WO2008061207A2

WO2008061207A2 - Animal boarding system

Info

Publication number: WO2008061207A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/084871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heidi Flammang; Linda Lynge
Original assignee: Camp Bow Wow International, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-11-15
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2008-05-22
Also published as: WO2008061207A3; WO2008061207A9

Abstract

A system and method for an animal boarding system is disclosed. The present invention generally has a number of individual animal pens in one or more kennel areas, one or more play areas and a passageway and gate system for providing movement from the kennel areas to the play areas.

Description

ANIMAL BOARDING SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 60/859,407, filed November 15, 2006, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field: The present invention is generally directed to an animal boarding system, and more particularly to a gating system for use in an animal boarding system for moving a small animal such as a dog between areas. 2. The Relevant Technology: Dog or pet day care facilities are becoming increasingly popular for people dropping their dogs or other pets off in the morning and picking them up in the evening after work. In addition, day care facilities are increasingly offering overnight stays to care for the dogs or other pets of owners while they are away. Owners bring dogs of varying sizes and vastly different temperaments to dog day care facilities. Facilities to house and accommodate the pets, principally dogs, are known.

However, there are no known systems to provide for efficient and humane treatment for the animals.

Accordingly, it is desirable to ensure that pets such as dogs are separately housed and thereafter divided into separate proper areas to lessen the possibility of inappropriate or undesired interaction between animals while providing opportunities for each to obtain desired exercise and in some or selected cases to socially interact with other animals as may be appropriate. It is also desirable to provide a safe and efficient structure and method of moving pets such as dogs into and out of the various areas quickly while providing a suitable barrier between the animals and the facility workers. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above- described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

In one embodiment, a small animal boarding system is provided. The boarding system comprises a first kennel area having a number of first small animal holding pens positioned proximate a number of second small animal holding pens so as to define a first kennel passage. The first kennel area has a kennel area gate operable between an open position for the movement of a small animal into and out of the first kennel passage and a closed position to inhibit the movement of a small animal into and out of the first kennel passage. Each of the first small animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one small animal.

The small animal holding pens have a wall common with a wall of an adjacent small animal holding pen. Each of the small animal holding pens having a small animal pen opening with a first small animal holding pen gate each of which is operable between a closed position in which its respective first small animal holding pen is enclosed and an open position in which the first small animal holding pen gate is positioned for the movement a small animal between the kennel area gate and the respective first small animal holding pen through the first small animal pen opening and to inhibit further movement of the small animal in the first kennel passage.

The boarding system further comprises a number of play areas having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate the first kennel areas to define a main run there between. The play areas have a play area opening with a play area gate operable between a first open position opening the first play area opening and positioned in the main run for the movement of a small animal between the play area into the main passage to the kennel area gate to inhibit the movement of the small animal there past in the main run. The play area gate is also operable in a closed position in which the play area gate inhibits the movement of the small animal into and out of the play area. The main run has a length with opposite ends and closures to inhibit movement of animals there past are positioned proximate said opposite ends.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates top view of the animal boarding system; FIG. 2 illustrates front view of a wall and gate for one play area; FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a number of animal holding pens in one kennel area along with a kennel area gate, a play area and a play area gate and a common run segment between the play area and the kennel area;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view illustrating a play area gate and a kennel area gate creating an animal path from the kennel area to the play area; FIG. 5 illustrates the hinging mechanism for each of the play area gates and the kennel area gates; and

FIGS. 6-11 illustrate the opening and closing of various kennel area gates and play area gates to create a number of animal paths between the kennel areas and the play areas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A system and method for animal boarding is disclosed. The system and method is designed for use with small animals, such as a dog, however any animal may be used in accordance with the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an animal boarding system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The animal boarding system is generally comprised of two sections: the areas for the animals to get exercise and interact with other animals, shown in FIG. 1 as common areas 2 and areas for the animals to sleep and be separate from other animals, shown in FIG. 1 as sleep areas 4. Common areas 2 have a plurality of play areas 24, 26, 28 and 30 that are configured for the animals to socially interact and exercise. Play areas 24, 26, 28, 30 are typically divided according to several size and behavioral aspects. For example, in the illustrated example, play area 24 may be designed for small animals under 20 pounds and include larger animals that are older and non-aggressive. Play area 26 may then be designed to accommodate medium size animals between 20 and 40 pounds. Continuing, play area 28 may be designed to hold large animals that are between 40 and 70 pounds and play area 30 is adapted to contain animals that are over 70 pounds. In an alternate arrangement, play area 70 may also be used to contain animals that are aggressive.

