Boarding kennels across America are becoming more and more popular in recent years. Some kennels are five star facilities, with amenities such as temperature-controlled rooms, play areas with small slides and bouncy balls, and even pools just for dogs. Whatever the rating of the facility, all kennels face the issue of what dog kennel mats types to use. There are many types of flooring available—from concrete, to AstroTurf, to natural surfaces like grass. However, perhaps the best choice in dog kennel mats would be a rubber one. The mats are made from rubber and can be placed over other types of surfaces. Rubber dog kennel mats offers many benefits to both dogs and people.

Most people these days do not view their dogs as pets. They want the best for their dogs because they think of them as family. From human-grade food, to the safest, fun toys to the bed their precious “children” use, dog owners want to ensure that their family members are getting the best. Many owners find it difficult to leave their dogs behind when they go on vacation, or have matters to attend to where they simply cannot bring their dogs with them. Leaving their children with capable, professional staff helps give them some peace of mind. Even more so, a facility that looks well cared for, well equipped, and clean, gives owners greater peace of mind. Dog kennel mats are important because they contribute to and affect the welfare of the dogs using them. A rubber doggie mat gives dogs a softer surface to do all the doggie things they do in a kennel—jump up and down, dig with their nails, sit, pace, and lie down. These rubber mats are superior to concrete because they are softer and easier on dog’s joints and bones. A doggie mat can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis for aging dogs because it can act as insulation from cold surfaces. Since dogs normally spend about 80-90% of their time locked up in the kennel, a dog kennel mat is necessary to help ensure their safety.

Dog kennel mats can help increase dogs’ safety because it can protect their nails when they dig at the surface. Some dogs are also very destructive from boredom or anxiety, and a rubber doggie mat can act as a buffer between a dog and the hard floor beneath the mat. A dog could still get hurt if he falls onto the mat, but because of its softer surface, it can reduce the severity of injury, as opposed to a dog falling onto plain concrete. A rubber dog kennel mat can also increase the safety of employees at dog boarding facilities. An article from Herald Tribune called, “Kennels and Pet Boarding,” states, “Employees at kennels and pet boarding facilities are classified as kennel attendants, groomers, and animal trainers. Kennel attendants clean cages and dog runs, fill food and water dishes, and exercise the animals,” (heraldtribune.com/assets/pdf/advtips/IQ_KennelPetBoarding.pdf). Dogs often make big messes, even on any doggie mat—from urine and feces, to drool, to spilling water and food everywhere, and employees are the ones who have to clean up after them. Various types of rubber dog kennel mats are moisture-resistant and often has a non-slip surface. Not only are they easy to clean just by hosing or wiping them down, the risk of employees slipping and falling can be reduced.

There are so many great features and functions of dog kennel mats. A dog kennel mat can also give peace of mind to owners who are worried about leaving their dogs in a strange facility. The mats show care for the comfort and well being of the animals. A doggie mat is better for dogs to use to lie down, jump, sit or stand on because the surface is softer than concrete. It is also easier on their joints and acts as insulation. It is also very easy to clean, making the job for kennel attendants less difficult and messy. A dog kennel mat can help reduce the risk of injury to both pets and employees because of the non-slip surface. The multitude of benefits and applications of rubber dog kennel mats makes it an excellent choice for the health and safety of dogs and people alike.