Planning heating for a kennel, cattery, breeding unit or recovery area is about creating a safe, comfortable environment for the animals while keeping the system practical to run and maintain.

The right setup will depend on the building, the number of compartments, insulation, local climate, animal type and whether the area is used for adult animals, recovery, boarding, queens with kittens or whelping bitches and puppies.

A heating system should provide warmth where it is needed, while allowing each animal to move away from the heat source if it becomes too warm.

What to consider when choosing a heating system

Before choosing heaters, consider:

• The size and layout of each compartment

• Insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor

• Draughts, particularly at floor level

• Ventilation and humidity

• The age, health and coat type of the animals

• Whether animals are housed individually or together

• Whether the area is used for whelping, kittens or young puppies

• Ease of cleaning around the installation

• Running costs and ability to control separate areas

• Whether the system can be expanded in future

A well-insulated, draught-free sleeping area will always be easier and more economical to heat than a poorly insulated building.

Infra-red kennel heaters

Infra-red dull emitters are designed to provide radiant warmth to a defined area beneath the heater, such as a bed, sleeping area or whelping box.

Unlike a whole-room heating system, an infra-red heater can create a warmer local zone without needing to heat every part of the building to the same level.

This can be useful where different compartments have different requirements. For example, one kennel may be occupied by a healthy adult dog while another is being used for a recovering animal, a breeding bitch or a young litter.

Wren infra-red heaters are designed for this type of compartment-based heating, with different element ratings available to suit different conditions.

Why insulation matters

Insulation is one of the most important parts of any kennel or cattery heating setup.

Good insulation helps retain warmth in colder weather and can also reduce overheating in warmer conditions. It can lower running costs, reduce draughts and help create a more stable environment for the animals.

Pay particular attention to:

• External walls

• Ceilings and roofs

• Floors and raised sleeping areas

• Doors and access hatches

• Gaps around pipes, cables and ventilation points

Heating should never be used as a substitute for fixing serious draughts, damp or poor insulation.

Individual control is useful

Heating needs can change through the day, across the seasons and between occupants.

A system with individual heater controls can make it easier to:

• Switch off heating in empty compartments

• Adjust warmth for smaller, older or more vulnerable animals

• Provide additional local warmth for whelping or recovery areas

• Reduce unnecessary energy use

• Isolate individual sections for maintenance

Timers, thermostatic controls and energy regulators may also be useful, but the right controls will depend on the installation and should be selected as part of an overall system design.

Safety first

Any heating system used around animals must be securely installed and regularly checked.

Heat sources should be positioned so they are out of reach, cannot be knocked down and are kept clear of bedding, towels, straw and other flammable materials.

Animals must always be able to move away from a direct heat source.

Electrical installation work, alterations and fault-finding should be carried out by a competent electrician. Follow the current manufacturer instructions for the heater, mounting method, controls, cable routing and maintenance requirements.

Heating for whelping and young animals

Whelping bitches, newborn puppies and young kittens often need a warmer local area than healthy adult animals.

The important point is to create a temperature gradient: the young animals need access to sufficient warmth, while the mother must be able to move to a cooler area if needed.

Use suitable thermometers, monitor the animals regularly and seek veterinary advice for vulnerable, premature, orphaned or unwell young animals.

Kennels, boarding facilities and recovery areas

For larger installations, it can be useful to divide the heating system into manageable sections.

This may make it easier to control occupied and unoccupied areas separately, identify faults and carry out maintenance without losing heat across the whole building.

The exact electrical design, number of heaters per circuit and control arrangement should be planned by a qualified electrician based on the premises, equipment and current electrical regulations.

Catteries

Cats generally benefit from warm, dry, well-ventilated sleeping areas that are free from draughts.

For individual cat accommodation, local supplementary warmth may be useful in colder conditions. However, the cat must always be able to move away from the heated area.

The ideal heater size and output will depend on the enclosure dimensions, insulation, ambient temperature and whether the space is used for an individual cat, a queen with kittens or multiple cats sharing an area.

Maintaining your heater system

To keep infra-red heaters working efficiently:

• Keep reflector surfaces clean

• Check cables, plugs, switches and fittings regularly

• Remove dust and debris from the heater area

• Check mounting points and chains remain secure

• Replace damaged components promptly

• Arrange periodic inspection of electrical equipment where appropriate

Always isolate the electrical supply before cleaning, adjusting or carrying out maintenance.

Need help planning your heating setup?

The Diamond Edge team can help you choose suitable Wren heater products for your kennel or cattery.

Send us:

• Photos or a sketch of the setup

• Dimensions of each compartment

• Details of insulation and ventilation

• Typical winter conditions

• The type and number of animals housed

• Whether the system is for boarding, breeding, recovery or general accommodation

For electrical installation advice, please consult a qualified electrician.

[Shop Wren Kennel Heaters]
[Shop Heater Controls and Regulators]
[Read: Choosing a Wren Kennel Heater]

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