Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi Everyone,

So this is my first post so bear with me...

We are looking to install some steps that dogs will be using to get up to our playyards and I am being told that wood is a bad choice as well as composite decking and concrete is the only option because of spread of disease (I guess a fomite).

That said, concrete certainly is the most expensive option and I am wondering if anyone has any experience on this matter.  

Thank you,

Tom Hubric in 

Birdsboro, PA

How about the composite that is used for decking? Looks like wood, nonporous, easy to clean and lasts.

Good Morning,

That is what I am wanting to use.  I was told that it is not a good option but I'm questioning whether it is an urban legend... Thank you!

Typically if plastics are scratched, they can not be sterilized, so that is probably the issue people are concerned about with the composite decking.  I don't know enough about the material to know if it can be sterilized when scratched, but maybe a supplier could get you information about that.  You could seal the concrete, which would allow you to clean it without allowing anything to permeate the concrete.  You would have to reseal it on regular intervals depending on the sealant you use, just follow the instructions.

This is totally not my area of expertise, but -- I am wondering, isn't the entire playyard (assuming it is grass or dirt or possibly gravel) potentially a giant fomite - so does the material of steps to it really matter?  If there were a breakout of some kind you may have to close the yard - and the steps will not be used anyway??

You are right, depending on the material in the yard

A great point... yes.  Thanks!