A better-built kennel isn’t just about animals. It’s about the people who care for them, too.
Every veterinary professional knows the job comes with physical demands. Whether you’re lifting heavy patients, reaching into awkward spaces, or bending down for the fifth time in an hour, the strain adds up fast. Over time, those daily movements can lead to serious injuries, lost productivity, and staff burnout.
That’s where ergonomics comes in. Smart, functional kennel design can make your team’s work more comfortable, efficient, and safer for both them and the animals in their care.
At TriStar Vet, we design veterinary equipment with one purpose in mind: to help the people who help animals. If your kennel setup isn’t supporting your team, it’s time to look at how ergonomics can make a difference.
Why Kennel Design Deserves More Attention
Kennels might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering workflow, but they’re used all day, every day. Whether it’s a holding cage for pre-op patients or long-term boarding for recovery, your team is constantly interacting with them.
Poorly designed kennels slow your team down. Even worse, they contribute to repetitive strain and increase the chance of injury. From improper cage heights to awkward latch locations, the small things add up quickly.
The right kennel design can remove these obstacles entirely. It creates a workspace that’s intuitive, supportive, and built for real-life clinic use.
The Risk Is Real: Work Injuries in Vet Med Are Common
According to PetVet Magazine, veterinary professionals face higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries than many other healthcare workers. The causes are clear: heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and awkward body positioning.
If your clinic’s equipment is making simple tasks harder than they need to be, your team is more likely to get hurt. And when someone goes out with a back or shoulder injury, it can put a strain on your entire staff.
Investing in ergonomic kennel systems is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to protect your team.
How Ergonomic Kennels Improve Workflow and Safety
Ergonomics is all about designing equipment to fit the user—not the other way around. Here’s how smarter kennel features can make daily tasks safer and more efficient.
1. Step-On Ramps Help Avoid Lifting Injuries
Lifting a large dog into a kennel might seem routine, but doing it over and over can wear down even the strongest team. Built-in step-on ramps allow patients to walk in on their own, reducing strain on backs, shoulders, and knees. This feature is especially helpful when working with sedated or geriatric animals.
2. Adjustable Heights Reduce Reaching and Bending
Stacked kennel systems or cages placed too low to the ground force staff to work in uncomfortable positions. Models with adjustable or mid-height access points reduce the need for crouching or reaching overhead, making it easier to clean, monitor, and care for animals without straining.
3. Removable Pans and Rounded Corners Improve Cleanability
Sanitation is a top priority in any animal care facility. Kennels designed with removable pans and smooth, rounded interior corners make cleanup faster and more thorough. These features help reduce the risk of cross-contamination while also minimizing the physical effort needed to scrub and disinfect between patients.
When Equipment Works Better, So Does Your Team
When your staff doesn’t have to fight with their equipment or risk injury during routine tasks, they can stay focused on what matters—providing great care. Ergonomic kennel design makes your clinic more efficient, improves team morale, and supports better outcomes for your patients.
It’s not just about comfort. It’s about long-term sustainability for your staff and your business.
TriStar Vet Designs with Real Veterinary Work in Mind
Every TriStar Vet kennel, cage, and enclosure is built based on feedback from veterinary professionals who use them every day. Our team doesn’t just guess what works. We study real clinic environments, listen to the people doing the work, and design features that solve everyday problems.
From quiet-close latches to two-way doors, step-on ramps, and removable pans, our kennel systems are crafted to support cleaner, safer, and more efficient workflows. Built from durable stainless steel and hand-finished for long-term performance, our products are made to last for the life of your practice.
Looking to outfit a new space or upgrade your current setup? Our line of veterinary pet boarding products and veterinary exam cabinets can be customized to meet your clinic’s needs, space, and budget.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Team, Protect Your Practice
Your veterinary staff is your clinic’s greatest asset. When they feel supported, safe, and equipped to do their job well, everything else falls into place.
Choosing ergonomically designed kennels isn’t just a smart purchase. It’s a long-term investment in your team’s health, your clinic’s efficiency, and your ability to provide excellent care, day in and day out.
Ready to explore better-built kennels that work as hard as your team does? Let’s find the right solution for your clinic.
The animal care experts at TriStar Vet design and manufacture veterinary exam tables, professional grooming equipment, and other innovative products for your vet clinic that are ergonomic, ultra-durable and affordable.
Explore our veterinary exam cabinets and veterinary pet boarding products to see the TriStar difference.