Abstract: A self-drying animal litter box includes a box-like container shell having an upper portion, a lower portion and side walls, with an opening formed through the lower portion and a shelf positioned within the container shell along the side walls, and a flange extending downwardly from the lower portion, and also includes a lower tray having a channel for receiving at least a portion of that flange, with the container shell being removably attached to the lower tray. A panel having a generally planar top surface with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough is supported on the shelf, with the heating element attached to and spaced a predetermined distance below the panel and a heating element control coupled to the heating element and to the panel to maintain the panel at a substantially uniform and predetermined temperature for a preselected time.

Abstract: A self drying pet litter box includes a foraminous panel supported above the bottom of a box like container to facilitate circulation of air through particulate litter material supported on the panel.

Abstract: A sanitizing unit for use with a pet litter box includes a panel receivable within the litter box to support the particulate litter material and includes structure for applying heat to the panel and controlling the temperature and time of the heating to destroy bacteria carried by the waste deposited upon the litter material.