Sanitation at Mill Pond Kennels: Why Cleanliness Is More Than Just A Promise

At Mill Pond Kennels, we believe a facility’s cleanliness is a promise to every dog and owner who walks through our doors. A clean environment isn't just about looks — it's about health, safety, and peace of mind. That’s why we’ve built our sanitation program on proven systems and materials, including K9Grass® for our potty areas and the Wysiwash sanitizing system throughout our facility.

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of how we manage cleanliness—how it works, why it matters, and how it protects your dog too.

Why Sanitation Matters in Boarding, Training & Daycare

Before we dive into systems, let's review why sanitation is a top priority:

• Dogs are exposed to infectious agents daily: bacteria, viruses, parasites (like Giardia), fungi, etc.

• Shared spaces (runs, potty areas, training rooms) are hubs for disease transmission if not properly managed.

• Odors, moisture, and organic waste (urine, feces) create breeding grounds for pathogens and pests.

• Stress weakens immunity; when a dog is away from home, you don’t want them battling preventable illnesses as well.

So the standard isn’t “clean enough”—it’s clinical hygiene with comfort in mind.

Our Sanitation Approach: Systems + Materials + Routines

To deliver on that promise, we split our approach into three pillars:

1. Purpose-built surfaces and drainage

2. Powerful, safe sanitation chemistry

3. Frequent, documented cleaning protocols

Let’s look at how that works in practice at Mill Pond.

1. Purpose-built Surfaces & Drainage

K9Grass® in the Potty Area

Our potty area uses K9Grass®, an artificial turf designed specifically for dogs. This isn’t just “fake grass” — it’s built for superior drainage, durability, and microbial control.

On our site, Mill Pond lists several features:

• No infill — this avoids rubber or sand fillings that can trap waste or harbor bacteria.

• Premium flow-through backing — urine and water drain down through the backing rather than pooling on the surface.

• Built-in antimicrobial protection (AlphaSan®) in the blades and backing material — this helps reduce microbial growth right in the substrate.

• Safe, non-toxic materials — so it’s okay for dogs (and humans) to roll, walk, or rest without exposure to harsh chemicals.

These features allow us to avoid muddy holes, puddles, or shifting gravel—common issues in many kennels that lead to accidents, germs, or sprains. We pair K9Grass with a raised floor and double floor drainage system so all liquids are funneled away efficiently.

Stainless Steel Equipment, Crate Surfaces & Run Drainage

In addition, all water buckets, fencing, and kennel fixtures are stainless steel or other non-porous, easily sanitized materials.

Each run has its own drainage system. Waste is removed immediately, so dogs aren’t stepping in their own or another dog’s waste—minimizing cross-contamination risk.

Indoor areas (training room, crate zones) are climate controlled and also incorporate drainage solutions so fluids don’t pool and remain easy to clean.

2. Potent But Safe Sanitation — The Wysiwash System

A surface is only as clean as the sanitizer used — and equally important is how consistently it’s applied.

What is Wysiwash? Wysiwash Sanitizing System

Wysiwash is a hose-end sanitizing/disinfecting system developed for animal care, turf, kennels, and similar settings.  Its formula is EPA-registered and is designed to:

• Kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, mold, and algae

• Neutralize odors

• Be safe (non-irritating) for animals, humans, plants, turf

• Operate without complex mixing or rinsing steps

In other words, it’s a robust “spray-and-go” system built for frequent high-volume sanitation.

How Mill Pond Uses Wysiwash

• Daily (and even twice-daily) application: Indoor training rooms are cleaned and sanitized two times daily with Wysiwash.

• Outdoor runs, grass yards, and the potty area are included in our routine disinfection schedule using the system and its caplet-based delivery mechanism.

• We leverage Wysiwash’s no-rinse capability (on many surfaces) to streamline operations without risking overexposure or leaving residue. Wysiwash Sanitizing System

• Because Wysiwash is effective against tough pathogens (like Parvovirus, Giardia, etc.), it elevates our defense where it matters most. Wysiwash Sanitizing System

One of Wysiwash’s advantages is cost-effectiveness: the pre-measured, jacketed caplets simplify dilution and reduce human error. Wysiwash Sanitizing System

3. Scheduled Protocols + Monitoring

Even the best systems need consistency. Here’s how we operationalize sanitation at Mill Pond:

• Regular cleaning schedule — Every run, room, crate, and yard follows a documented schedule.

• Twice-daily care for high-traffic zones — The training room is sanitized two times daily using Wysiwash.

• Immediate waste removal — Our drainage and design allow rapid removal of feces and urine, reducing dwell time for pathogens.

• Pet-specific zones — Each dog has its own run and water bucket. This minimizes cross-exposure.

• Natural pest control measures — We use all-natural pest solutions for yard areas so as not to compromise health with harsh chemicals.

• Air and safety monitoring indoors — Our indoor areas are climate controlled, with air quality monitoring.

We also encourage transparency: clients can schedule tours to see our sanitation protocols in action.

What This Means for Your Dog

When you leave your dog with us, here’s what you can expect — and what your dog is actually getting:

• Lower infection risk — Because we address waste, pathogens, and cross-exposure proactively.

• Less odor, more comfort — Wysiwash helps neutralize smells instead of hiding them.

• No muddy paws or slippery messes — Thanks to K9Grass and efficient drainage.

• Health over shortcuts — We don’t take chances with diluted chemicals or skipped cleanings.

• A “home away from home” environment — Dogs don’t have to be uncomfortable or stressed in a “sterile” space — we balance hygiene with comfort.

Final Thoughts

At Mill Pond Kennels, sanitation isn’t a checklist — it’s a foundational philosophy. Every layer we’ve built—from K9Grass, raised drains, stainless surfaces, to Wysiwash and our cleaning routines—works together so your dog stays safe, healthy, and comfortable while in our care.

If you'd like a behind-the-scenes tour or want to see any system in action, just let us know. We believe trust comes from seeing, not just saying — and we’re proud to show off what makes Mill Pond Kennels different.