In the world of animal care, having the right animal equipment is only half the battle—keeping it in top condition is the other half. Whether you’re running a shelter, working in wildlife rehabilitation, or managing a veterinary clinic, regular maintenance of your tools and supplies ensures safety, hygiene, and long-term cost savings. Clean, well-maintained equipment protects both handlers and animals, while also preserving the performance of your gear over time.
At ACES (Animal Care Equipment & Services), products are built for durability—but even the strongest gear benefits from proper cleaning, storage, and inspection practices. From nets and cages to gloves and ramps, this guide explores practical tips for keeping your animal equipment reliable and ready to use.
Why Equipment Maintenance Matters
Animal care environments can be tough on equipment. Dirt, fur, waste, disinfectants, and physical wear can all degrade performance if gear isn’t cleaned or stored properly. For example, a frayed net or a rusted cage latch can compromise safety, while dirty gloves or ramps may contribute to cross-contamination or slips.
Routine maintenance prevents small issues from becoming serious problems. It also extends the life of your investment—especially for ACES tools built for daily use in field and clinical settings.
Unclean equipment can also contribute to disease spread. The CDC emphasizes that cleaning and disinfecting animal contact surfaces is essential to disease prevention and public safety in pet care and shelter environments.
Cleaning Best Practices for Animal Equipment
Every piece of animal equipment—no matter how rugged—benefits from a consistent cleaning routine. This involves more than just a quick rinse. To prevent degradation, buildup, or contamination, consider these general steps:
- Pre-cleaning: Remove visible dirt, hair, or organic material before applying any soap or disinfectant. Organic matter can reduce the effectiveness of cleaning agents.
- Washing: Use warm water and mild detergent on most surfaces. Soft bristle brushes help reach corners, mesh, or textured surfaces on items like cages and ramps.
- Disinfecting: Choose veterinary-safe disinfectants and apply them according to label instructions. Proper contact time is critical—don’t rush this step.
- Drying: After rinsing, thoroughly dry the equipment. This helps prevent mold, rust, or microbial growth, especially in joints, hinges, or padding.
ACES offers stainless steel cages, handling gloves, and transport ramps—all designed with easy-to-clean surfaces. But cleaning should still be a routine part of your workflow.
Storage & Inspection: Small Habits, Big Impact
Neglecting storage can cause even the best gear to degrade. Nets left damp in a corner, gloves thrown into piles, or ramps stacked improperly can shorten their lifespan and increase safety risks.
Instead, store your animal equipment in clean, ventilated, and dry environments. Hang nets and gloves rather than folding or compressing them. Keep carriers and cages stacked securely, with hinges facing outward for airflow.
Regular inspection is just as important. Make it a habit to check your equipment:
- Weekly in high-volume settings
- Before and after major use (e.g., rescues or animal transports)
- After chemical cleaning to detect any damage to coatings or materials
Watch for tears, frays, loose fasteners, or wear on textured surfaces. With gloves, inspect for punctures and weakened seams. With ramps, confirm that grip surfaces and folding mechanisms are still functional. Even minor damage can compromise safety for animals and handlers alike.
Built for Longevity: ACES Product Durability
ACES designs animal equipment to endure real-world use in demanding environments. But proper care enhances this even further. For example:
- Ramps like the PetStep Ramp and Pet Ramp for Vehicles feature non-slip surfaces that remain effective when cleaned regularly and stored in dry areas.
- Gloves used for bite protection should be wiped down after use, then hung to air dry. With frequent inspection, you’ll know when it’s time to replace them.
- Nets and cages with metal frames should be dried immediately after washing to avoid rust or joint damage, even when constructed from durable materials.
These small steps protect your investment and help your gear remain safe and dependable for years to come.
Extend the Life of Your Animal Equipment
Well-maintained animal equipment isn’t just good for your budget—it’s essential for safety, animal welfare, and effective daily operations. Cleaning, proper storage, and regular inspections help prevent accidents, improve hygiene, and ensure that your tools are always ready when needed.
By building these habits into your care routine—and using equipment designed for rugged performance, like that from ACES—you support a more humane, professional, and efficient approach to animal handling and shelter management.
Let ACES help you make every tool count.