Animal Welfare Professionals

Our facility was designed poorly over 30 years ago and as a result, many of our cat housing areas are smushed right in the middle of dog areas. Our poor cats have to listen to barking most of the day and I am looking for ways to affordably sound proof these areas. 

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any tips or suggestions?

Anything would be greatly appreciated!

Hi! I did a little research on this subject & found this product and articles:

https://allnoisecontrol.com/animal-shelters/

https://www.controlnoise.com/2011/08/22/soundproofing-an-animal-shelter/

https://acousticalsolutions.com/soundproofing-a-dog-kennel/

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-animal-care/three-things-consider-about-your-shelters-soundscape

I don't know if any of these   Andsuggestions would work or the cost, or even if it could/would be approved by the inspectors in your area, but they may be worth a look?

I did have another suggestion...  Making the assumption that you are non-profit you probably have a board.  On that board you may (an probably do) have a facilities manager or contractor type person.  Tap him/her for some suggestions...  Also, look at the students in your area for some suggestions (we have a few colleges in our area).  Also, it could be that re-arranging your current facility would benefit the cats & the dogs?  For example, you may need an indoor location for dogs (birthing, puppies, sick?) that can be converted or swapped for the cats (off-season) & then only needs sound proofing on 2 sides or 1? 

As for making your 'case' for the change, other than reducing the stress on the cats & dogs...  Check into illnesses that can be passed from dogs to cats (and vise-versa), stress illnesses, added adoptions, lowering medical needs (stress cost reduction) for stressed out animals & illnesses that are made worse by stress, etc. 

Sometimes a change like that cannot be quantified, but can be 'understood' by those who want the best for the animals!   Good luck!

Hi! I did a little research on this subject & found this product and articles:

https://allnoisecontrol.com/animal-shelters/

https://www.controlnoise.com/2011/08/22/soundproofing-an-animal-shelter/

https://acousticalsolutions.com/soundproofing-a-dog-kennel/

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-animal-care/three-things-consider-about-your-shelters-soundscape

I don't know if any of these   Andsuggestions would work or the cost, or even if it could/would be approved by the inspectors in your area, but they may be worth a look?

I did have another suggestion...  Making the assumption that you are non-profit you probably have a board.  On that board you may (an probably do) have a facilities manager or contractor type person.  Tap him/her for some suggestions...  Also, look at the students in your area for some suggestions (we have a few colleges in our area).  Also, it could be that re-arranging your current facility would benefit the cats & the dogs?  For example, you may need an indoor location for dogs (birthing, puppies, sick?) that can be converted or swapped for the cats (off-season) & then only needs sound proofing on 2 sides or 1? 

As for making your 'case' for the change, other than reducing the stress on the cats & dogs...  Check into illnesses that can be passed from dogs to cats (and vise-versa), stress illnesses, added adoptions, lowering medical needs (stress cost reduction) for stressed out animals & illnesses that are made worse by stress, etc. 

Sometimes a change like that cannot be quantified, but can be 'understood' by those who want the best for the animals!   Good luck!

Hi.  I work on shelters and we always use acoustical wall panels and in-wall sound insulation to reduce sound transmission in and around spaces.  
You might look at relocating the cats on your floor plan and/or hiring a local acoustical consultant/engineer to give recommendations on how to retrofit the walls around the cat area with sufficient insulation.
If there is glass between the dog kennel adoption area and the cat housing areas then that we not be able to be remedied as the glass really won't reduce the noise level.  
If you had a floor plan/photos, I would be happy to take a look to see what your specific issues might be.