How to Design for Staff Efficiency in Animal Care Facilities

Design Factors to Maximize Efficiency

Animal care facilities, including shelters, veterinary hospitals, and boarding kennels, operate in fast-paced environments where staff members manage multiple responsibilities with minimal downtime. Efficient facility design is critical in optimizing workflow, reducing physical strain, and improving overall operations. By addressing key design considerations before construction, facilities can enhance staff efficiency and create a safer, more effective working environment.

The building experts at Design Learned use two primary design factors to significantly impact efficiency - building layout and cleaning systems.

Optimizing Layout for Efficiency

A well-planned layout is essential for maximizing staff efficiency and ensuring smooth operations. Poorly designed spaces can lead to unnecessary travel between areas, workflow bottlenecks, and inefficient task execution. Conversely, an optimized layout minimizes redundancy, enhances staff productivity, and promotes better animal care. 

Key elements of an efficient layout that the Design Learned building experts aim to include projects:

• Strategic Adjacencies – Placing related functions near each other reduces staff movement and increases operational efficiency.

• Elimination of Redundant Pathways – Avoiding unnecessary travel routes streamlines workflows and conserves staff energy.

• Centrally Located Service Areas – Positioning essential spaces such as laundry, food preparation, and supply storage in accessible locations enhances convenience and reduces travel time through the building.

By implementing these principles, animal care facilities can create a layout that optimizes staff efficiency while maintaining high standards of care.

Integrating Efficient Cleaning Systems

Cleaning protocols in animal care facilities directly impact both operational efficiency and hygiene. Many traditional cleaning methods, such as manual waste disposal and mop-and-bucket cleaning, are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Modern facility design incorporates automated and streamlined cleaning solutions to improve efficiency and maintain sanitary conditions. 

The Design Learned team often recommends the following cleaning systems:

• Flush Fixtures for Solid Waste – Large flush fixtures, similar to oversized toilets, allow for quick and sanitary disposal of solid waste.

• Automatic Rinsing Systems for Trench Drains—Automated flushing mechanisms efficiently remove liquid waste from kennel areas, reducing cleaning time.

• Hose Reels for Kennel Washdowns – Strategically placed hose reels enable thorough and efficient cleaning of kennel spaces.

• Handwashing Stations for Staff Hygiene – Conveniently located handwashing sinks promote staff hygiene and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

• Piped Chemical Cleaning Systems (where applicable) - Integrated chemical dispensing systems allow for the direct application of disinfectants, streamlining the sanitation process.

By incorporating these features into facility design, animal care operations can significantly reduce cleaning time and effort while maintaining a high level of cleanliness and biosecurity.

Ready to enhance staff efficiency at your facility?

Investing in thoughtful facility design is essential for enhancing staff efficiency in animal care settings. A well-planned layout minimizes unnecessary movement, improves workflow, and supports better animal care. Likewise, integrating advanced cleaning systems reduces manual labor and ensures a sanitary environment. By prioritizing these key design elements, animal care facilities can create a more effective, safe, and sustainable working environment for both staff and animals.

Call the Design Learned team at 860-889-7078 or schedule a consultation online to discuss your animal care facility and explore options.