Cage Cleaning Procedure

Spot Cleaning (During Patient Stay)

1. Remove feces and vomit and flush in toilet with toilet paper only.

2. Replace blankets only if they are wet or significantly soiled. 

3. Always remove dry/soft pieces, and puddles of stool from blankets before putting them in the laundry basket/washer.

4. Remember, only do one room at a time, spray yourself with disinfectant and wash hands between all rooms. Spray disinfectant and use toilet paper to clean the feces and vomit on the floor. 

5. Flush soiled toilet paper down toilet - do not place in trash as raccoons can spread parvo too. 

6. Do not throw paper towels in the toilet.

7. Flush as you go. Saving everything to flush at the end increases the chances of damaging the plumbing.

8. Flush small amounts at a time to avoid clogs.

9. Plunge immediately if water begins to back up to avoid overflow.

After Patient Discharge

1. Remove all traces of feces/food/dirt from the cage with a warm wash cloth or scrub brush. 

   • Use the poop scraper for any feces caked to the floor or walls.

   • Don't forget to scrub the cage doors!

   • This is the most important step in the sanitation process as disinfectants are inactivated by organic materials such as food, feces, and urine.

2. After debris is removed, spray the cage, including the door, with disinfectant and allow to soak for at least 10 minutes.  Repeat this process two more times. It is best-practice to use one disinfected (such as trifectant) before then repeating the procedure with bleach (waiting the appropriate 10 minutes and wiping down the surfaces between each disinfectant).

3. Wipe cage down with a clean hand towel or paper towels (if new puppy is coming into kennel, otherwise ok to let air dry).