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What's included:
Kit Packages Include:
- 1:12 roof pitch (2:12-6:12 available)
- Tapered steel I-Beams (primary framing)
- All roof purlins & wall girts (secondary framing)
- Two framed door openings (add extra if required)
- Engineer stamped erection & anchor bolt plans
- Pre-painted 26-gauge metal roof & wall panels *
- All nuts, bolts, clips and fasteners
- Detailed construction manual
- Pre-drilled, numbered parts
- Complete trim package
- Sealants & flashing
- Structural warranty (30-50 yrs)*
- Paint warranty (30-40yrs)*
*Vary by supplier
Standard Kit Package
© BuildingsGuide -
Features
Key Features:
American-made, I-Beam steel framing, custom-engineered in factories across North America.
- Customizable to suit any application
- Designed to meet your local codes
- Certified to 160 mph wind & 110 (psf) snow load
- Precision engineering for a weathertight structure
- Red-oxide primer baked onto all components
- Low maintenance, with 30+ year warranties
- 100% usable, column-free space
- Easily expanded for future growth *
- Fast construction times
- DIY friendly
* if future expansion is a possible requirement, be sure to specify 'expandable end walls' when placing your order.
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Exclusions
Items not included:
- Delivery
- Permits
- Foundation
- Construction
- Insulation
- Interior framing and finishing
- Enclosures and dog runs *
Dog Kennel Buildings
Metal buildings are the #1 choice for commercial dog kennels & canine facilities
Prefabricated steel buildings are easily customized to fit your boarding, breeding, or doggy daycare needs, they are more durable than wooden structures, are low maintenance, and provide a safe environment for the animals in your care.

Dimensions: 30' x 60' x 10'
What is a Prefab Kennel Building?
Unlike conventional wood structures that require on-site framing cuts, modern steel dog kennel buildings rely on pre-manufactured and pre-cut steel framing that is seamlessly fastened together using bolts. This innovative construction technique boasts a 40% faster assembly time with zero material wastage, making them an efficient, economical, and eco-friendly construction choice.
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Compare & save with competing quotes from trusted local suppliersCustomer Kennel Pictures

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Why Choose a Pre-Built Dog Kennel Building?
Custom Designs. All kennel structures are custom designed and engineered to your specifications. You decide where you need doors, windows, skylights, vents, etc.
Fast Construction. Prefab kennel kit buildings are like a large erector set that is bolted together on-site. A typical 1,200-2,400 sq ft facility can be erected in a matter of days by a professional crew.
Safety. Wood structures use chemically treated lumber that can be poisonous to animals. Steel is a safe, non-toxic alternative. All our commercial dog kennel buildings are engineered to meet your local wind, snow, and seismic activity codes.
Pest & Rot Proof. No need to worry about termites or rodents destroying your building; you also won’t have to worry about expensive damage caused by dry rot.
Fire Retardant. Unlike stick-built, steel kennels are inherently flame-retardant; you could even save up to 40% on insurance premiums.
Environmentally Friendly. Building components are manufactured from up to 60% recycled steel. With factory-engineered components, there is zero construction waste. Buildings are designed to be highly energy efficient.
Pre-built dog kennel buildings are the practical & economical choice for modern commercial dog boarding and kennel facilities
- Near-zero maintenance
- Insect, rodent, mildew and rot proof
- Weathertight construction
- Fire resistance of steel = lower insurance cost
- Fast construction to occupancy
- Wall-to-wall, clear span space
- Custom manufactured to your specs
- High energy-efficiency
- Modular design for easy expansion
- Numerous available finishing options
What's included in a Kennel Building Kit?
A prefab kennel kit includes the primary steel I-beam (girder) structure with secondary framing and fasteners. You pick the color for roofing and siding (warrantied), with door and window openings to your specs. All parts are pre-cut and drilled. Detailed plans and assembly instructions are also included.
