The Best Two-Way Radios for Boarding Kennels
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your kennel, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for boarding kennels?
A dog is ready for pickup, but no one told the kennel tech. The client’s been waiting at the front desk for ten minutes, getting frustrated…
Out back, two dogs just had a scuffle during playtime and staff need backup—but no one hears the call for help….
These are all common issues in a boarding kennel - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios.
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your kennel, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your kenel needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For small kennels, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger kennels (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Recommended groups for pet resorts:
- Front Desk/Reception: Used by staff handling check-ins, check-outs, and customer communication. Quick coordination with other departments.
- Kennel Staff: For kennel techs managing feeding, cleaning, and general care of the animals. Also used for requesting help in specific zones.
- Grooming: Dedicated to groomers to coordinate appointments, animal pickups, and supply needs.
- Emergency/All Staff: Reserved for emergencies (e.g., loose dog, medical issue, safety concern). All staff monitor this channel as a priority.
From our experience, kennels work best when teams are grouped into 1. That way, everyone knows what is going on.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great pet resort radio?
Durability / Weather Resistance: Look for rugged or water-resistant models (IP54 or higher), especially since kennels deal with water, cleaning solutions, and the occasional chew-happy dog.
Clear Audio Quality: Good sound clarity is crucial in noisy kennel environments. Noise-canceling mics are a big plus.
Long Battery Life: Radios should last a full shift (8–12 hours) without charging. Models with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are ideal.
Hands-Free Options (VOX): Voice-activated transmit (VOX) allows staff to talk without pushing a button—great for when their hands are full.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Boarding Kennels
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for kennels of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Small Kennels
For typical kennel layouts, you’ll want a rugged and lightweight radio that is discreet and easy to carry. Offering modest power and 1 to a handful of channels, you will have enough groups to keep operations running smoothly.
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This is a MURS radio that does not require a FCC License. Channels: 5 Power: 2 watts; MURS Coverage: 225,000 sqft Durable and long battery life |
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The Motorola RMM2050 would be a perfect radio for your kennel if you...
- Have users who are rough with their radios
- Work in an area less than 225,000 square feet
- Need to send a signal around steel and concrete
- Require hands-free operation
This is a MURS radio (does not require an FCC License) with 5 channels. You can segment your staff into 5 different groups for more effective communication.
The RMM2050 is a machine that pushes out the sound with two watts of power and an outdoor range of up to two miles.
It also has an indoor range of 20 floors or up to 225,000 square feet.
The device uses lithium-ion batteries. So, you’re going to have power throughout the day. It also comes with a standing charging tray, a wall charger that plugs into power outlets, and a belt clip.
This is a radio that performs under harsh or stressful conditions with a strength of signal which easily gets around concrete and steel.
Make no mistake about it; this is one sturdy radio.
Its military-grade hardware is composed of materials that meet the MIL-STD 810 and IP-55 standards. That means it can take a licking and keep on ticking.
It comes with 219 different privacy codes that protect against interference and crosstalk. You won’t have to worry about hobbyists or any competitors interfering with your signal.
The customized channel announcement feature also allows you to operate the device hands-free. Your workers won't have to put down their power tools to have a conversation.
Productivity for everyone!
If you think that the Motorola RMU2040 would be perfect for your kennel crew, reach out to us for a free customized quote
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User-friendly with reliable coverage and extended battery life.
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The Motorola CLS1410 lives up to its name. CLS stands for Clear, Light, and Simple, and that’s what you’re getting with this device.
This is a UHF Radio with four channels, which will allow you to divide your staff and give the managers their own private channel.
It has 15 floors of indoor range with up to two miles of clear communication outside.
This device features Audible Call Alerts and Vibracall technology, so the staff members can keep their devices quiet when speaking with guests at check-in.
It’s also an easy device to set up thanks to simplified cloning.
If you need a radio that is clear, light, and simple, contact us today for a free personalized quote on the Motorola CLS1410.
Honorable Mentions:
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Compact and powerful. Easy to use and great battery life.
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Larger Kennels - Multiple Buildings
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
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There are a bunch of reasons why to choose the Curve …
- It’s an even more durable device that is also compact.
- There are no FCC licensing fees.
- Because it uses newer technology, digital communications are even more clear on Curve than the CLS or CLPe.
- 900 Mhz Digital Communication
With 10 channels, you can segment a much larger staff.
You're also able to save money on these radios because there is no FCC licensing. That means you won't have to pay any government fees to use your devices.
This is a portable two-way radio with an indoor range of up to 300,000 square feet or 20 floors. That range is ideal for most larger spaces.
If you've got a larger kennel, like those radios found in a hotel or a large chain, we recommend the Motorola Curve.
Honorable Mentions:
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your kennel – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!