A kennel is more than just a box for transport. It's your dog's safe space, their mobile home, and can even be a vital piece of safety equipment. Proper cleaning and maintenance are important for the health and comfort of your hunting partner and sometimes for the longevity of the kennel itself. This guide will walk you through a complete, professional-level approach to kennel care, from routine cleaning to pre-season checks.

The Basics: Why, When, and What You'll Need

More Than Just Looks: Why a Clean Kennel is Crucial for Your Dog's Health 

A dirty kennel can be a hotbed for bacteria, mold, and odors that can negatively affect your dog's health. Regular cleaning reduces these detrimental bacteria and prevents foul odors. 

How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Kennel? 

This depends on usage, but a good rule of thumb is to perform a thorough deep clean at least once a season. For kennels that see heavy action during the hunting season or are used daily, a more frequent deep clean (think once a month) is recommended, with quick spot-cleanings as needed for any accidents.

Assembling Your Kennel Cleaning Toolkit 

You don’t need much to do a great job. Gather these simple items:

• A bucket
• Mild dish soap
• A pet-safe disinfectant or white vinegar
• A set of stiff and soft-bristled scrub brushes
• Towels or paper towels
• A hose with a spray nozzle (it’s good to have if available)

We also should note that warm, sunny days are best for cleaning kennels; you can let nature do the drying that way.

The Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Prep Work - Emptying the Kennel and Washing Bedding & Toys 

Before you start on the kennel itself, remove everything from the inside: bedding, comfort pads, toys, and bowls. Our quality kennel pads have a removable, machine-washable cover. If you don’t have a Lucky Duck Kennel Pad, check the tag. Bedding can also be hand-washed with warm water and a small amount of pet-safe detergent or baking soda. Wash all toys in warm, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly.

Step 2: Washing and Disinfecting the Kennel 

If possible, take the kennel outside. Start by giving it a complete rinse with a hose to remove or at least loosen up dirt, hair, and debris. Next, fill your bucket with warm water and a bit of mild dish soap and use your scrub brush to wash the interior and exterior surfaces.

A premium kennel with smart design features makes this step much easier. For example, the Lucky Kennel is built with a pitched floor and strategically placed, easy-clean drain holes, allowing dirt and water to run out efficiently so you can rinse it clean in easily and effectively. Once scrubbed and rinsed, spray all surfaces with your disinfectant of choice and let it sit for a few minutes before giving it a final, thorough rinse.

Step 3: Drying

A kennel that is put back into use while damp may create a fertile environment for mold to grow or rust to develop. After the final rinse, wipe down the kennel with a dry towel to remove any standing water remaining, then place it in a sunny, well-ventilated area of your yard to air dry completely. Only put bedding and other items back inside once the kennel is completely dry.

Choosing Your Cleaner (And What to Avoid)

Pet-Safe Commercial Cleaners: What to Look For on the Label 

When buying a commercial cleaner, always look for products labeled "pet-safe." Enzymatic cleaners are particularly effective as they use natural enzymes to break down organic matter from urine and other pet messes. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or phenols unless you are prepared to rinse the kennel meticulously.

A Simple DIY Cleaning Solution and a Critical Safety Warning 

For a simple and effective homemade cleaner, mix a solution of half water and half white vinegar in a spray bottle. It’s a great natural disinfectant. Keep in mind that you should not mix your cleaning vinegar with the disinfectant hydrogen peroxide. This combination creates peracetic acid, a corrosive compound that can irritate your (and your dog’s) respiratory system, eyes, and skin.

Troubleshooting Common Kennel Problems

How to Tackle Stubborn Stains and Odors

For tough organic stains or lingering odors, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing. You can also create a paste of baking soda and water to use as a lightly abrasive scrubbing agent.

A Quick Guide to Restoring a Rusty Kennel

If your kennel's door or hardware has developed rust, you may be able to restore it. Use a wire brush and steel wool to scrub away the rust. Then, coat the affected area with a pet-safe primer and paint to protect it from water and future rust damage.

Maintenance Means More Than Cleaning

For a hunting dog, a kennel is a critical piece of safety equipment. Proper maintenance goes beyond just cleaning. It also involves regular safety inspections.

The Pre-Trip Safety Check: Inspecting Latches and Structural Integrity 

Before any long road trip or at the start of every season, perform a full safety inspection. Check the structural integrity of the kennel, looking for any cracks in the body or weakened joints. Most importantly, test the door latch and locking mechanism to ensure they are functioning perfectly and securely. 

You get extra peace of mind with a kennel with a 5-Star Crash Test Rating, but routine checks on components like the locking paddle latch and corner pins ensure that safety is maintained season after season. Additionally, Lucky Kennels have a Lifetime Guarantee against all manufacturing defects.

Proper Off-Season Storage to Extend the Life of Your Kennel 

If you only use your kennel during the season, then when the season is over and the kennel is clean, store it in a dry, well-ventilated location like a garage or shed. Avoid damp basements, as the constant moisture may encourage mold growth or even corrosion of metal parts over time.

A Clean, Safe Kennel for a Healthy Hunting Partner

Your hunting dogs give you their all in the field. Providing them with clean, safe, and well-maintained kennels is a part of your end of the partnership. It helps to keep them healthy, comfortable, and protected on every journey you take together.

This level of care and safety is why we engineered the Lucky Kennel from the ground up. Its durable, one-piece rotomolded construction is built to last, while its 5-Star Crash Test Rating provides unparalleled peace of mind on the road. Features like easy-clean drain holes and heavy-duty hardware are purpose-built solutions for the demands of a dog owner. Invest in a kennel that takes your dog's safety as seriously as you do.

Explore the 5-Star Rated Lucky Kennel now!