Posted on Fri, Feb 03, 2012
Over the past few decades we have been fortunate to see how much our customers love T-Kennel products. In the last year you have started chatting about them on social networks! So when we were brainstorming this year's theme we kept coming back to the two reasons we love what we do: enhancing animal life and providing our customers the products and services they desire. With that said we are excited to announce our new Go Viral campaign.
We are inviting you to join the conversation. It’s your turn to share. Send us pictures, Facebook us your stories and tweet us your love! We want to know why you love T-Kennel products so much. As the industry grows and evolves we too want to grow with you. If you attended NAVC you saw our innovation first hand with the introduction of the Space Saver 2.0. This is the first of many innovations and solutions T-Kennel will be offering this year.
As always with T-Kennel you get durable, great-looking products that are packed with features and options that are sure to impress both you and your customers. Transform your facility into something you can’t help but share. We can't wait to hear from you!
Posted on Thu, Aug 04, 2011
We are pleased to invite you to Design & Drinks!
We are anxiously awaiting your arrival at the Hospital Design Conference at CVC Kansas City! There are many great topics at this year's conference and to keep the inspiration alive we are hosting the Design & Drinks event to provide you the opportunty to mingle with leading industry architects and experienced T-Kennel representatives.
We know that designing a new facility or remodeling an existing one is an exciting and challenging time. Ask all the questions you desire and get to know your T-Kennel representative in a relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy KC's finest brews and a beautiful skyline. Stop by our Hospital Design Booth #103 to receive your formal invitation and gift. Save the date and get on the list here. Design & Drinks takes place two hours before the Josh Turner Concert hosted by CVC at Kansas City. Transportation is provided to and from the Design & Drinks event.
Event reserved for Hospital Design Conference at CVC KC attendees.
Posted on Mon, Jan 31, 2011
Best Friends Pet Care has partnered with Walt Disney to bring a luxury boarding facility to Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Florida. The result of years of design development, T-Kennel was chosen picked by Best Friends to be the lead modular kennel and animal equipment supplier for this major attraction.
The Director of Facilities & Procurement for Best Friends stated, “Best Friends Pet Resort had worked with T-Kennel on previous installs at other company locations. Based on that experience, Best Friends felt that T-Kennel could and would deliver the product and install based on the Walt Disney World criteria.”
This resort offers more than just traditional boarding for park goers. It will revolutionize the boarding industry with 24 hour available service for guests. Best Friends has carefully selected the T-Kennel system that is designed to prevent cross contamination, reduce stress on the occupant, and allow the staff to clean the kennels in a more efficient manner giving them more time to spend loving your pets.
Posted on Tue, Dec 14, 2010
The durability and flexibility in the design of your animal handling equipment are critical components to creating a successful business. Here are a few ideas to ponder when thinking about purchasing animal handling equipment that will increase the value of your business by maximizing the performance and longevity of your product(s).
When selecting your animal equipment; you want to find a manufacturer that has invested heavily into their Research and Development departments, which should yield a superior product for your needs. Animal equipment companies that are committed to enhancing animal life will ensure that they are providing the best materials by continually evolving, designing, developing, and field-testing new products. In a sense, the manufacturers that are doing such research and development are making an investment in your business, as well.
In today’s industry there are several material choices available from economy standards to premium products. It is important to select equipment that has exceptional workmanship, finished edges, high quality material, and a solid reputation in the industry. Stainless steel, when properly maintained and cared for, is a once in a lifetime investment. The return on your investment will be visibly seen 10 years down the line, when it still shines as new as the day you made your purchase. Your equipment should consist of material that is urine and chemical resistant, include sound dampening technology for noise abatement, and should be designed to virtually eliminate cross contamination. All three of these features will enhance the value of your business in two ways. First, by installing equipment that meets these requirements, you are going to have a direct impact on your revenue stream from an animals stand point, and those who care for the animals. Secondly, using high end products that meet the needs of your clientele, and that is durable and long lasting will have a direct impact on the equitable value of your business for resale.
