Shelter enrichment learning module

Shelter enrichment module

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The five freedoms

"The Five Freedoms are internationally accepted standards of care that affirm every living being's right to humane treatment. These standards were developed by Britain's Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1965 and adapted by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians for companion animals in shelters."

These are animal rights which the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters were based on:​

1. Freedom from hunger or thirst​

2. Freedom from discomfort​

3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease​

4. Freedom to express normal behavior​

5. Freedom from fear and distress​

It is these freedoms which lead us to engaging in shelter enrichment with our pets on site.​

Enrichment does not benefit only the animals, but also the staff or volunteers doing the enrichment activities.

The enrichment activities give the animals life skills that will help them later. Additionally, these activities:

• • • Establish a shelter as a credible source for solving

      • behavior issues

      • training issues

    • Boosts staff and volunteer morale.

• Enrichment decreases stress in the animals which decreases the rate of illness and increases the animals’ adoptability.

• Stress is the #1 reason for upper respiratory infections in shelter cats.

• A dog that is licking peanut butter out of a Kong is going to get adopted more quickly than a dog running in circles in his kennel.

Enrichment caters to the animals' five senses:

We have enrichment scents already mixed and ready to use in the Program Specialist's office.

• Recommend spraying these scents after cleaning

• Enjoyable for guests as well as staff and volunteers

Note: Only the aromas provided on site should be used in any OCAS dog and cat areas. They are specially formulated to be safe for the animals and people; not all scents are.

This stimulates the animal’s olfactory sense which is very strong.

We use a variety of scents: lavender, mint, rosemary, almond, vanilla, and cinnamon.

A bed will increase the comfort level of a pet in a shelter.

• We have donated beds and blankets.

• Kuranda Beds, pictured right, can be donated directly through our website or Facebook page

• Bedding should be cleaned often and, as such, must be able to be disinfected.

Water play

Pools should always be cleaned and filled with fresh water daily.

We also have a sprinkler that we can connect to the hose to allow the dogs to chase the water.

Again, this enrichment activity should always be supervised by a qualified employee.

Frozen treats for the pups when it is hot out.

• We have pupsicles for dogs located in the food prep freezer. The directions on how to make pupsicles has been placed on the door of the freezer. Pupsicles are easy to make and we have all of the ingredients close by.

• We have frozen Milk Bone sandwich treats as well in the freezer of food prep. Please see a staff member to learn how to prepare this treat.

• Even something as simple as giving ice in the water bowl on a warm day is a great form of enrichment.

Note on pupsicles: Please only use pupsicles made at the shelter for dog treats on site. The ingredients that we provide are all safe for the animals where as many fruits and vegetables can be surprisingly unhealthy for the dogs to eat.

Chick Cubes – half chicken broth, half water frozen in ice trays

• Great for summer

• OCAS tries to get chicken broth donated

• Freeze toys and treats in one large bucket

• Hours of entertainment

• You will need freezer space

Staff and volunteers should always have a treat bag or fanny pack full of treats when working with the dogs.

Treats can be given to dogs when the it is providing appropriate behavior on command. (sit, walking nicely, etc)

It is a good practice to treat each dog when you walk by their kennel, if all of the following are true:

• all four feet must be on the ground

• they should not be barking

This will teach the dogs to be quiet when people walk by.

Again, only treats provided by the shelter should be used.

Wadded up paper balls – scrap paper can make a great toy that cats will play with.

Aromatherapy - please use only the aromas that are provided at the shelter.

Pipe Cleaners - Cat room closets

Cat nip – We have this item in each of the cat room closets.

Catnip toilet paper rolls • Dried cat nip • Toilet paper rolls • Great group volunteer activity

Beds/cat blankets - available in food prep room

Paper bags - available in food prep room

Scratchers are a great activity because they allow the cats to express their natural tendencies.

• Stretch

• Scratch

Cat scratchers are located in each cat room cabinet.

Scratchers do sometimes need to be cut down to fit each cat size.