UV Disinfection for Pet-Friendly Businesses

While many indoor commercial spaces may not be dedicated to “animal care,” they do allow, and in many instances invite, the presence of animals. Also inviting in zoonotic and animal pathogens that can cause illnesses and allergies for both animals and humans.

Animals and indoor air quality.

Zoos, airlines, animal transportation companies, and convention centers (as sites for dog shows, cat shows, grooming, dog agility competitions), have long played host to animals in their indoor environments. And, as pets have become a more integral part of our lives, as pet “owners” became pet “parents” and the value of service animals increasingly recognized, bringing animals into spaces that were historically off-limits has increased. Hotels and other hospitality and retail spaces now specifically entice the presence of animals with pet-friendly perks. But what’s also being enticed into the indoor air?

The potential hazards of poor indoor air quality.

The importance of indoor air quality, or IAQ, in a wide variety of environments is already well-recognized by organizations including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Lung Association (ALA). As noted by OSHA, poor IAQ is tied to “symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Also, some specific diseases have been linked to specific air contaminants or indoor environments.” (Source)

Similarly, ALA describes:

“Bacteria and viruses can travel through the air, causing and worsening diseases. They get into the air easily. When someone sneezes or coughs, tiny water or mucous droplets filled with viruses or bacteria scatter in the air or end up in the hands where they spread on surfaces like doorknobs. Inhaling these viruses or bacteria can spread coughs, colds, influenza, tuberculosis and other infectious agents.” (Source)

Adding animals to the IAQ mix.

Now, add animals, animal pathogens, zoonotic pathogens, and animal dander to that indoor air quality mix. Animals interacting—breathing, sniffing, shedding, sneezing, coughing—with other animals. Animals interacting with humans. Humans interacting with animals. And, of course, humans with those animals interacting with other humans.

Take control of your indoor air quality.

To help prevent the spread of infectious disease, UV technology has been used in healthcare settings for close to a century. You may not have control over the health of the humans and animals as they enter your animal-friendly business, but you can help take control of your indoor air quality with Aerapy Animal Health. Our air sanitizing UV technology works with both new and existing HVAC systems, from small to large air handlers, to improve IAQ and continually clean the air by killing more than 99.9% of tested virus and bacterial pathogens at their source. Aerapy Animal Health’s in-duct UV equipment for HVAC systems can also help reduce maintenance costs, extend the life of your HVAC system, and generate significant energy savings.