Common areas 2 and sleep areas 4 are divided by a number of common run segments 11, 13, 15, 17. The common run segments 11, 13, 15, 17 together form the main run 41 that divides the sleeping area 4 from the common areas 2. Main run 41 provides an access corridor or passageway for animals to move or travel from common areas 2 to sleep areas 4 and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, common run segment 11 is defined by the wall structure of play areas 24, 26 and a wall structure of animal pens 66, 82. Similarly, the wall structure of play areas 24, 26 and a wall structure of animal pens 66, 82 defines at least part of the boundary of common run segment 13. Common run segments 15, 17 are defined by the wall structure of play areas 24, 30 and animal holding pens 50, 130 respectively. Common run segments 15 and 17 comprises the opposite ends of the main run and have closures 75, 77 positioned proximate the opposite ends to inhibit movement of a small animal past the closure. Each play area has at least one opening for allowing an animal to pass to and from the play area and a play area gate that operates within the opening and controls movement to and from the play area. In the illustrated embodiment, play area 24 has an opening with a gate 32 that is sized to pivot and operate within the opening. In a typical arrangement, play area gate 32 rotates 180° from the closed position. The closed position is an arrangement where the gate 32 is parallel to wall 19 and wall 35 wherein an animal is either contained within play area 24 or prohibited from traveling into play area 24. Gate 32 rotates within the opening to play area on a pivot point defined by a number of gate hinges (illustrated in FIG. 5) such that gate 32 rotates into play area 24 and common run segment 11. In a typical arrangement, gate 32 rotates at least 90° into play area 24 and 90° into common run segment 11. Play areas 26, 28 have a play area gate 34 that provides access to either area. In the illustrated example, there is a first gate 43 that provides access to play area 28 and a second gate 45 that provides access to play area 26 in addition to the play area access gate 34 that provides access to either area depending upon which gate 43, 45 is open or closed. Gate 34 rotates within the opening to two play areas 26, 28 on a pivot point defined by a number of gate hinges (not shown) such that gate 34 rotates into play areas 26, 28 and common run segment 13. In a typical arrangement, gate 34 rotates at least 90° into play areas 26, 28 and 90° into common run segment 13. Play area 30 has a play area gate 36 that provides access to the area. Gate 36 rotates within the opening to play area 30 on a pivot point defined by a number of gate hinges (illustrated in FIG. 5) such that gate 36 rotates into play area 30 and common run segment 13. In a typical arrangement, gate 36 rotates at least 90° into play area 30 and 90° into common run segment 13.

Play areas 24, 26, 28, 30 are typically manufactured of a chain link fence, approximately 5 feet in height. Slats are also provided at the base that extend approximately 3 feet up to prevent animals in the various areas from fighting through the fence. A cap guard is installed on the top of the fence to prevent the collars of the animals from catching in the chain link. Posts are typically 5 feet apart and the bottoms are installed into the ground or floor using a suitable anchoring method. A first kennel area has a first and second plurality of animal holding pens 12, 14. The first plurality of holding pens comprise a number of individual animal holding pens 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 and the second plurality of holding pens comprise a number of individual animal holding pens 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80. As shown in the illustration, the animal holding pens are positioned so that there is a first kennel run segment 44 that is defined by the front portion of each individual animal holding pen.

The first kennel area has an opening that leads from the first kennel run segment into the common run segment 11. The opening in the kennel area has a kennel area gate 42 that is configured to operate within the opening to the kennel area. Kennel area gate 42 rotates about a pivot point defined by a number of gate hinges (not shown) such that gate 42 rotates into common segment 11. In a typical arrangement, kennel area gate 42 rotates 90° into common run segment 11.

A second kennel area has a third and fourth plurality of animal holding pens 16, 18. The third plurality of holding pens comprise a number of individual animal holding pens 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96 and the second plurality of holding pens comprise a number of individual animal holding pens 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112. As shown in the illustration, the animal holding pens are positioned so that there is a second kennel run segment 46 running between the third and fourth plurality of holding pens that is at least partially defined by the front portion of each individual animal holding pen.

