Let’s face it—animal care facilities present a unique set of challenges that differ significantly from other commercial project types. Whether it’s an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, doggy daycare, grooming facility or pet clinic, these spaces demand specialized design, systems and materials to handle constant use and high levels of wear and tear.
Contractors must be well-prepared from the start. If you’re tasked with pre-construction cost estimating for one of these facilities, here are five key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Understand the Unique Environment
Animal care facilities are 24/7 operations. Even when the front door is locked, the building is in full use—housing cats, dogs, birds, barn animals and many other types of animals. These facilities are noisy, messy, extremely wet and exposed to odors, bacteria and potential disease outbreaks far more frequently than traditional human medical or retail buildings.
Different species have varying behavior patterns and levels of destructiveness. That means architects and engineers typically specify highly specialized products and systems, many of which are not standard in other commercial construction projects. Estimators must account for the cost of these custom solutions early in the process to provide accurate numbers to the client.
2. Plan for Complex MEP Systems
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in animal care facilities are more robust and complex than those in typical commercial buildings and they require highly qualified subcontractors for proper installation.
Here are a few MEP-specific considerations:
HVAC Zones: These facilities benefit from multiple small, independent HVAC zones rather than one large system. This helps manage odors, contain airborne pathogens and adjust temperature for animal comfort across different areas. Each zone requires its own ductwork, adding cost and coordination complexity.
Drainage Systems: Sloped trench drains with automated rinse systems are often specified to manage the heavy accumulation of pet hair, dander and dirt. The use of two separate sanitary lines is required as well—one for solid waste, sinks and toilets, and the other for wet waste that uses a hair trap. These must be installed precisely to ensure long-term performance.
Lighting: Because of round-the-clock use and animal routines, lighting systems need to be flexible. Adjustable lighting levels help support various activities—rest, feeding, grooming or play—throughout the day and night that aid in maintaining the circadian rhythm for the animals.
Dehumidification: With constant washing, wet floors and high levels of outdoor air, dehumidification is essential to prevent mold, disease and odor, as well as maintain air quality and protect building materials.
RCP Coordination: The reflected ceiling plan requires special attention due to the number of overlapping systems—HVAC, lighting, plumbing, sprinklers and more.
Fixtures: Flush-mounted fixtures and hose reels are often used for sanitation and functionality in every dog holding room. Mop and bucket cleaning will not suffice.
Installations must be flawless, as improperly executed systems can compromise both building performance and animal welfare. Cost estimators must factor in the expertise and additional coordination needed for MEP trades.
3. Specify Durable Architecture and Finishes
Like MEP systems, animal care facilities’ architectural finishes must be tough, hygienic and purpose-built. Every area in a shelter from animal holding to the breakroom to offices will house animals at some point and must be built to withstand them.
Key features include:
Flooring: The flooring must withstand water, claws, cleaning chemicals and frequent exposure to animal waste. Troweled epoxy/urethane coatings are standard, especially in animal holding and clinical areas with sloped floors and integral cove bases. For more decorative areas, porcelain tile with epoxy grout may be used.
Sloped Concrete: In dog-holding areas, floors are typically sloped to facilitate cleaning. Concrete must be installed to exact specifications—requiring experienced subcontractors familiar with these applications and complex sloping requirements.
Wall Systems: Walls must be scratch-resistant, waterproof and sound-absorbing. Unlike standard gypsum drywall, CMU or cement board with sound transmission class ratings over 65 are commonly specified in high-traffic and extremely wet zones. Epoxy paint is typically required throughout.
Caging Systems: Manufactured enclosure systems are strongly recommended and they must be coordinated and installed correctly to avoid significant rework. It’s often best to budget for manufacturer-led installation which, while more expensive upfront, ensures proper fit and long-term durability.
Interior Doors and Windows: Doors should be exterior-grade fiberglass with stainless steel kick plates and continuous hinges. They should also be gasketed and swept. Windows need to be double-paned with air gaps, similar to storefront systems, for sound and thermal control. Wood should never be used in this building type. If hollow metal frames must be used, they should be primed inside and out with a marine grade primer.
Acoustic Treatment: Barking dogs, loud equipment and high ceilings create significant reverberation issues. Proper acoustic design in lobbies and common areas is essential and often overlooked.
Estimators must recognize that standard interior finishes will not suffice. Cost assumptions must reflect upgraded materials and specialized labor, especially in key areas subject to high wear and sanitation protocols.
4. Examine Drawings and Specifications
Animal care facilities require detailed and complete construction documents. If you’re estimating from vague or incomplete plans, consider it a red flag.
MEP complexity, finish quality and specialized systems should all be clearly documented. If the drawings and specifications are lacking, assume your cost estimate is at risk. These are high-use, high-maintenance buildings that require durable construction and thoughtful design. Everything—from mechanical design to cage placement—must be designed and built with longevity in mind.
Be proactive: ask questions, flag unclear scopes, and work with the design team to ensure clarity and accuracy before finalizing the budget.
5. Collaborate with Design Professionals
Partnering early with architects and engineers experienced in animal care facility design can make or break your estimate. Certain firms often work closely with contractors during the pre-construction phase to ensure all critical elements are accounted for within the estimate.
For example, on the Cedar Bend Humane Society project, Design Learned Inc. collaborated with the construction manager by reviewing the initial budget before it was presented to the client. DLI’s feedback helped the construction team adjust the estimate to reflect realistic costs for specialized systems and finishes—ultimately leading to a realistic estimate.
Whether it’s validating pricing, clarifying scope or recommending alternatives, leveraging design professionals well versed in a certain commercial vertical, like veterinary or animal care facilities, can help ensure your estimate is aligned with project realities.
Final Thoughts
Animal care facilities are not your typical commercial project. Their unique operational demands—24/7 use, high sanitation standards, aggressive wear conditions—require an entirely different approach to cost estimating. By understanding the intricacies of these buildings and collaborating closely with design professionals who understand this building type, contractors can develop more accurate budgets, minimize surprises during construction and deliver successful outcomes for their clients.
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