Popular Dog Kennel Designs & Plans
Listed below are sample professional outdoor dog kennel designs to help you visualize what is possible. All kennel buildings are custom manufactured to your exact specs and can be engineered in sizes of 1,000 sq ft+ with doors, windows, and exterior colors of your choice.
Please note that our suppliers only supply the shell for commercial dog kennel buildings. You will need to engage a local contractor to equip your kennel interior with enclosures, runs, partition rooms, etc.
Dog Kennel Buildings (16 dog)
A 30x40 dog kennel building gives you 1200 square feet of space to customize according to your needs. It's the perfect size for small doggy daycare businesses, rescue shelters, or dog boarding facilities that can accommodate up to 16 dogs. View our sample 30x40 building plans and layouts for inspiration.
Designs & LayoutsDog Kennel Buildings (27 dog)
With 1,800 sq ft of floor space, 30' x 60' prefabricated buildings are a durable solution for a growing commercial dog boarding facility or rescue shelter. You can comfortably accommodate up to 30 dogs with the available floor space. Kennels are easily configured with a mix of small and large runs and enclosures to meet local demand. View our sample floor plans.
Designs & LayoutsPlanning, Designing & Building a Commercial Kennel
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Step 1: Planning & Permitting
Before beginning to assemble your kennel, a few things must be addressed. For starters, you will need to obtain any licenses or permits necessary to operate a commercial dog kennel building in your area. Additionally, as is the case with any new building being constructed, zoning requirements and local building codes must be followed.
A building permit will usually be required for your new structure. For more details, see our page on building code requirements.
For a more in-depth look at the planning stage, see our guide to planning a metal building project.
Federal Rules for Housing and Sheltering Animals
To protect all animals and ensure they live in a happy, healthy environment, the government has set forth several rules and regulations that relate to the housing and caging of animals. These laws were put into place in 1970 and still stand relatively unaltered today.
Condition of Animal Living Spaces
The majority of federal regulations address the design and layout of animal shelters. All shelters and housing facilities must be “maintained in good repair,” meaning all structures must be structurally sound, all windows and doors must open, close, and lock correctly, and any interior or exterior damage must be repaired in a timely manner.
It’s not only the exterior and structure of the building for dogs that is important but also the interior. All interior walls and ceilings must be painted. The entire structure must be cleaned on a regular basis and be made entirely from non-hazardous materials. If you are considering placing cages in your commercial dog kennel building, there must be enough cages to house each dog individually, and all animals must have enough space inside the cage to stand freely, lay down, and turn around.
Dogs must also be given room to exercise and play both indoors and outdoors. Playpens, or “runs” as they are referred to in legal documentation, must be ten feet long, and the minimum width required varies based on the size of dogs housed in the kennel.
Living facilities must also provide adequate shelter from the heat and bad weather. These shelters must be large enough that all dogs can stay completely dry and maintain a healthy body temperature.
Necessities for Healthy Living
Beyond just the size and dog kennel design, an appropriate kennel facility must also provide certain necessities for the animals. First, off the structure, be well lit; a source of light, equal to 30 candlepower or more, from either natural or man-made sources, must be present at all times.
Cold and hot water shall always be available from a source within the shelter. Commercial dog kennel buildings themselves shall be clean, and the routine removal of dirt and waste should take place every night. In addition, the kennel must always be at a reasonable, comfortable temperature.
Boarding and Shelter Licenses
On top of providing adequate boarding facilities, some states also require kennel owners to possess a boarding or shelter license. Most states have their own Animal Welfare Act, which will specify whether or not a license is needed in your state and how to procure one. Licenses cost between $25 and $100 dollars to obtain and must be renewed yearly. Most applications require proof of the health of your animals, documented no more than 30 days prior. These licenses may also require proof that living conditions and kennels are compliant with all federal and local regulations.