The second kennel area has an opening that leads from the second kennel run segment into the common run segment 13. The opening in the kennel area has a kennel area gate 40 that is configured to operate within the opening to the second kennel area. Kennel area gate 40 rotates about a pivot point defined by a number of gate hinges (not shown) such that gate 40 rotates and opens into common segment 13. In a typical arrangement, kennel area gate 40 rotates 90° into common run segment 13. A third kennel area has a fifth and sixth plurality of animal holding pens 20, 22. The fifth plurality of holding pens 20 comprise a number of individual animal holding pens 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 and the second plurality of holding pens 22 comprise a number of individual animal holding pens 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144. As shown in the illustration, the animal holding pens are positioned so that there is a third kennel run segment 48 running between the third and fourth plurality of holding pens that is at least partially defined by the front portion of each individual animal holding pen. The third kennel area has an opening that leads from the second kennel run segment

48 into the common run segment 13. The opening in the kennel area has a kennel area gate 38 that is configured to operate within the opening to the second kennel area. Kennel area gate 38 rotates about a pivot point defined by a number of gate hinges (not shown) such that gate 38 rotates and opens into common segment 13. In a typical arrangement, kennel area gate 38 rotates 90° into common run segment 13.

FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of the first wall segment 19 and second wall segment 35 of the perimeter enclosure of one of the play areas 24. Wall segments 19, 35 are typically designed using a galvanized chain link 29, 33 for keeping the animals within the enclosed perimeter of the play area 24. In the illustrated embodiment, play area gate 32 is shown positioned within an opening that is defined between first wall segment 19 and second wall segment 35. The opening provides a point of access for an animal to move into and out of play area 24.

Play area gate 32, which is typical of all play area access gates such as play area gates 34, 36 for example, is typically manufactured of a galvanized chain link 31 to match the material of the chain link 29, 33 used for the perimeter of the play area, however, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, any suitable material may be used for the play area gate that keeps the animals within the play area and from getting into the play area when the gate is closed. For example, materials such as PVC and the like are also effective as a play area gate material. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, two fence posts 37, 39 are constructed in the opening to play area 24. Posts 37, 39 are terminal gate posts secured to the ground or floor of the animal boarding area. Play area gate 32 is secured to terminal post 37 by a number of gate hinges (illustrated in FIG. 5) that provide the pivot point to allow play area gate 32 to rotate about the pivot point into both the play area 24 and the common run segment 11, which is typically a rotation of approximately 180°. Play area gate 32 is removably secured to terminal post 39 in the closed position using a gate latch system (illustrated in FIG.

5).

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a portion of play areas 24, 26 and a portion of the first kennel area with a number of individual animal holding pens 50, 52, 66, 68 and a main run between the play area and the kennel areas. In the illustrated embodiment, animal holding pen 50 shares a common wall 53 with animal holding pen 52 and animal holding pen 66 shares a common wall 63 with adjacent animal holding pen 68. It will be appreciated that holding pens 50, 52 and holding pens 66, 68 may each have their own respective side wall and accordingly the two walls lie alongside one another but the pens do not share a common wall.

Individual animal holding pens may be of any suitable size and shape. In the example shown, the common wall 53 has two wall structure segments. One side of the kennel 50 has the rail side and the wall structure of the adjacent kennel 52 is the kennel side. The rail side is fitted with a piece of Plexiglas^® (not shown) to separate animals in adjacent pens. In a typical arrangement, the Plexiglas^® lies flush against the ground or floor to prevent fluids from running between adjacent pens. If the back of an animal holding pen 66 abuts the back of an adjacent animal holding pen (not shown), a piece of Plexiglas^® is fitted one of the back sides and lies flush against the floor or ground as well. The animal holding pens 50, 52, 66, 68 face a kennel run segment 44. Kennel run segment is defined by at least a portion of each of the front sections of each of the animal holding pens. Each animal holding pen 50, 52, 66, 68 has an opening 55, 57, 59, 61 that allow an animal to pass from the respective holding pen into the kennel run segment 44. Typically, openings 55, 57, 59, 61 are fitted with a small animal holding pen gate operable between a closed position in which its respective first small animal holding pen is enclosed and an open position in which the small animal holding pen gate is positioned for the movement of an animal into the kennel run segment 44.

