Patient Safety First: The Role of Stainless Steel Cages in Veterinary Care
There are a variety of different veterinary practices across the globe, from converted old buildings to purpose-built referral centers. No matter the type of veterinary practice, patient safety should always be at the forefront of our minds.
The type of cages used within the veterinary sector could have a direct impact on the health of our patients, with some cage materials being described as superior to others. There are many different factors that could affect the quality of patient care, but the quality of cages within kennels and catteries is well within our control.
Let’s have a look at 10 reasons to invest in, or make the switch to, stainless steel cages for your veterinary practice.
Durability
Stainless steel is durable, making it the perfect material for an animal cage. Stainless steel has an important component - chromium - which gives the steel its durable nature. (Anderson, 2022)
We see a variety of different temperaments at the veterinary practice, from the sweet and innocent to the bold and brash and it is important for a kennel to withstand a beating (or gnawing) when an animal may not be too happy about being in a cage.
Some kennels can be manufactured with materials such as glass and plastic, however, these are often easily damaged by warping, bending, or even smashing.
Fully customizable
Veterinary practices come in all different shapes and sizes and it is important that you don’t have to change your current space to be able to upgrade your kennel design. Many stainless steel kennels can be made to order, allowing them to fit the area that you already have.
Hygienic
All types of kennels and cages found within the veterinary practice should be easy to clean and maintain. After all, the clinic should be as sterile as possible to avoid post-operative, zoonotic, and inter-species infections.
Stainless steel cages are easily cleaned and disinfected. Not only that, but they are unlikely to become damaged by the cleaning chemicals or being wet.
Traditional kennels, which include ceramic tiles, offer the possibility of harboring bacteria, either in cracked tiles or the grouting. Materials such as plastic and perspex are easy to clean and maintain, however, once they are scratched or damaged in any way, this also offers a chance for bacteria to accumulate.
Hypoallergenic properties
Stainless steel is hypoallergenic and it is unlikely that an animal would have a reaction to it. In fact, that’s why jewelry for humans is often made from steel as it is unlikely that we will have an allergic reaction.
Similarly, many pet food bowls are made from stainless steel - mainly because it has the same benefits that stainless steel kennels do! Harmful bacteria, pollen, and allergens are unable to enter stainless steel due to its non-porous surface, making it a safer option for our patients. (Americat Company, 2023)
Eco-friendly
In a world where sustainability and global warming are hot topics, it’s only fair that veterinary practices do their bit to contribute towards a greener future. Veterinary practices produce a substantial amount of waste, so why should we further implicate the environment by investing in plastic kennels?
Stainless steel is environmentally friendly, fully recyclable, and toxic chemicals are not usually used in its production. When you compare this to plastic kennels, which are not normally recyclable, it’s easy to see why stainless steel is superior.
Aesthetically pleasing
No matter what cages you have at the veterinary practice, you want them to be safe, easy to clean and look smart. If you’re employing new staff, the appearance of the practice says a lot about a company.
Stainless steel cages look sleek, smart, and clean. They make a kennel or cattery environment look clean, professional, and functional.
Strong and safe
Stainless steel is a strong material. In fact, stainless steel is so strong that it is often used to build bridges, skyscrapers, and vehicles.
Stainless steel cages offer the best security and protection for our patients. Whilst plastic and perspex are strong, they can be more likely to break and crack. Some kennels offer glass frontages which are perfect for observing patients, but may not be the best material for an angry canine that we want to stay where it is!
Resistant to rust
A massive perk to stainless steel kennels is that they are corrosion-resistant. This makes them a brilliant addition to the veterinary practice as they can be easily cleaned or left to soak in disinfectant in severely soiled cases.
Stainless steel cages are also brilliant to be used outside, as they are weather resistant and so are suitable for housing injured wildlife.
Aids in odor control
Unfortunately, there’s always a less desirable smell or two at the veterinary practice. From diarrhea to vomit - we’ve seen it all.
Stainless steel cages offer an easy-to-clean surface and thankfully do not hold on to unpleasant odors.
Most other materials, including perspex, are easy to clean but can sometimes hold on to smells.
Perspex can scratch more easily, allowing odors to penetrate into the material.
Some kennels can have ceramic tiles that line the walls and floor of the kennels; These are easy to clean initially, but aged and worn tiles can crack and deteriorate over time, harboring smells.
Resistant to extreme temperatures
Whilst a veterinary clinic is usually temperature-controlled and is unlikely to experience extreme temperatures, stainless steel is resilient against hot and cold temperatures.
Plastic can easily warp under hot conditions or become brittle in extreme cold. Likewise, glass can easily crack and smash in high or low temperatures.
Final thoughts on stainless steel cages
Stainless steel kennels have many perks and seem to be one of the most versatile and durable kennels available within the veterinary industry. Each veterinary practice is different and what might suit one practice may not suit another. If you want a cage that is secure, durable, hygienic, and eco-conscious you can’t go wrong with a stainless steel kennel.
