Fear free design guidelines: exploration of quantitative acoustic criteria

Fear Free(r) is an organization that is dedicated to changing the landscape of veterinary medicine by educating veterinary professionals, architects, engineers, and others about the importance of considering the psychological impact of the built environment on animals. By involving an interdisciplinary team of veterinarians, architects, animal behaviorists, and others, the Fear Free Hospital Design Guideline has been developed to inform the design of animal care facilities. In partnering with Siebein Acoustic, new quantitative criteria can potentially be included as part of the Fear Free Design Guideline. The first step in reducing noise within any animal care environment is prevention, reducing or eliminating the stressors that cause dogs to bark. Metrics for measuring acoustic control include Reverberation Time, alpha bar, STC ratings, requiring a Site Noise Study if located in a sensitive area, the use of OITC ratings for the exterior building skin and mechanical criteria for the specific space types that are typical of animal care facilities. These criteria have been drafted to provide quantitative performance criteria to complement the design efforts that Fear Free is undertaking to transform animal care environments into healthy, vibrant spaces that promote the well-being and safety of all occupants, animals and humans alike.