Some states with stricter laws about the boarding of animals may also require a phone or on-site interview with the owner. During an on-site interview, all housing facilities must already be built with all areas available for the inspector to walk through. Records of these interviews will be kept on file, and the owner of a kennel may be subject to subsequent inspections in any complaints. Some licensees may also have their license revoked upon receiving a complaint and will not be eligible to reapply for another license for 365 days. Listed below are states which require one or both licenses.
States Requiring Boarding or Shelter Licenses for Commercial Dog Kennels
Colorado
Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
MissouriNebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
WisconsinSpecial Circumstances for Owning a Kennel by State
Colorado: If the owner of a kennel or animal boarding facility is the recipient of a complaint documented by an authority, they are subject to investigation and may be convicted of a civil penalty, which can result in a fine of up to $1000 per violation.
Georgia: If a person owning a kennel or animal shelter fails to obtain a license, they are subject to being convicted of a misdemeanor. If animals are to be sold or adopted by anyone not directly affiliated with the shelter itself, it must be guaranteed beyond reasonable doubt that all animals are in good health.
Indiana: Dogs may not be kept in a cage with a wire floor unless a structure keeps the dog off the wiring. All dogs must be taken outside for a run at least once per day.
Louisiana: No one person shall keep more than 75 dogs over the age of one year old at any time. If found to violate this regulation, the owner is subject to conviction of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500- or six months imprisonment.
Nebraska: State authorities may suspend an owner’s license or file an injunction or restraining order at any time, with reasonable cause, against any individual who has violated the state’s standards or animal care or who makes threats to violate regulations. All animal handlers must wash their hands immediately before handling sick animals, and sick animals are to be taken to a licensed veterinarian within a reasonable time. Dogs must be given the opportunity to socialize daily.
Pennsylvania: All kennels must be equipped with a smoke alarm and adequate means to extinguish a fire. All dogs must visit a licensed veterinarian at least once in a six-month period, and all kennels and housing structures are to be inspected at least twice per year.
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Step 2: Choosing a Kennel Size
When planning and designing the layout for commercial dog kennel buildings, you will need to consider the following:
- How many dogs do you plan to house in the kennel, and what proportion of large and small enclosures will you need?
- For large dogs, you will typically need 5'x4' enclosures; if enclosed, runs are required; these must be 5'x6' in size.
- You should plan for 3'x3' enclosures for small dogs and 3'x4' enclosed runs (if required).
- For feed storage, you should allow for a room of approx. 5'x7'
- Will you need office space?
- Will you need a washing and grooming station?
For inspiration, see our professional dog kennel designs.
When selecting a building for your kennel, it is important to ensure that it provides enough space to accommodate both your current clientele and any potential new furry guests. Depending on your location, specific size requirements may be mandated by your state for each dog run or enclosure, based on the dog's size.
For instance, the Official State of Connecticut website stipulates that indoor or outdoor runs must be at least 10 feet long and 36 inches wide for dogs weighing up to 45 pounds. The minimum width requirement for dogs weighing over 45 pounds is increased to 48 inches. Similarly, inside pens must provide at least five square feet of space for dogs weighing 25 pounds or less, nine square feet for dogs weighing between 25 and 45 pounds, and 16 square feet for dogs over 45 pounds.
It is important to adhere to these regulations to meet legal requirements and ensure the safety and comfort of the animals in your care. By providing sufficient space, you can create a pleasant and stress-free environment for your furry clients, which can lead to positive feedback and repeat business.
With average standard size kennel/runs measuring 5’x10’ and 3'x7', here are some typical building dimensions for varying sizes of K9 facilities.
Kennel Size Dog Capacity 30’x40’ 16 – 20 30’x50’ 20 - 24 30’x60’ 27 - 32 30’x80’ 32 – 40 -
Step 3: Kennel Building Construction
Pre-built dog kennel buildings arrive on-site as a steel building kit package with plans, build instructions, and components required for your new structure. You can either erect the building yourself or hire a local general contractor to facilitate construction.
For additional details, see our page on the build process.
