Hi everyone!
We are currently trying to implement more enrichment for our shelter cats and dogs. I have done some research to find ideas of things we can do but would so greatly appreciate it if some of you could post pictures or descriptions of the things you do at your facility. We have a lower adoption rate of the larger dogs we get in and thus need some ideas specifically for larger dogs that have been housed here for a longer amount of time.
Thank you so much in advance!
Dog Intake Coordinator
Enrichment Ideas
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Lisa M. September 16, 2018 at 11:14 PM
Hi Natalie,
- Here's a great article from the IAABC Journal - "Multisensory Enrichment for Shelter Dogs". It has lots of "how to" info. and includes several video clips of enrichment in action!
https://winter2017.iaabcjournal.org/multisensory-enrichment-for-shelter-dogs/
- Also ASPCA.pro offers many helpful webinars on shelter cat and dog enrichment:
- And, of course, Maddie's University has great info. on shelter animal enrichment, but I'm guessing you already knew that. :)
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Alison
September 17, 2018 at 07:48 AM
Best Answer@Lisa M. and @Natalie Sopa Yes, indeed, we have a lot on enrichment for dogs and cats on Maddie's University. Available on our website are the following:
Avoiding Dog Fights in the Shelter https://www.maddiesfund.org/avoiding-dog-fights-in-the-shelter.htm?p=topic17
Enrichment for Shelter Cats
https://www.maddiesfund.org/enrichment-for-shelter-cats.htm?p=topic17
Enrichment for Shelter Dogs https://www.maddiesfund.org/enrichment-for-shelter-dogs.htm?p=topic17
Enrichment and Training for Dogs and Cats https://www.maddiesfund.org/enrichment-and-training.htm?p=topic17
Every Day, Every Dog - Let Them Play! The Impact of Play Groups https://www.maddiesfund.org/let-them-play-the-impact-of-play-groups.htm?p=topic2
Helping Shelter Pets find Health, Happiness and Homes with Fear Free https://www.maddiesfund.org/helping-shelter-pets-find-health-happiness-and-homes-with-fear-free.htm?p=topic17
How Stress is Sabotaging Your Cat Adoption Efforts https://www.maddiesfund.org/stress-is-sabotaging-your-cat-adoption-efforts.htm?p=topic17
How Stress is Sabotaging Your Dog Adoption Efforts https://www.maddiesfund.org/stress-is-sabotaging-your-dog-adoption-efforts.htm?p=topic17
Shelter Enrichment The Cats Meow https://www.maddiesfund.org/shelter-enrichment--the-cats-meow.htm
Stress Reduction: Happy and Healthy Shelter Dogs https://www.maddiesfund.org/stress-reduction-happy-and-healthy-shelter-dogs.htm?p=topic17
Stress Reduction: Happy and Healthy Shelter Cats on a Fast Track to Adoption https://www.maddiesfund.org/stress-reduction-happy-and-healthy-shelter-cats.htm?p=topic17
Stress Reduction for Shelter Cats https://www.maddiesfund.org/stress-reduction-for-shelter-cats.htm?p=topic17
Stress Reduction for Shelter Dogs https://www.maddiesfund.org/stress-reduction-for-shelter-dogs.htm?p=topic17
The Best Medicine: Playing With Shelter Dogs https://www.maddiesfund.org/the-best-medicine-playing-with-shelter-dogs.htm?p=topic17
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WendyFrink October 30, 2018 at 07:47 AM
I just saw this posted on Facebook. Peanut butter and frisbees! https://www.facebook.com/HHSwilliamsburg/videos/1967494366629632/?fref=gs&;dti=962691297087218&hc_location=group
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EmmeH September 17, 2018 at 09:08 AM
There are a lot of enrichment ideas out there, so it definitely can be a little overwhelming to pick some to try first! Would you be able to share some more info on your current enrichment program and what kind of resources you have? That way folks can try to point to some particular things that might work well for your shelter.
Do the enrichment activities need to be things staff can easily do while cleaning, or do you have volunteers who can provide it? Do you have a set of volunteers who would be willing to each spend an hour or two weekly prepping enrichment that can be used through the week? Where will you get your enrichment supplies? Do they need to be things you have on hand, do you have supporters who will reliably buy requested supplies, or do you have wiggle room in your budget to buy some yourself? How many cats/dogs are typically in your care?
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Zooramey September 16, 2018 at 06:48 PM
Pinterest is an amazing resource for some canine enrichment. Some volunteers love making DIY stuff because it is a cost effective way to really influence the life of a shelter pup. Here are some ideas from a Pinterest board https://www.pinterest.com/rompingdogs/diy-dog-enrichment/?lp=true
Also, i haven't tried it yet, but ive heard good things about "snuffle mats". These are puzzle mats that have little pocket type tubes that can hold food or other fun "treats". here is a link that shows you how one can be made https://iheartdogs.com/diy-let-your-dog-dig-for-food-and-treats-in-this-entertaining-mat/