The kennel gate area has an opening for allowing the animal to pass from the kennel are into the main run 41. The kennel gate opening has a kennel area gate 42 that operates within the opening. Kennel area gate 42, which is typical of all kennel area access gates such as kennel area gates 38, 40 for example, is typically manufactured of a galvanized chain link to match the material of the chain link 29, 33 used for the perimeter of the play area, however, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, any suitable material may be used for the kennel area gate that keeps the animals within the kennel area and from getting into the main run 41 when the gate 42 is closed. For example, materials such as PVC and the like are also effective as a kennel area gate material. As shown with respect to FIG. 2 for the play area gate, two fence posts 47, 49 are constructed in the opening to each kennel area. Posts 47, 49 are terminal gate posts secured to the ground or floor of the animal boarding area. Kennel area gate 42 is secured to one terminal post 47 by a number of gate hinges (illustrated in FIG. 5) that provide the pivot point to allow kennel area gate 42 to rotate about the pivot point into the main run 41, which is typically a rotation of approximately 90°. Play area gate 32 is removably secured to the second terminal post 49 in the closed position using a gate latch system (illustrated in FIG. 5).

The width of the play area gate 32 and the kennel area gate is defined between terminal posts 37, 39 and terminal posts 47, 49 respectively. The play area gates and the kennel area gates are designed to be approximately the same width as the width of the main run 41. Accordingly, the distance between terminal post 39 and terminal post 47 is approximately the same as the distance between terminal posts 39, 37. Similarly, the distance between terminal post 37 and terminal post 49 is approximately the same as the distance between terminal posts 47, 49.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a temperature warning device 75 for monitoring the temperature within the animal boarding area 10. Temperature warning device 75 is illustrated as coupled to a segment of wall of animal holding pens 50, 52, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that temperature warning device may be attached to any suitable location within the animal boarding area 10. Temperature warning device is typically a single zone unit with built-in or remote sensing device such as Electronic Temp Alert Model TA-2HLD or TA- 3HLD manufactured by Winland Electronics, Inc., Mankato, MN. In operation, temperature warning device senses a variation in temperature outside of an ideal range. In the preferred embodiment, the ideal range is between 64⁰F and 78⁰F. If the temperature falls outside of that ideal range, the system dials a first programmed phone number to alert the recipient to a temperature falling outside the range. In addition to dialing the first programmed phone number, the system may be configured to send a text message or an e-mail message to the same first programmed phone number.

If there is no response from the first phone number, the system is configured to dial a second programmed phone number, which in the preferred embodiment is the local fire department or police department. One skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that multiple numbers may be programmed into the system prior to ultimately dialing the police department or the fire department.

FIG. 4 shows a typical play area gate 32 and kennel area gate 42 operation to create an animal path from the kennel area to the play area 24. Play area gate 32 is opened into the main run 41 by unlatching the latching mechanism and rotating the gate 90° into the main run. The play area gate 32 has a width that is approximately the same width as the main run 41. Similarly, kennel area gate 42 is opened into the main run 41 by unlatching the latching mechanism and rotating the gate 90° into the main run. The play area gate 42 also has a width that is approximately the same width as the main run 41. The gate 42 may then be latched to the terminal post 49 and the gate 32 may be latched to terminal post 39 thereby creating an animal path from the kennel area to the play area 24. Since the width of each of the gates is approximately the same as the width of the main run, an animal cannot travel outside of the created path, and therefore must move from the kennel area 24 to the play area or vice versa.

FIG. 5 illustrates a typical hinge system used for each of the gates in the animal boarding system. Gate latch 65 is attached to the gate and is configured to lift by approximately 90° so that it can be removably coupled to one of the terminal posts. In operation, the gate latch 65 may be used to close a gate, such as a kennel area gate or a play area gate, so that an animal is confined to the various areas. Gate latch 65 may also be used when a kennel area gate or play area gate is opened into the main run and latched to the terminal post on the opposite side of the main run so that an animal cannot push its way into an area that is forbidden. Top terminal post bracket 73 and top gate bracket 71 are attached to the top of the terminal post and gate member respectively. Similarly, bottom terminal post bracket 67 and bottom gate bracket 69 are attached to the bottom of the terminal post and gate member respectively. The terminal post brackets and gate brackets allow the kennel area gates and play area gates to pivot about the terminal post to open and close the gate. Terminal post bracket and gate bracket provide at least 180° rotation for the play area gates and at least 90° rotation for the kennel area gates. FIGS. 6-11 illustrate various gates opening and closing to create various number of animal paths between the kennel areas and the play areas of FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that only a small number of combinations are shown, any number of combinations may be created by opening and closing various kennel area gates and play area gates. The combinations shown are meant to be illustrative and not at all limiting. In explaining the illustrative examples, only the gates that are opened will be identified. It is assumed, unless indicated, that all other gates remain closed.

