Home Dog Boarding Cleaning and Disinfection Procedure: What to Document

Write the procedure by area

List the designated rooms, communal areas, food preparation space, outdoor areas, isolation area where relevant, and equipment such as bowls, bedding, toys and grooming items. For each, state what is cleaned, how often, what product or method is used and who is responsible.

Separate cleaning from disinfection

Removing visible dirt and organic material is not the same as disinfecting. Your procedure should reflect the sequence recommended for the products you use and should include any required contact time, dilution and rinsing. Avoid writing technical claims you cannot support from the manufacturer’s instructions.

Build in daily room inspection

The current guidance says designated rooms must be inspected at least daily and kept clean in accordance with the documented procedure. A simple daily room check can record cleanliness, bedding condition, hazards, temperature concerns and any repair needed.

Plan for waste and toileting

State how frequently faeces are removed, where waste is stored, how outdoor areas are checked between dogs and how soiled materials are handled. The routine should minimise cross-contamination without creating unnecessary handling of dirty items through clean areas.

Keep products away from dogs

Record storage locations for detergents and disinfectants and ensure they are inaccessible to animals. People using them need to understand safe use, dilution and any protective equipment required by the product instructions.

Have an enhanced infection-control process

If a dog is infectious or suspected to be infectious, equipment, bowls, bedding, cleaning utensils and the order in which dogs are checked can require extra controls. Write the escalation process separately so staff do not have to invent it under pressure.

Review the procedure after a product or room change

A new disinfectant, flooring material or designated room can make an old procedure inaccurate. Keep a review date and record significant changes so the live procedure describes what is actually being done.