A rare example where animal comfort meets high-performance HVAC in Laval
At AirGreen, we recently had the opportunity to carry out a specialized ventilation installation in a veterinary clinic in Laval, a project that stood out due to both its technical demands and the sensitivity of its environment. This project allowed us to showcase our full expertise in custom commercial ventilation, as we addressed a very specific need: ensuring impeccable air quality for hospitalized pets, often recovering or under stress.
The clinic owners reached out to us after noticing persistent odours, poor air circulation in the intensive care cages, and excessive humidity in certain areas. They were looking for a local partner capable of designing a comprehensive, reliable solution perfectly suited to the realities of their facility located in the heart of Laval.
The specific challenges of ventilation in veterinary environments
Ventilation in a veterinary clinic poses challenges not commonly found in standard commercial spaces:
-
Control of animal-related odours (urine, litter boxes, bodily secretions).
-
Effective removal of airborne pathogens.
-
Humidity management and sterile zone regulation (operating rooms, quarantine cages).
-
Different thermal comfort requirements depending on the area (waiting rooms, exam rooms, kennels).
What was needed was a custom solution that would be quiet, efficient, hygienic, and easy to maintain.
Site assessment and AirGreen diagnosis
During our first visit, our HVAC technicians performed a complete analysis of the indoor environment: airflow by zone, duct conditions, humidity levels, and the effectiveness of the existing exhaust system. We quickly identified several shortcomings:
-
A central ventilation system that was improperly sized.
-
Dead zones with no adequate air movement.
-
No HEPA filtration in sensitive areas.
-
Insufficient exhaust in the cages and surgical rooms.
The AirGreen solution: centralized ventilation with targeted exhaust
To meet these challenges, we designed and installed a central mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (HRV), coupled with independent exhaust systems in the critical zones.
Equipment installed:
-
Venmar EVO5 700 HRV heat recovery ventilator, with an adjustable flow rate of up to 700 CFM.
-
Galvanized steel ductwork with thermal insulation to prevent condensation.
-
Multi-zone air distribution with hygienic stainless steel grilles for veterinary areas.
-
Smart humidity and CO2 sensors, allowing automatic modulation of airflow.
-
MERV 13 and HEPA filters installed on the return air ducts from the operating room and quarantine cages.
The HRV system maintains a stable temperature throughout the clinic while ensuring constant air renewal, without energy loss. The targeted exhaust ensures negative air pressure in infectious or odor-prone zones, effectively separating airflows.
Technical details and installation
Our work lasted five days, including installation, calibration, and full commissioning of the system. Thanks to meticulous planning, we were able to work outside the clinic’s opening hours, minimizing the impact on operations and reducing stress for the animals.
Challenges encountered:
-
Low drop ceilings in some areas required compact solutions.
-
The existing electrical system wasn’t up to code to support the new ventilators.
-
We had to design custom grilles for the isolation cages.
We resolved these issues thanks to our in-house HVAC engineering team and our local supplier network. Every component was chosen for its durability, ease of maintenance, and compliance with veterinary sanitary standards.
Results after installation
Just weeks after the system was put into use, the clinic’s management noticed significant improvements:
-
Persistent odours disappeared in the cages and hallways.
-
Humidity was under control, even in the most enclosed areas.
-
Noticeable reduction in coughing episodes among hospitalized animals, according to the head veterinarian.
-
Overall atmosphere was healthier and more pleasant, for animals, staff, and clients alike.
We also trained the team on routine system maintenance (filter changes, motor checks, sensor calibration), giving them full autonomy in managing the ventilation.
Why choose AirGreen for your specialized ventilation
This project perfectly illustrates AirGreen’s ability to adapt to unique needs and deliver highly specialized commercial ventilation installations. Whether you operate a veterinary clinic, grooming salon, boarding facility, or any other animal-related business, we offer:
-
Recognized HVAC expertise across Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
-
Durable, hygienic, and high-performance solutions.
-
A customized approach tailored to your building’s layout.
-
Complete support: analysis, installation, maintenance, and system upgrades.
Practical advice for veterinary facilities
-
Plan for independent ventilation in critical zones (operating rooms, isolation).
-
Choose easy-to-clean, corrosion-resistant grilles.
-
Ensure sanitary compliance of installed systems, especially if you treat exotic animals.
-
Avoid overly complex systems: simplicity often equals efficiency.
Proper ventilation is also animal well-being
Ultimately, good ventilation isn’t just about comfort or hygiene — it’s a vital component of animal well-being. At AirGreen, we firmly believe every facility, no matter the size, deserves an HVAC system that meets the demands of its mission.
We are proud to have helped improve the living conditions of animals and the work environment of veterinarians at this clinic in Laval.