In FIG. 6, play area gate 32 is opened into play area 24. Kennel area gate 38 is opened into the main run area 41. An animal path is therefore created to allow animals to pass from kennel run 48 to kennel run segments 11 and 13 through open play area gate 32 into play area 24. Gates to individual animal pens in the plurality of animal pens 20, 22 may then be opened to release a selected group of animals destined for play area 24. Kennel run segment 17 is enclosed so an animal cannot take an alternate path except to travel from the plurality of animal pens 20, 22 to play area 24. In FIG. 7, play area gate 32 is opened into main run 41 and kennel area gate 42 is also opened into the main run area 41. An animal path is therefore created to allow animals to pass from kennel run 44 to kennel run through open play area gate 32 and open kennel run gate 42 into play area 24. Gates to individual animal pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14 may then be opened to release a selected group of animals intended for play area 24. Animals can travel along the animal path from the individual pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14 into the kennel run 44 through the opening having kennel area gate 42 through the opening having play area gate 32 into the play area.

FIG. 8 illustrates opening animal pens from two kennel areas for a single play area. Play area gate 34 and play area gate 45 are opened and kennel area gate 42 and kennel area gate 38 are also opened into the main run area 41. An animal path is therefore created to allow animals to pass from kennel runs 44, 48 to main run through open play area gates 34, 45 and open kennel run gates 38, 42 into play area 26. Gates to individual animal pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14, 20, 22 may then be opened to release a selected group of animals intended for play area 26. Animals can travel along the animal path from the individual pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14, 20, 22 into the kennel runs 44, 48 through the opening having kennel area gates 38, 42 through the opening having play area gate 34, 45 into the play area 26.

FIG. 9 illustrates a scenario where play area gate 34 opens into main run area 41. Play area gate 34 is opened into the main run area, play area gate 43 is opened and kennel area gate 42 and kennel area gate 38 are also opened into the main run area 41. An animal path is therefore created to allow animals to pass from kennel runs 44, 48 to main run through open play area gates 34, 43 and open kennel run gates 38, 42 into play area 28. Gates to individual animal pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14, 20, 22 may then be opened to release a selected group of animals intended for play area 28. Animals can travel along the animal path from the individual pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14, 20, 22 into the kennel runs 44, 48 through the opening having kennel area gates 38, 42 through the opening having play area gate 34, 43 into the play area 28.

In FIG. 10, play area gate 36 is opened into play area 30. Kennel area gate 42 is opened into the main run area 41. An animal path is therefore created to allow animals to pass from kennel run 44 to kennel run segments 11 and 13 through open play area gate 36 into play area 30. Gates to individual animal pens in the plurality of animal pens 12, 14 may then be opened to release a selected group of animals destined for play area 30. Kennel run segment 15 is enclosed so an animal cannot take an alternate path except to travel from the plurality of animal pens 12, 14 to play area 30.

