Redwood Coast

American Association of Zoo Keepers

Enrichment idea: explore a new trail with your dog.

Do-It-Yourself: Boosting Animal Welfare at Home

Enriching Our Pets' and Farm Animals' Lives

Enrichment as a dynamic process for enhancing animal environments within the context of the animal’s behavioral biology and natural history. Environmental changes are made with the goal of increasing the animal’s behavioral choices and drawing out their species-appropriate behaviors, thus enhancing animal welfare.

Enrichment isn't just for zoo animals! You can enrich your pets and farm animals at home in simple ways that can have great impacts on their health and well-being. It can be as simple as bringing home a new toy from the pet store, to taking your dog for a walk on a different path, to placing treats for your cat in a toilet paper tube with folded ends. The goal is to keep your pet from becoming bored and sedentary. Exercise their minds and bodies with enrichment!

Check out these links and the photos below for more ideas about enriching your pet or farm animal's environment!

The Indoor Pet Initiative -Ohio State University

Top Ways To Keep Your Pet Entertained -ASPCA

Enrichment at Home -NYC AAZK

Or… try some of the enrichment strategies used in animal care facilities!