In the world of animal care, standards matter. Whether you’re managing a veterinary clinic, overseeing research facilities, or operating a kennel, staying aligned with animal care guidelines isn’t optional—it’s essential. These guidelines, published and upheld by leading organizations like the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), help ensure the well-being of animals, the safety of personnel, and the integrity of scientific research and clinical procedures.
At RACS, we specialize in producing flooring solutions that actively support many of the core principles found in modern animal care and use programs. Our plastisol-coated raised flooring systems are engineered for high-performing animal species environments—from laboratories and animal research centers to teaching clinics, kennels, and rehabilitation facilities.
This article explores how RACS flooring directly supports animal care guidelines—and how it can help your team deliver cleaner, safer, and more effective care.
What Are Animal Care Guidelines—and Why Do They Matter?
Animal care guidelines are structured sets of best practices developed to ensure animals receive humane, safe, and appropriate treatment during their time in a clinical, research, or housing setting.
These guidelines cover a wide range of aspects, including:
- Housing and environmental enrichment
- Feeding and watering
- Sanitation procedures
- Handling and restraint
- Veterinary treatment
- Euthanasia protocols
- Staff training and safety
- Documentation and inspections
Whether you’re handling laboratory animals like mice or larger species in a veterinary hospital, adhering to these guidelines ensures better animal welfare, more valid results in research, and higher standards of care across the board.
Aligning Flooring Solutions with Animal Care and Use Best Practices
While much of the conversation around animal care focuses on protocols, treatment, and training, the physical environment—especially the flooring beneath the animal—plays a critical role in day-to-day health and safety.
RACS products are specifically designed to support key components of animal care guidelines outlined by the AVMA and other authoritative bodies.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Housing and Environmental Conditions
Proper housing is foundational to any animal care and use program. RACS flooring directly supports essential housing standards in veterinary and animal research settings by providing:
- Raised kennel and cage flooring that improves airflow and prevents moisture retention
- Smooth, plastisol-coated surfaces that are gentle on paws, reducing the risk of skin abrasion or distress
- A selection of styles designed to fit a wide range of species and station sizes, from small animal labs to large animal clinics
Key guidelines supported: housing, bedding, temperature, ventilation
2. Sanitation and Waste Management
Cleanliness is non-negotiable. Effective animal care requires strict attention to waste disposal, cleaning, and vermin control. RACS flooring makes this easier by design:
- Waste passes through raised grates, keeping animals dry and sanitary
- Floors lift easily for fast, thorough cleaning without removing the animal
- Compatible with all standard cleaning agents and procedures, including autoclaving
Key guidelines supported: sanitation, waste management, safety, health
3. Bedding and Surface Comfort
While some animal facilities use bedding materials, they’re not always required—particularly when surfaces provide the right balance of comfort and hygiene. RACS flooring delivers:
- Warm, dry surfaces that maintain ambient temperature
- Smooth coating that doesn’t absorb moisture or bacteria
- Optional use with bedding, depending on species and protocols
Key guidelines supported: bedding, well-being, safety
4. Personnel Safety and Workflow Efficiency
Supporting personnel is just as important as supporting animals. Safe, cleanable flooring reduces exposure to hazards, minimizes cross-contamination, and makes daily workflows more efficient.
- One-piece design means no parts to break off—eliminating common injury or contamination points
- Compatible with disinfectants and daily cleaning methods
- Lightweight, and easy to handle—promoting faster turnover between procedures or appointments
Key guidelines supported: safety, procedures, training, workflow efficiency
5. Veterinary Oversight and End-of-Life Care
While RACS flooring is not a substitute for clinical judgment, it supports the broader care environment where treatment, monitoring, and even euthanasia may occur. Flooring that’s easy to clean and safe for both animals and staff ensures that every procedure—from routine to critical—takes place in a space aligned with best practices.
Key guidelines supported: treatment, euthanasia, oversight, care standards
Designed for Diverse Animal Facilities
Our products are currently used in a wide range of animal care settings, including:
- Veterinary clinics and teaching laboratories
- Research facilities and universities working with various animal species
- Boarding kennels and doggy daycares
- Animal rehabilitation centers
- Governmental or institutional animal welfare programs
Each facility type has its own set of requirements, but all must comply with some version of recognized animal care guidelines—and RACS flooring is ready to support them.
RACS vs. Other Flooring Options
Many animal facilities still rely on traditional surfaces like epoxy floors, plastic inserts, or stainless steel cages. But these can introduce challenges when it comes to sanitation, comfort, and long-term durability. Common problems include:
- Hair and waste buildup in seams or grates
- Sharp edges that cause injury or discomfort
- Slippery surfaces that increase fall risk
- Hard-to-clean materials that fail inspections or slow workflows
RACS products eliminate these issues by offering:
- Seamless plastisol-coated surfaces
- Built-in traction
- Easy-lift design for cleaning and disinfection
- Compatibility with a wide range of animal species, from small to large-sized companion pets
Supporting the Next Generation of Animal Care Standards
Whether you’re updating your facility for upcoming inspections, reviewing protocols with your attending veterinarian, or exploring ways to improve animal welfare, RACS is here to help.
We understand that guidelines evolve, and so do the expectations of your staff, clients, and regulators. Our flooring systems were developed in collaboration with investigators, facility managers, and veterinary professionals to meet and exceed the performance expectations of today’s top animal care guidelines.
Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Talk.
If you’re looking to align your facility more closely with AVMA or other published animal care and use standards, RACS can help. Our flooring products are proven, effective, and trusted in animal research, clinical, and care settings around the world.
We invite you to explore our solutions, view detailed product specs, or speak directly with our team.
Contact RACS today to learn how our flooring systems can elevate your facility’s performance while supporting the highest standards in animal care.