FIG. 11 illustrates a scenario where animals are moved simultaneously from a first kennel area to play area 24 and from second kennel area to play area 30. Play area gate 32 is opened into main run 41 and kennel area gate 42 is also opened into the main run area 41. Simultaneously, play area gate 36 is opened into main run 41 and kennel area gate 38 is also opened into the main run area 41. An animal path is therefore created to allow animals to pass from kennel run 44 to kennel run through open play area gate 32 and open kennel run gate 42 into play area 24. Simultaneously, an animal path is created to allow animals to pass from kennel run 48 to kennel run through open play area gate 38 and open kennel run gate 36 into play area 30. Gates to individual animal pens in the plurality of animal pens 20, 22 may then be opened to release a selected group of animals intended for play area 30. Animals can travel along the animal path from the individual pens in the plurality of animal pens 20, 22 into the kennel run 48 through the opening having kennel area gate 38 through the opening having play area gate 36 into the play area 30.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub- combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A small animal boarding system comprising: a first kennel area having a plurality of first small animal holding pens positioned proximate a plurality of second small animal holding pens to define a first kennel passage there between, said first kennel area having a kennel area gate operable between an open position and a closed position, said open position for movement of a small animal into and out of said first kennel passage, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of a small animal into and out of said first kennel passage; said plurality of first small animal holding pens, each of said first small animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one small animal, each of said first small animal holding pens having a wall common with a wall of an adjacent first small animal holding pen and each of said first small animal holding pens having a first small animal pen opening with a first small animal holding pen gate each of which is operable between a closed position and an open position, said closed position for enclosing its respective first small animal holding pen, said open position for the movement of a small animal between said kennel area gate and said respective first small animal holding pen through said first small animal pen opening; said plurality of second small animal holding pens positioned proximate said plurality of first small animal holding pens, each of said second small animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one small animal, each of said small animal holding pens having a wall common with a wall of an adjacent small animal holding pen and each of said second small animal holding pens having a second small animal pen opening with a second small animal pen gate each of which is operable between a closed position and an open position, said closed position for enclosing its respective first small animal holding pen, said open position for the movement of a small animal between said kennel area gate and said respective second small animal holding pen through said second small animal pen opening; a first play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define a main run there between, said first play area having a first play area opening with a first play area gate operable between a first open position and a closed position, said first open position for opening said first play area opening and positioning said first play area gate in said main run for the movement of a small animal among said first play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate and to inhibit the movement of the small animal there past in said main run, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of a small animal into an out of said first play area; a second play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define a main run there between, said second play area having a second play area opening with a second play area gate operable between a first open position and a closed position, said first open position for opening said second play area opening and positioning said second play area gate in said main run for the movement of a small animal among said second play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate and to inhibit the movement of the small animal there past in said main run, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of a small animal into an out of said second play area; and said main run having a length and opposite ends, said opposite ends having closures positioned proximate said opposite ends to inhibit movement of a small animal there past.

2. The animal boarding system of claim 1, further comprising a second open position for opening said first play area opening and positioning said first play area gate in said first play area for the movement of a small animal among said first play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate.

3. The animal boarding system of claim 2, further comprising a second open position for opening said second play area opening and positioning said second play area gate in said second play area for the movement of a small animal among said second play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate.

4. An animal boarding system comprising: a first kennel area having a plurality of first animal holding pens positioned proximate a plurality of second animal holding pens to define a first kennel passage, said first kennel area having a kennel area gate operable between an open position and a closed position, said open position for movement of a small animal into and out of said first kennel passage, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of the small animal into and out of said first kennel passage; said plurality of first animal holding pens, each of said first animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one first small animal, each of said first animal holding pens having a wall common with a wall of an adjacent first animal holding pen and each of said first animal holding pens having a first animal pen opening with a first animal holding pen gate, each gate is operable between a closed position and an open position, said closed position for enclosing its respective first animal holding pen, said open position in which the first animal holding pen gate is positioned for the movement of a first small animal between said kennel area gate and said respective first small animal holding pen through said first animal pen opening; said plurality of second animal holding pens positioned proximate said plurality of first animal holding pens to define a first kennel area run there between, each of said second animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one second small animal different in size from said first small animal, each of said animal holding pens having a wall common with a wall of an adjacent animal holding pen and each of said second animal holding pens having a second animal pen opening with a second animal pen gate operable between a closed position and an open position, said closed position for enclosing its respective second animal holding pen, said open position in which said second animal holding pen gate is positioned for the movement of a second small animal between said kennel area gate and said respective second animal holding pen through said first animal pen opening; a first play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define a main run there between, said first play area having a first play area opening with a first play area gate operable between a first open position and a closed position, said first open position for opening said first play area opening and positioning said play area gate in said main run for the movement of an animal among said first play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate and to inhibit the movement of a first or second small animal there past in said main run, said closed position for inhibiting movement of a first or second small animal into and out of said first play area; and said main run having a length and opposite ends, said opposite ends having closures positioned proximate said opposite ends to inhibit movement of a small animal there past.

5. The animal boarding system of claim 4 further including a second play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define a main run there between, said second play area having a second play area opening with a second play area gate operable between a first open position and a closed position, said first open position for opening said second play area opening and positioning said play area gate in said main run for the movement of an animal among said second play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate and to inhibit the movement of a first or second small animal there past in said main run, said closed position for inhibiting movement of a first or second small animal into and out of said second play area.

6. The animal boarding system of claim 5 wherein each of said first animal holding pens is sized to contain a bed, a water dish and a food dish for a first small animal

7. The animal boarding system of claim 6 wherein each of said first animal holding pens and second animal holding pens is sized to hold a dog.

