FAQ
Below are a selection of questions we receive most regularly. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer. If you do not find the answers to your question below, please contact us.
Q: Where can I find cage pricing?
A: Due to fluctuations in our costs, and the need to subsequently adjust our pricing on a frequent basis (because we run relatively tight margins), we no longer list our pricing on our website. Please contact us and we will provide a Quote Request form with up-to-date pricing.
Q: Are cages purchased as separate units or can I order a bank of cages already assembled?
A: Cages are shipped as individual units and are framed-in and installed to your requirements on site. (See pictures on our Home page). Our cages are designed to be shipped unassembled; the fibreglass shells fit snuggly inside one another, reducing volume and shipping costs. We provide suggestions for cage-bank configurations along with recommended framing and finishing materials in our 10-page Notes for Installation guide.
Q: Can you provide approximate costs for installation and framing?
A: Because installation is managed on-site by your choice of contractor or builder, total costs will vary based on your local labour rates and your choice of finishing materials. However, based on our own facility installations, you can use the following ballpark estimates for budgeting:
- Labour: Allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of labour per cage unit. This includes framing, mounting the shells, and fitting the hardware. (For example, a standard 8-cage bank typically takes an experienced commercial builder around 16–18 hours to complete).
- Framing Materials: Expect roughly $50–$80 in basic framing timber and fixings per cage.
- Finishing Materials: The final cost will depend entirely on how you choose to close in the top, ends, or base plinth of your cage banks. Standard options range from budget-friendly materials (like MDF or Melteca) to premium products (like Seratone, Aquapanel, or Alucobond).
A Note on Total Cost: Because our modular system is designed for straightforward assembly using standard 90mm x 45mm construction timber, our customers consistently find that the total cost of purchase, freight, and installation is significantly lower than competing commercial alternatives - even when shipping to the South Island.
Q: How many layers high can cages be stacked?
A: Our modular units can be configured in several stacked layouts depending on your facility's needs and staff ergonomics.
Cat Cages, Cat Condos, and Medium Dog Cages (630mm high):
- Maximum Stack: These units can comfortably be stacked up to three tiers high.
- Recommended Layout: We generally recommend installing a two-tier configuration sitting on a 400mm high base plinth. This raises the lower cages to an ideal working height and ensures the top tier remains at a safe, accessible height for handling, cleaning, and visible inspection.
- A Note on Three Tiers: Three tiers of small cages sitting on a 90mm toe kick total 1.98m, and, unless your clinic is staffed by Amazons, no one will be able to see (and subsequently no one will ever clean or tidy) the tops of the cages. It is also a safety issue; a mad cat at face height is just plain dangerous.
Large Dog, Large Dog Wide, and Double Wide Cages (960mm high):
- Maximum Stack: These larger units can be stacked two tiers high.
- Recommended Layout: The most common and functional configuration is a mixed bank - installing Large Dog units on the bottom tier (sitting on a 90mm toe kick) and a row of smaller cages (Cat Cage, Cat Condo or Medium Dog Cage) on top.
Q: What size dogs fit in your cages?
A: Our cage range is designed to comfortably accommodate a wide variety of canine breeds based on weight and size guidelines:
- Cat / Toy Dog Cage: Ideal for miniature and toy breeds up to approximately 10kg (e.g. Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles).
- Medium Dog Cage: Designed for small-to-medium breeds weighing up to approximately 18kg (e.g., Terriers, Beagles, Corgis, Schnauzers).
- Large Dog / Large Dog Wide Cages: Built for large breeds from 15kg up to 50kg+ (e.g., Labradors, Boxers, Hounds).
- Large Dog Double Wide Cage: Providing a full 1.0m² of floor space, this unit is designed for giant breeds up to 60kg+ (e.g. Rottweilers, Deerhounds or Mastiffs).
Q: What's the difference between the three Large Dog Cages?
A: Simply, the width: the Large Dog Cage is 960mm wide, the Large Dog Wide Cage is 1090mm wide and the Large Dog Double Wide Cage is 1430mm wide.
The Large Dog Wide Cage has the widest door which will swing further out into your animal ward.
The Large Dog Double Wide Cage has twin doors swung from each end and latched in the middle.
Q: The big dog cages are quite large; will I be able to get them into my premises?
A: Our cages are designed to fit through a standard 760mm wide doorway, but some older buildings may have narrower doorways.
To ensure a smooth delivery and installation, we recommend checking your path of entry as follows:
- Measure all doorways: Confirm you have at least 760mm of clear width across every doorway in your premises that the cages must pass through. You can gain a few extra centimeters of clearance by temporarily taking doors off their hinges.
- Check tight corners: Measure any hallways or corridors with sharp 90-degree turns to ensure there is enough pivoting room to maneuver the larger shells.