How to Build a Kennel or Cattery
A kennel or cattery is a wonderful addition to any pet service. Most pet sitting services care for multiple dogs or cats at one time and while this may seem like a great idea at first, it can become stressful when all the pets need to go outside at once. A kennel or cattery will allow the pet service worker to better manage all the animals once they have ventured outside.
Items needed:
- Fencing
- Gate
- Curved poles (4)
- Straight poles (11)
- Long rods (2)
- Clamps
- Braces
- Hangers
- Wrench
- Dog/cat door
- Helper
Instructions:
- Lay four straight poles on the ground, forming a square. Add a curved pole in between two of the straight poles in each corner. Attach the straight poles to the curved poles. Repeat this with another four straight poles and another four curved poles. Set aside this second set of poles.
- Attach a brace at the bottom of each of the curved poles, directly in the corner of the pole. Place a bolt through the brace and tighten it using a wrench. Next, attach a brace onto the middle of two of the straight poles. The last brace and pole will be where the gate is placed. Attach seven poles with the braces so they are standing up straight.
- Attach the gate to the pole by placing one of the hinges onto the pole and the other hinge onto the gate. Slide the door on and adjust the hinges and the braces as needed. Attach the gate latch to the other side of the gate door. Adjust as needed. Place the second frame that was built in step one and place braces onto the poles just the same as in step two. Have the person assigned to partner with this project help attach the second frame to the top of the standing poles. Tighten all of the bolts on each corner. Attach the remaining braces as needed and then tighten those as well.
- Weave one of the long rods vertically through one end of the fencing. Using clamps, attach this end of the fencing to the pole closest to the gate. Wrap the fencing tightly around the entire frame of the kennel. Once the fencing has reached the pole closest to the opposite end of the gate, repeat the weaving at the opposite end.
- Use the hangers to close off all holes and to attach the fencing to the framing for a secure kennel and cattery. If the kennel owner is planning on using this as a cattery as well or just wants to add shade and protection for a dog, the top of the kennel must be covered. This can be done by adding plastic tarp to the top.