Diseases that outlast ordinary cleaning
Shelters, boarding kennels, daycares, grooming salons and breeding facilities house many animals close together, and some animal pathogens are very hard to kill. Canine parvovirus, for example, survives a long time in the environment and is resistant to many common disinfectants. Ringworm spores, feline panleukopenia and other pathogens present similar challenges. After an outbreak, facilities often need a full deep clean beyond what staff can do while caring for animals.
How the work is done
- Coordinate with your veterinarian and staff on the organism, affected areas and animal movement.
- Remove organic matter. Feces, urine, hair, food and bedding are removed first, since organic material blocks disinfectants.
- Clean kennels, runs, cages, floors, walls, drains, grooming areas and equipment with detergents.
- Disinfect with products registered for the organism of concern, observing contact times. Accelerated hydrogen peroxide and other products with label claims against parvovirus are common choices, depending on your veterinarian's guidance.
- Address porous surfaces. Unsealed concrete, wood and damaged coatings can harbor pathogens. We note areas that need sealing or replacement.
- Rinse and dry surfaces before animals return, as product labels require.
- Document areas and products for your records.
Hoarding intakes and seized-animal cases
When shelters take in animals from hoarding or cruelty cases, the original property often needs heavy decontamination as well. See animal hoarding cleanup.
Laundry, transport and equipment
Transport crates, vehicles, laundry areas and shared equipment are common sources of reinfection and are included in outbreak cleaning.
Common questions
Can animals stay in the building during cleaning?
Affected areas must be empty. We work in sections so you can rotate animals.
Which disinfectant should we use for parvo?
Choose an EPA-registered product with label claims against canine parvovirus and follow your veterinarian's guidance.
Do you offer routine deep cleaning?
Yes, as a scheduled program between outbreaks.