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• <br />Building an animal shelter requires making a series of decisions unique to animal -housing <br />facilities —such as choosing safe caging materials and selecting appropriate floor coatings. Here <br />is some guidance on what to plan for and what to watch out for: <br />Acoustics <br />A key acoustical consideration is the placement (housing) of animals in relation to each other. <br />For example, house yapping puppies away from kittens, nursing mothers, and debilitated <br />animals; locate noisy equipment such as furnaces, washing machines, or phones well away from <br />the euthanasia room. The din of barking can be reduced through proper design of and materials <br />selection for the dog -kennel area. <br />Automatic Feeders <br />Avoid these because they can be difficult to clean and disinfect. Their use also reduces the <br />opportunities for interaction and socialization between the animals and their caretakers. <br />Double- and triple -decker cages <br />The HSUS strongly discourages using triple -decker cages for any animal, as well as double- <br />decker cages and kennels for dogs and puppies. They not only are impossible to clean, but also <br />• pose a danger to kennel staff when animals need to be placed in or removed from the cages. <br />Double-decker cages are acceptable for cats provided they are not positioned too high along the <br />wall. <br />Electrical sockets <br />These should be positioned on the wall at least three feet above the floor to avoid "splash -ups" of <br />water and cleaning solutions used in floor hosing. <br />Electric warming coils under concrete -slab flooring <br />Avoid installing this type of system because it is nearly inaccessible in case of failure. <br />Ergonomic considerations <br />For the sake of staff and volunteers, plan the facility with their safety in mind. For example, to <br />minimize back strain, install bathtubs at a "working height" for groomers/caretakers and inset an <br />area at the base for feet. Similarly, install hydraulic lift mechanisms for tables where heavy <br />animals will be examined, groomed, or otherwise handled. <br />Flat roofs <br />Although flat roofs are convenient for accommodating HVAC equipment, they are more prone to <br />leaks and may collapse under heavy ice and snow build-up. <br />• <br />