Dog Kennel Flooring UK | Non-Slip Rubber Matting for Kennels & Catteries | Rubberco

Last updated: June 2026 | Written by Rubberco Flooring Specialists | Burnley, Lancashire, UK

Why Choose Rubber Flooring for Dog Kennels?

Concrete is the traditional kennel floor surface but it is hard on dogs' joints, cold in winter, slippery when wet and difficult to fully decontaminate. Rubber matting resolves all of these issues. It is now the industry standard for dog boarding kennels, rescue centres, veterinary practices and catteries.

Joint protection: Rubber's cushioning reduces stress on hips, elbows and joints — critical for older dogs and large breeds
Slip resistance: R11 round-dot and studded surfaces provide safe grip on wet kennel floors
Hygiene: Non-porous rubber resists bacteria and can be pressure-washed with disinfectants
Warmth: Rubber insulates against cold concrete, reducing thermal stress on dogs overnight
Durability: Heavy-duty kennel rubber lasts 8 to 12 years under normal use
Noise reduction: Rubber absorbs the sound of claws on hard floors — reduces stress in communal kennel environments

Types of Kennel Rubber Flooring

Type	Thickness	Surface	Best For
Round Dot R11	6mm – 10mm	Round raised dots	Indoor kennels, sleeping areas
Studded / Button Top	6mm – 10mm	Square studs	Kennel runs, exercise areas
Ribbed Roll	4mm – 8mm	Ribbed channels	Corridors, grooming rooms
Open Grid Wet Area	12mm – 20mm	Open drainage holes	Wet runs, bathing areas, outdoor

All kennel flooring is supplied by the linear metre and cut to your kennel dimensions. Non-standard sizes and shapes (to fit around drainage channels, posts and dividers) can be specified on order.

Compliance and Regulations

Dog boarding establishments in England require a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Flooring must be impervious, non-slip and capable of being effectively cleaned and disinfected. Rubber matting that is correctly specified and maintained satisfies these requirements.

The relevant guidance (Model Licence Conditions for Dog Boarding Establishments) specifies that kennel flooring must have no cracks, gaps or porous areas where bacteria can harbour. Solid rubber matting — not rubber tiles with grout joints — is the safest specification for licensing compliance.

Installation Guide

Rubber kennel matting is typically installed loose-lay over existing concrete floors. This is the preferred method as it allows the mat to be removed for deep cleaning and replacement without damaging the floor.

Clean the concrete floor — remove all grease, dust and old adhesive residue
Check for drainage — ensure floor drains freely before laying rubber over it; avoid trapping water under the mat
Cut to fit — measure kennel dimensions and cut rubber with a sharp knife; leave a 5mm gap at walls to allow drainage
Lay loose — rubber lies flat under its own weight; no adhesive required for most applications
For permanent installation — use contact adhesive at perimeter edges only; avoid full-coverage gluing which traps moisture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rubber flooring for dog kennels?

The best rubber flooring for dog kennels combines R11 slip resistance (for safety on wet floors), a non-porous surface (for hygiene), adequate cushioning (for joint protection) and durability under claw abrasion. Round-dot or studded 6mm to 10mm SBR rubber ticks all these boxes. For wet runs and areas that are hosed down regularly, open-grid drainage matting prevents water pooling while still providing a safe surface.

Is rubber kennel flooring safe for dogs to chew?

SBR rubber is non-toxic but is not designed to be chewed. Dogs that persistently chew or dig at flooring may ingest rubber fragments — always supervise newly installed matting until you are confident the dog is not treating it as a chew. If chewing is a concern, opt for heavier gauge rubber (8mm to 10mm) which is more resistant to surface damage, and secure edges with trim strips to prevent lifting.

How do I disinfect rubber kennel matting?

Rubber kennel matting can be cleaned with most veterinary-grade disinfectants including quaternary ammonium compounds, accelerated hydrogen peroxide products and diluted bleach. Pressure wash to remove solid waste first, then apply disinfectant at the manufacturer's recommended dilution, leave contact time as specified and rinse thoroughly. Avoid phenol-based disinfectants (such as Dettol) — these are toxic to cats and potentially harmful to other animals.