8. An animal boarding system comprising: a first plurality of animal holding pens, each of said animal holding pens designed to hold at least one animal, said first plurality of holding pens arranged such that a wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, each of said animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for enclosing said animal pen, said second position for allowing movement from said holding pen into a first kennel run; a second plurality of animal holding pens proximate said first plurality of animal holding pens defining said first kennel run there between, each of said second plurality of animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said second plurality of holding pens arranged such that at least one wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, said first and second plurality of animal holding pens together forming a first kennel area, said kennel area having an opening for allowing movement from said first kennel run; a first kennel area gate configured to operate within said opening to said first kennel area, said first kennel gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement from said first kennel run to a main run by opening into said main run, said second position for restricting movement into and out of said first kennel run, said first kennel gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run; a first play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define said main run there between, said first play area having at least one play area opening for allowing an animal to enter and exit said first play area, said first play area having a first play area gate configured to operate within said opening between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement between said main run and said first play area, said second position for restricting movement between said main run and said first play area, said gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run, said first play area gate configured to open into said first play area and said main run; and a second play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define said main run there between, said second play area having at least one play area opening for allowing an animal to enter and exit said second play area, said second play area having a second play area gate configured to operate within said opening between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement between said main run and said second play area, said second position for restricting movement between said main run and said second play area, said gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run, said second play area gate configured to open into said first play area and said main run.

9. The animal boarding system of claim 8, further comprising: a third plurality of animal holding pens, each of said animal holding pens designed to hold at least one animal, said third plurality of holding pens arranged such that a wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, each of said animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for enclosing said animal pen, said second position for allowing movement from said holding pen into a second kennel run; a fourth plurality of animal holding pens proximate said third plurality of animal holding pens defining said second kennel run there between, each of said fourth plurality of animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said fourth plurality of holding pens arranged such that at least one wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, said third and fourth plurality of animal holding pens together forming a second kennel area, said second kennel area having an opening for allowing movement from said second kennel run; and a second kennel area gate configured to operate within said opening to said second kennel area, said second kennel gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement from said second kennel run to a main run by opening into said main run, said second position for restricting movement into and out of said second kennel run, said second kennel gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run.

10. The animal boarding system of claim 9, further comprising: a fifth plurality of animal holding pens, each of said animal holding pens designed to hold at least one animal, said fifth plurality of holding pens arranged such that a wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, each of said animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for enclosing said animal pen, said second position for allowing movement from said holding pen into a third kennel run; a sixth plurality of animal holding pens proximate said fifth plurality of animal holding pens defining said third kennel run there between, each of said fourth plurality of animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said sixth plurality of holding pens arranged such that at least one wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, said fifth and sixth plurality of animal holding pens together forming a third kennel area, said third kennel area having an opening for allowing movement from said third kennel run; and a third kennel area gate configured to operate within said opening to said third kennel area, said third kennel gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement from said third kennel run to a main run by opening into said main run, said second position for restricting movement into and out of said third kennel run, said third kennel gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run.

11. The animal boarding system of claim 10, further comprising a third play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said second kennel area to define said main run there between, said third play area having at least one play area opening for allowing an animal to enter and exit said third play area, said third play area having a third play area gate configured to operate within said opening between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement between said main run and said third play area, said second position for restricting movement between said main run and said third play area, said gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run, said third play area gate configured to open into said third play area and said main run.

12. The animal boarding system of claim 11, further comprising a fourth play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said third kennel area to define said main run there between, said fourth play area having at least one play area opening for allowing an animal to enter and exit said fourth play area, said fourth play area having a fourth play area gate configured to operate within said opening between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement between said main run and said fourth play area, said second position for restricting movement between said main run and said fourth play area, said gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run, said fourth play area gate configured to open into said fourth play area and said main run.

13. The animal boarding system of claim 8, wherein said first and second play area gates rotate at least 180° from a closed position about a pivot point in said play area opening, at least 90° into said main run and at least 90° into said play area.

14. The animal boarding system of claim 13, wherein said kennel area gate rotates at least 90° from a closed position about a pivot point in said kennel area opening into said main run.

15. The animal boarding system of claim 8, wherein each of said gates in said openings of said first and second pluralities of animal holding pens opens into said first kennel run.

16. The animal boarding system of claim 8, further comprising a temperature warning device for dialing a first number when the temperature of the animal boarding system falls outside of an ideal range for a predetermined length of time.

