Canine Enrichment in the Shelter: Implementing Evidence-Based Best Practice

In recent years, animal sheltering organizations have increased their focus on improving the welfare of the animals in their care. One component of this approach includes the use of enrichment interventions. In this presentation, we will explore the evidence for various types of enrichment that can broadly be categorized as social interaction: either with a human or canine; object enrichment; and sensory stimulation. We will also describe how these interventions can be assessed and how staff and volunteer efforts can be utilized to achieve programmatic success.

Presenters: Lisa Gunter, PhD, CBCC-KA, Arizona State University and Erica Feuerbacher, MS, PhD, CAAB, BCBA-D, CPDT-KAMS, PhD, CAAB, BCBA-D, CPDT-KA

This presentation was recorded at the 2022 ASPCA Maddie's Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

This lecture has been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

This lecture has also been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association.

keywords: canine welfare, animal sheltering, canine behavior enrichment in animal shelters, canine object enrichment, canine sensory stimulation, effects of social interaction on canines in a shelter, canine behavior assessment in a shelter,  2022 ASPCA Maddie's Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference