It has always been our policy to ensure that our guests are warm during the winter months. Based on our own research where we compared temperatures using different types of heating we have started upgrading and added rooms for dogs which are totally indoors. These buildings are built with bricks and mortar, have insulation in the roof as well as fitted ceilings and weather strips around the doors. This provides a relatively constant temperature in the sleeping area with the added benefit of being able to regulate the temperature more effectively by means of panel heaters fitted in strategic places inside these buildings. Some of the rooms are already fitted with rubberised flooring to enhance the insulation.
It is an expensive undertaking to house our guests in the same comfort as what they enjoy at home but we feel that it is an important aspect of their wellbeing whilst in our care. As the budget allows we are converting more rooms in this manner and moving away from the infrared heating lamps which does not allow for effective temperature regulation like an indoor, well insulated sleeping area. The ambient temperature during the winter months can fluctuate rather dramatically and to have a heating source which supplies the same constant heat without being able to regulate it is not ideal.
It is hardly ever necessary to provide additional heating during the day but we have the means and capacity to do so during cold snaps.
The units in our cattery are still heated by infrared lamps during the winter months – May to August.
For some interesting statistics, please visit this link for more information on ideal and safe temperatures for your pets.