Animal care facilities, much like our hospitals and healthcare facilities, face challenges of preventing the spread of disease within the hospital, shelter, or clinic. Keeping an animal hospital clean and sanitized is essential to preventing the spread of infections and keeping both animals and the people caring for them safe and healthy. Especially in shelters, where some rescued animals are sick or not vaccinated, an infection control program is an effective way to ensure proper cleaning and sanitation.

The first step is to determine which surfaces need cleaning, and how often they need to be cleaned and disinfected. Germs are most frequently spread through high-touch surfaces, including doorhandles, pet carriers, counters, and exam tables. Depending on the traffic of the facility, these areas should be disinfected at least once a day. Kennels should be disinfected in between animals, or at least once a day if it is a long-term shelter. Other areas that require frequent maintenance are waiting areas and exam rooms. Surfaces should be cleaned first to remove any visible messes or debris, then disinfected with a hospital-grade disinfectant with specific animal pathogen claims.

There are many pathogens that primarily infect animals, especially dogs and cats. Some of the most serious include canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, rabies, feline leukemia, and canine or feline influenza. Multi-Clean offers several disinfectants with animal pathogen claims, including Microcide TB, Century Q 256, and Century Q Wipes.

For more information on canine influenza and other diseases, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Website

For Multi-Clean disinfectant information and specific pathogen claims, visit our Infection Control Webpage.