Why should shelters use
(two sides) double
compartment cage?

Cages in shelters have a very important role in the welfare of sheltered animals. The cage should provide sufficient space for animal movement, bedding, food and waste should not be close together. Apart from that, the cage must also be easy to clean without having to remove or relocate the animal. A cage with double compartments, meets these criteria.

By: Drh.Mikeu Paujiah, Dipl.Montessori

Translator: Anjani Setya Utami

Photo: www.sheltermedicine.com

Here are some of the advantages of a cage with two sides/two compartments.

1. Meeting most of animal’s basic needs

    • Animals can defecate and urinate far from where they sleep and eat.
    • There is bigger space to move such as lying down and stretching, moving around a little – stress reduction, grooming etc.

2. Easy maintenance

    • Easier for the staff to clean up, to change the bedding, to give food without disturbing the animals.
    • The quicker the cleaning time, the better it is for the animal
    • Lebih efisien waktu bagi petugas kebersihan

3. Minimizing stress on animals for their scientific behavioural needs are met, they’re free to move, they don’t
have to be moved or relocated when cleaning time, there
will be minimum human touch during the cleaning.

 

4. Minimizing the risk of disease and the transmission of disease.

 

5. Minimizing maintenance’s costs.

The natural behaviour of dogs and cats is to move away from where they sleep and eat when they defecate. Double compartments meet these needs by providing separate areas for animals to sleep, eat and drink and defecate/urinate. When basic behaviours are met, animals tend to be happier.

 

Source :
Denae Wagner Dvm, Mpvm, Housing Design, Length Of Stay And Animal Shelter Costs: In The Short And Long Term Uc Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
https://www.uwsheltermedicine.com/library/resources/facility-design-and-animal-housing

 

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