17. The animal boarding system of claim 16, wherein said ideal range is between 64⁰F and 78⁰F.

18. The animal boarding system of claim 17, wherein said predetermined length of time is 60 minutes.

19 The animal boarding system of claim 18, wherein said temperature warning device calls a second number if the first number fails.

20. The animal boarding system of claim 19, wherein said second number is the fire department.

21. A method for creating an animal path in an animal boarding system, said method comprising: providing a first kennel area having a plurality of first small animal holding pens positioned proximate a plurality of second small animal holding pens to define a first kennel passage there between, said first kennel area having a kennel area gate operable between an open position and a closed position, said open position for movement of a small animal into and out of said first kennel passage, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of a small animal into and out of said first kennel passage; providing said plurality of first small animal holding pens, each of said first small animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one small animal, each of said first small animal holding pens having a wall common with a wall of an adjacent first small animal holding pen and each of said first small animal holding pens having a first small animal pen opening with a first small animal holding pen gate each of which is operable between a closed position and an open position, said closed position for enclosing its respective first small animal holding pen, said open position for the movement of a small animal between said kennel area gate and said respective first small animal holding pen through said first small animal pen opening; providing said plurality second small animal holding pens positioned proximate said plurality of first small animal holding pens, each of said second small animal holding pens being sized and shaped to contain at least one small animal, each of said small animal holding pens having a wall common with a wall of an adjacent small animal holding pen and each of said second small animal holding pens having a second small animal pen opening with a second small animal pen gate each of which is operable between a closed position and an open position, said closed position for enclosing its respective first small animal holding pen, said open position for the movement of a small animal between said kennel area gate and said respective second small animal holding pen through said second small animal pen opening; providing a first play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define a main run there between, said main run having a length and opposite ends, said opposite ends having closures positioned proximate said opposite ends to inhibit movement of a small animal there past, said first play area having a first play area opening with a first play area gate operable between a first open position and a closed position, said first open position for opening said first play area opening and positioning said first play area gate in said main run for the movement of a small animal among said first play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate and to inhibit the movement of the small animal there past in said main run, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of a small animal into an out of said first play area; providing a second play area having an enclosed perimeter and positioned proximate said first kennel area to define a main run there between, said second play area having a second play area opening with a second play area gate operable between a first open position and a closed position, said first open position for opening said second play area opening and positioning said second play area gate in said main run for the movement of a small animal among said second play area, said main passage and said kennel area gate and to inhibit the movement of the small animal there past in said main run, said closed position for inhibiting the movement of a small animal into an out of said second play area;. opening said first kennel area gate into said main run; opening said first play area gate into said main run to create a first animal travel path from said first kennel area into said first play area; opening the gates to a first selected number of animal holding pens within said first and second plurality of holding pens; and moving animals from said first kennel area to said first play area using said first animal travel path.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said method further comprises: providing a third plurality of animal holding pens, each of said animal holding pens designed to hold at least one animal, said third plurality of holding pens arranged such that a wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, each of said animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for enclosing said animal pen, said second position for allowing movement from said holding pen into a second kennel run; providing a fourth plurality of animal holding pens proximate said third plurality of animal holding pens defining said second kennel run there between, each of said fourth plurality of animal holding pens having an opening with a gate operable between a first position and a second position, said fourth plurality of holding pens arranged such that at least one wall of each holding pen is common with a wall of an adjacent holding pen, said third and fourth plurality of animal holding pens together forming a second kennel area, said second kennel area having an opening for allowing movement from said second kennel run; and providing a second kennel area gate configured to operate within said opening to said second kennel area, said second kennel gate operable between a first position and a second position, said first position for allowing movement from said second kennel run to a main run by opening into said main run, said second position for restricting movement into and out of said second kennel run, said second kennel gate sized to be substantially the same width as said width of said main run; closing said first kennel area gate; opening said second kennel area gate into said main run to create a second animal travel path from said second kennel area into said first play area; opening the gates to a second selected number of animal holding pens within said second kennel area; and moving animals from said second kennel area to said first play area using said second animal travel path.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said method further comprises: closing said second kennel area gate; opening said first kennel area gate into said main run; opening said second play area gate into said main run to create a third animal travel path from said first kennel area into said second play area; opening the gates to a third selected number of animal holding pens within said first kennel area; and moving animals from said first kennel area to said second play area using said third animal travel path.