Pet business
Kennel run size.
Enter the dog length, standing head height and number of dogs. See the minimum floor space and height under the federal formula.
Minimum floor space per dog = (length in inches + 6)2 / 144 square feet, where length is nose tip to base of tail. A 30-inch dog needs 9 square feet; two such dogs need 18. Height must be at least 6 inches above the tallest dog's head.
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Worked example
A dog measures 30 inches from nose tip to base of tail and 24 inches to the top of its head standing. Floor space is (30 + 6)2 / 144 = 1,296 / 144 = 9 square feet per dog, so two dogs housed together need 18 square feet (a square about 50.9 inches on a side). The enclosure must be at least 24 + 6 = 30 inches high.
How it works
Floor space = (length + 6 in) x (length + 6 in) / 144. Length is measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Height must be at least 6 inches higher than the head of the tallest dog standing normally. For several dogs this tool multiplies one dog's space by the number of dogs of that size; measure each dog separately if they differ.
This is the minimum under the U.S. Animal Welfare Act regulations for primary enclosures at regulated facilities. It is a legal minimum, not a comfort recommendation, and boarding kennels, shelters and breeders are also subject to provincial, state and municipal rules and to what your insurer requires. Check the rules where you operate.
Those regulations also say dogs housed together must be compatible and that not more than 12 adult nonconditioned dogs may share an enclosure; this tool allows 1 to 12. They also require extra floor space for a bitch with nursing puppies, and puppies under 4 months may not share an enclosure with adult dogs other than their dam or foster dam, so this tool does not cover litters.
Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-08): 9 CFR § 3.6 - Primary enclosures, Cornell LII copy of 9 CFR 3.6, paragraph (c) additional requirements for dogs. The page states the floor-space formula, the 6-inch height rule and the 12-dog limit used here. This is not legal advice.
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FAQ
Does this apply to my boarding kennel?
The formula is the U.S. federal standard for primary enclosures at facilities covered by the Animal Welfare Act, which covers only licensed dealers, exhibitors and research facilities. Most pet boarding kennels are not covered and fall under local rules instead, so check with your local authority, licence conditions and insurer.
How do I measure the dog?
Length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, and standing head height from the floor to the top of the head. Measure in inches or centimetres and pick the unit.
Is the minimum big enough for a comfortable run?
It is a regulatory minimum for the enclosure itself. Many operators give more room and separate exercise space; this tool only calculates the minimum.