offering superior value – often costing only a quarter of the price of tempered glass. It has incredible durability and a smooth finish that does not easily show dirt. Chain link also allows for interaction with the dogs and good airflow.

Disadvantages: Same disadvantages as stainless steel and, in addition, some people believe chain link conveys an old fashioned feel and is not as attractive to customers as other material options, namely tempered glass or stainless steel.

Combination Gates
One idea that is gaining popularity is to combine different materials into one gate. This approach allows you to keep the best attributes of the certain materials while dropping the worst. For example, stainless steel welded wire in the bottom half of a gate and glass in the upper half allows good airflow and interaction with the dog and does not look like a prison cell. Customers wanting more glass can make the ratio 1/4 – 3/4 in order to maximize the clean look of the glass but still allow air flow (which reduces both upfront and ongoing HVAC cost) and the ability to interact with the dog. You can even reverse the materials and have glass on the bottom and wire on top – your kennel manufacturer should be able to meet your wants and needs.

Privacy Matters – Custom Design for Dogs
An important design consideration when building a pet resort is to provide the dogs with some privacy. This can be accomplished by designing the runs so the dogs don’t face each other, which could be putting a visual barrier down the aisle way between runs, or by incorporating privacy into the gates themselves, which is the subject of this section.

Although they are social and a pack animal, dogs need their privacy and the ability to choose their level of visual contact with people and other dogs, especially if they get over-stimulated easily. Gates that offer some type of a privacy option achieve this goal and therefore continue to gain in popularity. This privacy can be accomplished by placing isolation in either the bottom of the swing gate and/or the bottom of the fixed stall front. This isolation can be any of the materials used for side isolation panels (i.e., stainless steel, frosted glass, FRP, HDPE, Wilsonart, etc.) One important consideration is how high to make the isolation in the door or stall front. Dogs are naturally curious and want to see who is walking by. If the isolation is too high, large dogs will be jumping up all day to see what is going on and small dogs will just bark and become anxious or aggravated. It is often better to put the isolation in only the bottom 18” of a gate and stall front, or leave the gate without isolation and employ it in the stall front instead.

For a truly advanced design, gates and stall fronts can also be constructed using FRP or Wilsonart on the outside, or “public” side but have stainless or galvanized sheet metal on the inside, or “dog” side. This approach provides the splash of color customers like to see while the metal on the inside provides extra strength and durability needed to house dogs.

Details that Shine
Gates are available with several accessory options that appeal to both dog owners and the boarding staff.

• Bowl Systems: One of the most popular gate accessories is a bowl system to make it easier and more convenient to provide dogs with water and food. The systems can save staff time spent on feeding and is perfect for feeding more aggressive dogs. It also prevents dogs from stepping in or knocking over their food and water bowl. Systems are available with a single bowl for water or double bowls for both water and food. Look for a system that is installed in the fixed gate piece so that the contents are not disturbed when the gate is opened or closed. Systems either rotate like a revolving tray or can be accessed from outside the kennel and pushed in or out. Regardless of the operation, the bowl should fit snugly in the closed position so that the dog can’t knock the bowl out. Avoid systems that use either square or rectangle bowls because the sharp 90 degree angles create places where food can be trapped. Use round bowls instead to promote cleanliness and eliminate disease.
• Built-in Lockers: Convenient storage space is always an issue in kennels. Gates with built-in lockers can provide storage solutions and leave the front of the gates looking clean and uncluttered.
• Decorative Gate Tops: A variety of decorative gate tops can be used to soften the look of the run. Customers find them aesthetically pleasing and they offer a distinctive look to provide a finishing touch for your dog boarding.

Lock with Confidence
Ensuring the gate locks and stays secure is critical for the safety of both the dog as well as the staff. Look for a latch that is 100% stainless steel for durability and rust prevention, allows the gate to swing both in and out of the run, shut automatically and is operational with one hand. More importantly, make sure the latch secures from both outside and inside the run to allow staff to work inside the kennel knowing the door is securely latched behind them and also easily accessible if they need to leave quickly. The latch should be lockable with a padlock or leash clip for extra security for dogs that may try to escape.

Boarding facilities have an array of options when it comes to gates. Customization can help ensure facilities look great, attract customers, keep the staff and dogs safe and maintain the health of the dogs. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that works for you and meets your needs.

Greg Taylor is the CEO of the Mason Company. Since 1892, Mason Company is the recognized leader in designing and manufacturing animal enclosures. Mason Company offers the broadest product line in the industry, including glass, stainless steel, galvanized steel gates for dogs, isolation panels in a variety of materials, cat condos, cat towers, fiberglass cages, accessories, and more for any animal application. For more information, visit www.MasonCo.com contact [email protected] or call toll-free 800-543-5567.

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