Kennels and catteries rely on energy for heating, ventilation, lighting, cleaning, grooming systems, laundry, and sometimes climate-controlled pet boarding spaces with underfloor heating or air conditioning. Energy consumption is significantly higher in colder months and can scale steeply with larger facilities or those offering luxury pet accommodation. Understanding the monthly energy costs is essential for managing overheads and maintaining profitability, particularly in regulated, welfare-focused environments.
Typical energy usage
Energy needs are driven by the number of kennels or cat pods, heating systems, laundry use, grooming suites, and opening hours. Businesses with climate control, infrared heating, or heated floors use substantially more electricity and gas.
Typical monthly energy usage ranges
| Business size | Electricity (kWh/month) | Gas or LPG (kWh/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10–20 animals) | 2,000–4,500 | 3,500–7,000 |
| Medium (25–50 animals) | 4,600–7,800 | 7,500–13,500 |
| Large (60+ animals, grooming and climate control) | 8,000–14,000+ | 14,000–22,000+ |
Cat-only facilities tend to have lower energy use, whereas dog kennels usually require more heating, ventilation, and laundry. Businesses offering heated sleeping quarters, grooming services, or doggy day-care show increased consumption, particularly in winter.
Monthly energy cost estimates for a kennels or cattery
| Business size | Electricity cost | Gas cost | Total monthly energy cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | £546–£1,230 | £324–£648 | £870–£1,878 |
| Medium | £1,196–£2,028 | £675–£1,215 | £1,871–£3,243 |
| Large | £2,088–£3,640+ | £1,260–£1,980+ | £3,348–£5,620+ |
These estimates include standing charges and reflect typical energy-intensive facilities that operate seven days a week. Sites using LPG or oil instead of mains gas may experience costs 15–20% higher due to fuel pricing.
What drives higher energy consumption?
Heating and insulation
Heating accounts for up to 60% of total energy usage in kennels and catteries. Poorly insulated buildings, open-air kennel runs, or outdoor cat chalets depend heavily on electric panel heaters, gas boilers, or portable heating systems.
Laundry and hygiene routines
Bedding, blankets, and grooming towels require frequent washing and high-temperature drying, adding 600 to 2,500 kWh of electricity per month depending on throughput.
Ventilation and air quality systems
Ventilation fans, air exchange systems, and dehumidifiers are common in licensed kennels to meet welfare standards, consuming 200 to 1,200 kWh monthly.
Lighting and security
Most facilities use extended lighting hours for visibility, security, and CCTV monitoring, particularly during early mornings and late evenings.
Cost breakdown by key activities
| Activity | Electricity (kWh/month) | Gas (kWh/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Heating (gas/electric boiler) | 400–1,200 | 3,000–8,000 |
| Washing and drying | 400–2,000 | N/A |
| Grooming suite | 350–900 | 200–400 |
| Ventilation and air management | 200–1,200 | N/A |
| Lighting and CCTV | 150–600 | N/A |
| Office, reception and appliances | 250–700 | 100–300 |
How to reduce energy costs for a kennels or cattery
| Energy-saving strategy | Saving potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Add insulation and draught-proofing | 15–25% | Vital for outdoor kennels and sleeping pods |
| Install infrared or zoned heating | 10–18% | Allows heat to be targeted to sleeping areas |
| Use commercial heat pump dryers | 20–30% | Reduces drying costs compared to vented dryers |
| Upgrade to LED lighting and motion sensors | 5–10% | Especially effective in corridor and storage areas |
| Switch to fixed, multi-site business tariff | 8–12% | Protects against energy price rises |
| Use low-temperature laundry cycles when possible | 5–8% | Reduces washing machine energy demand |
Seasonal impact
Energy costs in winter can be up to 45% higher due to heating and increased demand for warm water. Insulated kennels with underfloor heating can consume 3,000 kWh more electricity than non-insulated buildings during cold months.
Why energy is important in animal care facilities
Energy use is closely linked to animal comfort, hygiene standards, and licence compliance. Heating, ventilation, and cleanliness are central to welfare requirements under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act and licensing conditions. Energy makes up between 8% and 20% of monthly operating costs in most kennel and cattery businesses.
Use EnergyCosts.co.uk to save on energy costs for your kennels or cattery
Kennels and catteries that actively monitor their consumption, improve insulation, and use specialist business tariffs can significantly reduce energy bills. If you want tailored quotes based on your building type, capacity, and heating systems, use EnergyCosts.co.uk to compare business energy suppliers.
FAQ
A medium site with 25–50 animals, heated sleeping areas, grooming and laundry facilities usually spends between £1,871 and £3,243 per month on electricity and gas combined. Costs are highest in winter and for sites using portable electric heaters and infrared panels.
A small facility caring for 10–20 animals typically uses between 2,000 and 4,500 kWh of electricity and 3,500 to 7,000 kWh of gas each month. This results in a combined monthly energy cost of approximately £870 to £1,878, depending on heating type and insulation quality.
Yes. Monthly energy usage in winter can increase by 30% to 45% due to higher heating needs. Outdoor runs, sleeping pods, and uninsulated chalets consume more gas or electricity to maintain safe temperatures for animal welfare and licensing compliance.
Heating is the largest single energy expense, making up 50% to 60% of total energy usage. Gas boilers, electric heaters, and underfloor heating systems run for long periods to maintain temperature standards required by local licensing authorities.
A grooming suite with dryers, clippers, heaters, and hot water systems can add 350 to 900 kWh of electricity and around 200 to 400 kWh of gas per month. This increases energy bills by around £150 to £300 depending on equipment efficiency and usage levels.
Laundry for bedding, towels, and grooming items typically uses 400 to 2,000 kWh of electricity each month. Using commercial heat pump dryers instead of vented models can reduce drying costs by up to 30% while improving turnaround times.
Yes. Switching to a fixed business energy tariff can lower annual costs by 8% to 12%. High-usage businesses like kennels can benefit from multi-rate tariffs and tailored contracts that suit seasonal demand, particularly during colder months.
LPG and oil heating systems typically cost 15% to 20% more than mains gas due to higher fuel prices and delivery charges. However, they are sometimes the only option for rural pet boarding businesses located off-grid.
Yes. Solar panels, air source heat pumps and renewable gas tariffs can offset energy bills and support sustainability goals. Heat pumps are particularly effective when combined with underfloor heating and well-insulated animal housing units.
Simple steps such as installing LED lighting, insulating sleeping pods, cleaning laundry dryer filters, using thermostat-controlled heaters, and sealing draughts can lower consumption by 10% to 20% without major capital spending.