<p>Ammonia (NH₃) emissions have become an increasingly significant issue in the livestock industry due to their negative impact on the environment and the emphasis on sustainable dairy production. A key principle in achieving source-oriented NH₃ emission reduction is limiting urease activity in urine puddles. Optimizing floor management has been considered to be effective in limiting urease activity, thereby mitigating NH₃ emissions. Given these considerations, this review synthesizes current knowledge by addressing four objectives: (1) describing the physicochemical mechanisms of NH₃ release and its relationship to urease activity; (2) mapping the primary distribution of urease in dairy houses; (3) evaluating factors influencing urease activity, alongside methods to quantify their contributions; and (4) identifying effective floor management strategies to reduce urease activity and NH₃ emissions. Urease, a ubiquitous microbial enzyme in nature, is primarily found in faeces and on floor surfaces within dairy houses. Based on Michaelis–Menten kinetics, the urease activity within a urine puddle is primarily governed by three key factors: maximum reaction rate, Michaelis constant, and the urea concentration in the puddle, which relate to the practical floor management strategies. Effective reduction of its activity in urine puddles requires integrated strategies combining optimized floor design, targeted disinfectant application, compatible manure handling practices, and scheduled cleaning protocols. A single-factor approach is insufficient to limit urease activity and achieve source-oriented NH₃ emission reduction. This review provides a scientifically grounded and practical framework for implementing ammonia reduction strategies by diminishing urease activity in dairy housing systems.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>