A veterinary clinic on the South Shore faced a common but critical issue: persistent odors
At AirGreen, we understand that pet care facilities—whether they’re veterinary clinics, boarding centers, or grooming salons—pose a real challenge when it comes to ventilation. Between airborne pet hair, daily use of disinfectants, humidity from treatment rooms, and animal odors, indoor air can quickly become unbreathable without a well-designed HVAC system.
That’s exactly what we encountered during our intervention at a veterinary clinic located in Brossard, on Montréal’s South Shore. Here's how a tailor-made HVAC installation completely transformed the customer experience and improved working conditions for the staff.
Context: overwhelming odors despite rigorous cleaning routines
Before contacting us, the clinic’s management had tried several approaches to improve air quality:
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Intensified cleaning and disinfecting.
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Adding portable air purifiers in treatment rooms.
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Manually opening windows, which disrupted ambient temperature.
But the issue persisted. Animal odors spread as far as the waiting area, and staff reported headaches by the end of their shifts. The existing central HVAC system was no longer sufficient, especially since it had originally been designed for office use.
AirGreen’s diagnosis: a system unsuited for veterinary demands
From our first site visit, our team conducted:
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A room-by-room airflow analysis.
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A check of static pressure in the existing ducts.
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An assessment of the building’s real thermal load, based on usage.
Findings:
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The system supplied air but lacked proper exhaust.
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There was no high-efficiency (HEPA) filtration.
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Critical areas like surgery and post-op cages weren’t ventilated independently.
AirGreen’s solution: a controlled-pressure ventilation system with HEPA filtration
We recommended a complete redesign of the ventilation network, tailored to the clinic’s unique challenges:
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Installation of a dual-flow system with heat recovery, maintaining consistent temperature while ensuring constant fresh air exchange.
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Integration of HEPA and activated carbon filters in all care zones.
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Creation of negative-pressure zones in high-risk areas (animal isolation, surgery).
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Motorized dampers to modulate airflow during peak hours.
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Setup of a centralized control system with indoor air quality sensors (VOCs, CO₂, humidity).
Result: a 95% reduction in odors within days, improved thermal comfort, and a noticeably healthier work environment according to the clinic’s veterinarians and technicians.
HVAC installation steps: precision, hygiene, and coordination
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Work scheduled outside of regular hours, with no disruption to veterinary services.
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Use of certified materials for sensitive environments.
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Full cleaning and disinfection of existing ducts before integrating new equipment.
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Ongoing coordination with the clinic manager to meet all sanitary standards.
Why ventilation is critical in animal care environments
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High concentration of fur, dander, and airborne particles.
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Risk of cross-contamination between animals in shared zones.
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Frequent use of strong chemicals and disinfectants.
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Increased sensitivity in some animals to temperature changes or strong odors.
Our recommendations for veterinary clinics on the South Shore
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Never rely on a “standard” HVAC setup.
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Prioritize separate zones with precise pressure control.
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Install HEPA and activated carbon filters to truly purify the air.
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Have a professional HVAC maintenance twice a year, including filter replacements and duct cleaning.
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Set up smart air quality sensors to monitor performance in real time.
AirGreen: your trusted HVAC partner for veterinary and sensitive environments
We bring in-depth expertise in ventilation for specialized buildings across the South Shore and the entire Greater Montréal region. Whether it’s a veterinary clinic, lab, pharmacy, or specialized care facility, we adapt our HVAC installations to your real-world professional needs.
Do you run a veterinary clinic in Brossard, Longueuil, Saint-Hubert or anywhere else on the South Shore? Contact AirGreen for a full evaluation of your ventilation system and a custom quote.