Alpha Tech Pet Catalog

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The Vital Role of Indoor Air Quality Monitoring in Veterinary and Pet Care Facilities

Why Every Facility Needs IAQ Monitoring to Protect Pets Imagine running a marathon in a smog-filled city— your lungs burn, your breathing becomes labored, and your energy drains. Now picture the animals in your care, confined indoors with poor air quality. Unlike humans, pets can’t escape their environment, making them more vulnerable to indoor air pollutants. In veterinary and pet care facilities, clean surfaces are essential, but what about the air pets breathe every day? Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a silent but significant threat, contributing to respiratory problems, disease transmission, and costly veterinary bills. At Alpha Tech Pet, Inc., we believe that monitoring IAQ is crucial to ensuring that pets live in a safe, clean environment. The question is: Are you doing enough to protect the pets in your care? Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Animals: Animals, especially those in pet care facilities, are particularly vulnerable to air pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5: 0.1-2.5 microns, where microbes reside), PM10 (dust, pollen, mold), carbon dioxide (CO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These harmful particles are often found indoors in concentrations 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors, contributing to respiratory issues and exacerbating chronic conditions 1 . For pets, poor IAQ can be just as dangerous as poor nutrition or lack of veterinary care. They rely on us to provide a healthy environment, and when IAQ is neglected, it can lead to serious health complications 2 . Health Risks for Dogs and Cats: Respiratory issues in pets—such as coughing, sneezing, and labored breathing—are often triggered by allergens like mold, pollen, and fungal spores. Short-nosed dog breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, are particularly vulnerable to these pollutants due to their predisposition to breathing difficulties. For these pets, poor IAQ worsens their symptoms, making it more difficult to breathe and recover from respiratory stress 3 .

By Dr. Shawn E. Seitz, President and CEO of Alpha Tech Pet, Inc., with contributions from Dinesh Wadhwani, Founder and CEO of Thinklite Air, John Larochelle, CEO of Lighthouse Environmental Infection Prevention, and Ken McCarthy, President of Environmental Disinfection Solutions.

By openly sharing IAQ data and showcasing your proactive efforts to maintain superior air quality, your facility becomes a preferred choice for discerning clients who seek the best care possible for their pets.”

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