The versatility and flexibility in design of the equipment, especially when it comes to animal enclosures, is a key part of your success in the growth of your business. Enclosures that are modular (individual pieces and parts) can be laid out to meet a specific space requirement. Ask the manufacturers how the enclosures are assembled, can they be disassembled and moved with ease, are the enclosures attached to your walls or floors, and is technical service offered? You will find that as your business grows, that your kennel arrangement will need to grow and change as well. For convenience, use a manufactured kennel system that does not attach to your floors or walls. This will enable you to relocate the kennels without the need to repair holes in your epoxy or tiled walls, or the need to pry a track from the floor that may cause damage to your finished floor. A potential buyer would consider this to be a huge compensating factor, because this versatility would give them the ability to reconfigure the kennel system to meet their desired business plan.
Developing preventative maintenance and cleaning schedules for your animal equipment will increase the longevity and assist with good product performance while reducing labor. Make sure that your staff is adequately trained on your cleaning and maintenance processes. Know the chemical composition of all cleaning agents that your staff is using. Educate your staff that one of the most important steps in the cleaning process is to thoroughly rinse all cleaning agents from all materials. Small attention to detail and the time that you take to ensure that you care for and maintain your equipment will payoff three fold for you, the animal, and the clients you are serving.
There are several areas of your business that will keep your attention, but no area is as important as the equipment itself. Premium equipment, preventative maintenance, and excellent customer service are the cornerstones for building and maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction and return on investment.
Author Bios
David L. Wratchford is a sales representative for T-Kennel and Shor-Line. A proud member of TFACS (Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies) for the past 3 years. David has provided professional assistance to hundreds of animal facilities throughout his many years at T-Kennel and Shor-Line.
Tom Smoot is the Director of Sales & Marketing for T-Kennel and Grooming & Boarding Equipment specialist for Shor-line. A proud member of Pet Care Service Association for 11 plus years and served as advisory council to the PCSA Board of directors for 8 years. He was the 2005 recipient of the Herschel Talley Award that goes to outstanding selfless service to the PCSA Board. And an 8 years member of SAWA, Society of Animal Welfare Administrators. Which provides services to our local and national Animal Shelters, Humane Societies and SPCA’S around the world. Tom also has 11 plus years of industry experience that has assisted Pet Resorts, Groomers, Animal Shelters, Veterinary, Boarder Patrol, Service Dogs (most recently in Iraq) and Training Facilities.
Posted on Tue, Dec 14, 2010
There is a new hotel that has opened in Auckland, and it aims to start a new trend in hospitality. Pet hotels are a growing business and T-Kennel is excited to be a part of it! The creativity and compassion of these pioneering individuals is something we can all take to heart. Take a minute to check out this video and tell us what you think about this ever growing industry.
http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/nzs-first-luxury-hotel-pets-2706556/video
Posted on Wed, Aug 11, 2010
Wayside Waifs is a beautiful 33,000 square facility, located in Grandview, MO. Wayside, like T-Kennel, has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to animal care. A year ago Courtney Thomas, Director of Operations of Wayside, shared her vision with T-Kennel that she wanted to create a stress reducing environment for all of her canine and feline friends. Courtney wanted to increase the quality of the enclosures by decreasing the animal’s stress level and increasing adoption rates. The T-Kennel system that Wayside chose allows the staff to evaluate the animals while reducing the amount of handling. Courtney states, “No longer do the dogs appear to be in jail behind the wire gates. Instead the glass door panels are inviting, allow you to get a full visual of the dog, and overall they help to create a more positive environment for the shelter, visitors, staff, and the animals.”
It was also important to Courtney to create a stimulating environment. “Incorporating bright colors into the kennel panels was something very important to me. Not only does it create a fun and happy atmosphere for both the people and the animals, but the animals truly pop out at you. Imagine a black dog against lime green; a yellow dog against purple, or a brown and white dog against orange. Some have referred to the Dog Adoption Center as "a bag of Skittles," but everyone agrees the bright colors have played a significant role in drawing more attention to the animals, which in turn results in more adoptions.”
“Wayside could not have been more pleased with the level of professionalism and exceptional service we received from T-Kennels during this project. The company stands behind their products, the entire staff is helpful and dedicated to serving you, and you can be assured knowing that like you, the company's interest is to make life better for shelter animals,” says Courtney Thomas.