Canine Containment

Containment is a critical component of the grooming process. Animals must be contained while waiting to be groomed, in between various stages of the grooming process and after grooming. When selecting equipment, it is important to think about the purpose, length and location of containment.   

The standard in the grooming shop is the modular cage system or multi-cage unit. They offer economy of dollars and space, while providing professional-grade durability. Before selecting a unit, it is important to consider a variety of factors:  Will the unit be used for containment during all stages of the grooming process? Will dogs be dried in the unit? How many dogs should it be able to contain and what size dogs? Will it be located in a visible area of the shop?  What size space is available for the unit? Does it have to be mobile? Should the configuration be adjustable? These are just a few of the considerations; plus, of course, there is always the matter of balancing the ideal system with what will keep the checkbook balanced. 


Powder-Coated Modular Systems
A professional powder-coated steel modular system offers the flexibility of custom configuration with professional durability at a reasonable price. It has solid sides, which allow for cage drying and prevent animals from interacting with each other. For the most flexibility, look for units that offer a variety of options or accessories that can be purchased at the outset or added (or adjusted) later as the salon’s needs change. A wheeled base, dividers for larger cages, units that can be used with or without a waste pans and removable/replaceable doors are a few options to consider. 

This type of cage system generally comes knocked down, which means a significant savings on shipping. It also will require assembly.  Modular cage units are not difficult to assemble, but it can be time consuming. Make sure to allow ample time for set-up.


Stainless Steel & Fiberglass Units
Stainless steel modular cages will be more expensive than powder coated units, but they will provide the highest level of durability, rust resistance and sanitation. Stainless steel is preferred by veterinary and medical clinics, as well as other facilities where sanitation is a priority. Freight will have to be a consideration with these units, as stainless steel cages come fully assembled and do not knock down for shipping.  Generally, these cages must ship by truck and will cost more to ship than knock-down models. When looking at stainless steel cages, make sure that replacement parts and hardware are available. The cage will last indefinitely, but screws, parts, etc., will rust or break and need to be replaced.

A non-metal option is fiberglass. Fiberglass units are seamless, with no interior metal parts, making them easy to clean and leaving few places for bacteria to grow. Fiberglass is durable and will not rust, but it is susceptible to cracking if dropped. Fiberglass also offers a variety of color options. The price of fiberglass cages is generally more than powder-coated steel, but less than full stainless units. 


Wire & Plastic Cages
If animals will not be dried in the unit, powder-coated wire modular cages are ideal for containment. They can be custom configured to meet a shop’s specific requirements. Small and large cages can be configured together, as needed.  Many feature dividers, so the space can be used as one large space or two smaller spaces. 

When looking at wire cages, it is important to note the wire gauge and the spacing of the wire. The lower the gauge, the larger the diameter of the wire used. Wire should be spaced tightly enough to prevent paws from getting stuck or injured.  It is also important to prevent noses from fitting through, to reduce the likelihood of nips by other dogs or tooth injuries. Wire cages generally have a smaller footprint than enclosed modular cages and are perfect for containment of animals waiting to be groomed or that have finished the groom. Wire cages also work extremely well for cats. Wire units generally knock down for shipping and can often be shipped via UPS.

Basic wire and plastic cages are not widely used in grooming shops, but they are worth mentioning because they offer a safe and inexpensive means of easy containment for one animal. Wire crates can usually be set up without tools and fold down into a “suitcase” for easy portability and storage. 

Molded plastic cages/kennels usually consist of two pieces (top and bottom) that screw together. Many wire and plastic cages are designed to stack, but they aren’t generally made to withstand the demands of a busy grooming shop.  While not considered suitable as a primary system of containment in the most grooming shops, wire and plastic cages and kennels are ideal for emergency or holiday overflow, separating an upset/sick animal or for containment during transportation or grooming at a contest or show. If wire crates are used in the grooming shop for containment, it is best to keep them away from the bathing area, as even professional-grade wire crates are not designed for a constantly wet environment.

Another option for overflow and for extra-large dogs is an exercise pen. They fold flat and set up quickly. Exercise pens come in a variety of heights and can usually be configured in multiple ways, depending on the number of panels.  Many have tops available to prevent animals from jumping out.  An exercise pen is a perfect alternative to lifting an extra-large dog or senior dog into a cage after bathing or grooming.  Many shops also utilize eye hooks in the wall as a way to secure extra large dogs, overflow, or dogs in between grooming processes. 


Safety First
Safety features should always be a consideration when looking at cages. These are just a few questions to consider: How does the door latch work? Can it be accidentally bumped or knocked open by an employee or animal? Can it be easily opened with just one hand? Are the floor grids spaced appropriately for paws? Are there other places that are going to cut or catch an animal or where paws could get stuck? Is it possible for water or waste to run out of the cage or tray and get other pets or people wet or dirty? Will the desired configuration have any sharp points in key areas such as eye level? If the system is on wheels is the locking mechanism secure? How difficult will it be to clean and sanitize?

Be sure that the unit chosen will work with the shop’s floor plan. Check all measurements against the dimensions of the unit. There is nothing worse than spending time building a unit to discover it won’t fit in the intended space. 


Michelle Austin has been Project Manager for Ryan’s Pet Supplies since 2001. Ryan’s Pet Supplies manufactures, imports and distributes professional pet care products. Michelle is involved in most aspects of the business. She participates in new product selection and development, catalog production, and marketing and communications.