Infrared Heating for Kennels & Catteries
Providing a warm, safe, and stress free environment is essential in kennels and catteries, particularly during colder months. Animals are far more sensitive to temperature changes than humans, and prolonged exposure to cold conditions can negatively affect comfort, immune response, and recovery. Traditional heating methods often struggle to deliver consistent warmth in animal care facilities and can introduce safety risks.
Convection heaters and floor standing electric units heat the air first, which then rises and escapes through ventilation, doors, or poorly insulated walls. This leads to uneven temperatures, cold floors, and draughts. In kennels and catteries, these systems can also be noisy, circulate dust and dander, and present burn or trip hazards if animals can access them.
Infrared heating works differently. Rather than heating the air, infrared panels emit gentle radiant heat that warms animals, bedding, walls, and floors directly. This creates a more stable and comfortable environment where warmth remains at animal level. Because infrared heat is silent and does not rely on air movement, it supports calm, low stress conditions that are particularly important for nervous, elderly, or recovering animals.
If you are unfamiliar with the technology, our Infrared Heating Guide explains how radiant heating works and why it is increasingly used in animal care, veterinary, and welfare settings.
Recommended Products
Where infrared heating works best in kennels and catteries
Infrared heating is especially effective in enclosed animal care spaces where consistent warmth and safety are critical. Kennel sleeping areas, cattery pods, isolation rooms, and veterinary holding spaces all benefit from stable radiant heat that does not fluctuate with airflow or door movement.
Because infrared heat is not carried by moving air, it performs well in facilities with regular cleaning routines, extraction systems, or frequent access. Warmth remains where animals rest rather than being lost through ventilation or high ceilings.
Infrared systems also support zoned heating. Individual rooms or sections can be controlled independently, allowing higher temperatures for puppies, kittens, elderly animals, or recovery areas without overheating the entire facility.
Related guides
Calculate the right infrared heating for your space
Use our wattage calculator to determine the correct infrared heating setup based on room size, insulation, and how the space is used.
Performance, safety, and efficiency considerations
When specifying infrared heating for kennels and catteries, factors such as room size, insulation quality, ceiling height, and animal occupancy all play an important role. Panels should be positioned to provide clear line of sight to resting areas while remaining safely out of reach.
Wall and ceiling mounted infrared panels are preferred in animal environments as they eliminate floor level hazards and prevent interference or damage. With no exposed hot elements, no moving parts, and no combustion, infrared heating significantly reduces the risks associated with traditional heaters.
Infrared heating is particularly beneficial in facilities affected by damp or condensation. By gently warming walls and surfaces rather than the air, infrared heat helps keep spaces dry, reducing the conditions that allow mould and bacteria to develop. This contributes to better hygiene and respiratory comfort for animals.
Running costs are another important consideration for kennels, rescues, and boarding facilities. Infrared panels operate at lower wattages than many conventional heaters and retain warmth within surfaces, allowing rooms to stay comfortable for longer periods. When paired with smart controls, heating schedules can be aligned with animal routines to avoid unnecessary energy use.
For best performance, infrared heating should be combined with sensible insulation improvements and draught control. This ensures stable temperatures, reduced energy demand, and a consistently comfortable environment for animals year round.
Frequently asked questions
Is infrared heating safe to use around animals?
Yes. Infrared panels are safe when wall or ceiling mounted and have no exposed hot elements or moving parts. They are widely used in animal care, veterinary, and welfare environments.
Will infrared heating help reduce stress in kennels?
Yes. Infrared heating is completely silent and does not circulate air, helping to create a calm environment that supports animal wellbeing and reduces stress.
Can infrared heating run continuously in cold weather?
Yes. Infrared systems are designed for extended operation and provide stable, consistent warmth. Smart controls can be used to maintain optimal temperatures efficiently.
Is infrared heating suitable for outdoor or open kennels?
Far infrared panels are designed for enclosed spaces. For covered but open sided areas, specialist infrared bar heaters may be suitable, depending on exposure and layout.
