Our Collapsible Dog Dens have garnered a lot of attention lately. This attention has also brought forth a lot of questions too. We’ve created this page to help answer your questions and keep you up to date on how you can get some of these awesome spacing saving devices in your pet care facility!
 

 
Who makes these?

Van Vleet Innovation. Thirty of these collapsible kennels were developed for our in-house use and testing by Dennis Van Vleet of Van Vleet Innovation. Dennis, having over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing, design and product development, and now offers pet care innovation consulting, facility design, operations consulting to dog daycare owners as well as these innovative kennels.
 
Where to I buy these?

Van Vleet Innovation has now manufactured many more of these revolutionary kennels and placed them in facilities across the country for further testing.  We are ready for production and are now offering them for sale on a pre-order basis.  Fill out the form below to be contacted for pre-order instructions.
 
How much do they cost?

The price is $2,100 each for our Extra Large (30”wide by 36” tall by 50” deep) with 50% deposit required for pre-order. This price point that is comparable with other, permanent type runs, with the added benefit of double use of real estate.
 
What are they made of?

These collapsible dog dens are made of antimicrobial High Density Polyethylene plastic (restaurant grade cutting board material), tempered glass and all metal parts are made of 300 series stainless steel. They will not rust or corrode.
 
Are they durable?

Extremely durable! Made of heavy grade commercial materials, they are designed to withstand everything hundreds of dogs can throw at them…and have! For three full years these kennels have performed extremely well with almost no issues.
 
Do they require much maintenance?

These collapsible dog dens require little to no maintenance. The designer hates to fix things and the staff’s focus should remain completely on the dogs. Therefore, these dog dens are designed to operate easily and flawlessly with little to no maintenance.
 
Are they easy to clean?

Yes. For in between dogs sanitation, we spray them with an alcohol based cleaner and wipe clean. For more stubborn spots, we spray with Scrubbing Bubbles, scrub lightly with a silicone dish scrubber and then wipe clean. For regular deep cleanings, they are easily removed (with the help of a two-wheeled hand dolly) and taken outside a good power washing. This keeps them looking like brand new and your facility dry. Try that with traditional kennels or runs!
 
Are the dogs comfortable in them?

Yes. In fact, they enjoy their down time in these appropriately sized private spaces. From our years of experience in rescue, we fully endorse traditional crate training for appropriate lengths of time. But these are not traditional. They fold up out of the way to make more space for more out time!
 
Are there different sizes?

Currently we only have the extra-large tested but there is a full range of sizes already designed and in development.  Tell us your needs!
 
Do the dogs go “mental” in them?

On the contrary. Dogs are den animals. Based on our experience in a free range environment, dogs will choose to separate themselves from the group to nap or otherwise limit sensory input with a confined space that is closed in on all five sides and with a view on the sixth. We have actually seen a decrease in dog stress and anxiety over the course of our testing period.

What type of floor do they have?

These collapsible dog dens are open on the bottom to the existing floor. Our facility floors are commercial epoxy over concrete. Clients may provide their own crate pad or blanket, nothing too bulky as there’s nowhere for it to go when the den folds away. K9 Ballistics makes one that is perfect!
 
Do you have a problem with naptime or overnight accidents?

No. All of our client dogs are house broken and most are crate trained as well. The rest quickly learn from the group. We have actually experienced a decrease in naptime and overnight accidents over our former traditional kennels and runs.
 
What stops accidents from running into their neighbor’s suite?

Our floors are gently sloped away from the walls to direct any possible accidents away from the dogs or their neighbors. This was achieved during the epoxy flooring process.
 
Can I get then for my home?

Currently the focus is on commercial design for daycares and boarding facilities. However, home use considerations are being taken into account during manufacturing design process.
 
What kind of lockers do you use?

Special retractable lockers were also developed for our use in testing to keep all of our client dogs’ food and belongings close to where they sleep and eat to eliminate running back and forth to a feed room. These retract up and in to keep them out of reach of the dogs during play time. They descend down and out within easy reach of the staff at feeding time.
 
I’m sold! How can I know when they are available?

For serious inquires and to be contacted about pre-orders please contact Van Vleet Innovation from the form below:
 











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