Outfitting Your Kennel
Filling out your kennel with the correct kennel-run areas is essential for a dog’s comfort and health, but what about the larger area? Of course, the basic needs must be addressed: Lighting, cold water, shelter, proper ventilation, and cleaning.
Multiple flooring options are recommended to give the dogs in your care the best experience. In the general area, uncovered, poured concrete is the best floor surface to maintain a sanitary kennel. In cages and other areas of the enclosure, rubber matting works wonders for an older dog with joint issues.
Interior Finishing
Things such as cages & runs, water, ventilation, and flooring are necessities when opening a dog kennel business. However, if you’re looking to go the extra mile for your guests, there are a few things you can accessorize the kennel with.
Air filtration will have to be considered. Most facilities now use a combination of both UV air filters and plasma filters to help remove airborne pathogens and viruses from the air as quickly and safely as possible.
Air conditioning & heating. Plan to have these installed professionally. You may also want to consider the option of underfloor radiant heating as this can usually be a more economical option, and, as we all know, animals prefer laying on a heated surface. This would only be required for the indoor portion of the kennel/run.
Hot and cold running water will be required for the dog washing station.
Smoke detectors & emergency lighting will be required for potential fires and power outages
Drainage. Each run will need to be fitted with drainage for easy cleaning and sanitization.
Play areas are commonplace in most boarding facilities and other kennels, but those larger areas can be outfitted even further. Dog runs or agility courses help to keep exercise a regular part of their day during their stay. Going even further, something like a small pool can provide the dogs an area to interact, have fun, and cool down all at once.
The Safety of the Dogs, Staff & Owners
Once your kennel is assembled and outfitted, there are two other important tasks to accomplish before you start welcoming guests and customers.
Incidents can occur with any group of animals kept within a confined space. Whether that’s a bite on a staff member or a fight between two dogs, liability insurance is crucial to operating your kennel with the safety of everyone involved in mind.
The second task is to organize and finalize a plan for an emergency. An unexpected evacuation can be a catastrophe for a kennel with dozens of dogs and no clear plan. Even an emergency trip to the vet can be a major headache without planning ahead. For the safety of the animals and the peace of mind of the staff, be sure to have an emergency plan mapped out, and make sure all staff are well versed in it.
How much do commercial dog kennels cost to build?
Prefab metal dog kennel buildings are priced by the square foot. On average, a commercial dog kennel building will cost $25 to $50/sq ft. This includes the building kit, foundation, construction, interior finishing, and enclosures. A small building for sixteen dogs can start at around $38,000, with more extensive training facilities costing as much as $150,000.
Let us help you find the best commercial dog kennels for sale. Get four competing building quotes from local suppliers. Compare prices and save!
Item | Square Foot Cost |
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Building kit (shell) | $15-$25 |
Foundations | $5-$10 |
Construction | $5-$10 |
Interior Finishing | $7-$18 |
Common Questions
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Are enclosures included in the kennel building kit package?
Unfortunately not, our suppliers only supply the building kit package. You will need to engage a local fencing contractor to build the enclosures and runs for your new prefab commercial dog kennels facility.
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How big should a boarding kennel be?
On average, you should allow for around 50 square feet for large dogs and around 20 sq ft for smaller dogs. Typical boarding facility building sizes include: for 16-20 dogs 30x40, for 20-24 dogs 30x50, and for 27-32 dogs, choose a 30x60 building.
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What is a standard size kennel enclosure?
There is no set standard for kennel enclosures. A common size for large dogs is a 5x4; for smaller breeds, a 3x3 will allow sufficient space for the dog to stand, turn around and be comfortable.
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Do you provide plans for prebuilt dog kennel buildings?
Yes, all of our suppliers provide blueprints for their kennel kit packages. We also provide sample free dog kennel building plans to give you an idea of what is possible in terms of layout. We will continue to add additional plans, so be sure to check back often.
Further Reading
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