Bubbles waft over the kennels, popping as dogs excitedly snap at them. A German Shepherd mix joyfully tears apart a pizza box as another dog chomps on ice cubes filled with frozen pet food. Overhead, a gentle voice narrates passages from Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast.

How does enrichment work, and what does it include?

Dog enrichment in the shelter is about providing novel experiences and making shelter stays more enjoyable and less stressful for animals. Happier, more relaxed dogs can better show off their true personalities when potential adopters come to visit—which also means they’re likely to be adopted quicker.

What does dog enrichment look like, then? It can be as simple as a rotating out toys daily or as complex as learning new tricks or going on regular adventures outside the shelter. Audiobooks with a soothing narrator or classical music can help relax dogs during quiet time, while puzzle feeders or training sessions provide important mental stimulation. Play groups with other dogs or additional exercise opportunities burn extra energy and keep pups in shape. But the most important element of enrichment is learning the individual tastes and quirks of each dog.

Take Bruce, for example (pictured with a pizza box above). When we first started providing him with enrichment, we tried a few different things—and our first choice was not right for Bruce. We tossed him a few clam treats that had been donated to us, but Bruce wasn’t a fan; instead of having a tasty snack, he barked at the treats until we swept them out of his kennel. (Maybe they smelled too strange for him!) A used pizza box to tear up, however, was much more up his alley. Once he finished that important task, he curled up for a quick nap.

Our Commitment to Enrichment

Homeward Pet greatly values enrichment and the benefits it brings to shelter dogs, especially those who stay with us a bit longer. Our team of hardworking volunteers and staff works each day to provide enrichment opportunities and activities for each dog currently in our shelter, recording each dog’s individual preferences. No one is going to try giving Bruce clam treats again!

We’re so grateful that we have the time and resources to make our animals’ time at Homeward Pet as comfortable as possible. Much thanks to the dedicated volunteers, donors, and staff who make this a priority each day!

Enrichment doesn’t stop at just dogs, either. Stay tuned for more information about our Cat Enrichment Team in the coming weeks, too!

As a thank you for reading, enjoy this video of Giovanni, a big fan of bubble enrichment!

1. GO SHOPPING FOR THE ANIMALS!

Check out our Amazon or Chewy WishList to purchase pet care items we can use and have them shipped directly to Homeward Pet.

Take a look at the Shelter Essentials List to shop for the items we use every day in the shelter. Many are available at Costco and other local retailers.

2. DONATE TO THE HOMEWARD PET FOOD BANK

The Homeward Pet Food Bank supports animals in the shelter and in foster homes, and distributes pet food and other new and gently-used supplies to rescue partners, food banks and other community organizations to help families with pets. 

We are able to accept the following items in like-new condition. Please don’t donate things that are worn, broken, rusted or missing pieces and should just be thrown away. Anything we can’t use costs us money to dispose of (and we’d rather have our money go to our animals than another garbage pick-up).

ITEMS ACCEPTED

• Pet food – Canned
  • Cat and dog foods.
  • All brands.
• Pet food – Dry
  • Cat and dog foods.
  • All brands.
  • New and open bags (please label if not in original container).
• Cat litter
  • All types and brands.
  • Prefer World’s Best Cat Litter.
• New or like-new Cat scratching posts, cat trees, and cat condos.
• Wonder Walker dog harnesses
• New or like-new crates and carriers.
  • Plastic, wire, or soft-sided.
  • All sizes.
  • Must have all parts, and not be rusty, worn, chewed or broken.
• Pet beds.
  • All sizes.
  • In new or like-new conditions; not worn or soiled.
• Pet dishes and bowls
• Cat toys
• Dog toys (only new with tags)
• Collars, leashes, soft harnesses
• Towels and washcloths
• Potty pads

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

• Frozen pet food.
• Used dog toys
• Covered litter boxes, new or used.
• Used litter boxes and litter scoops.
• Pet stairs and ramps
• Pet drinking fountains, automatic feeders, and pet feeder/water sets.
• Outdoor dog house and dog runs.
• Sheets, large blankets, pillows, cushions, or comforters. Please consider donating these items to a local human shelter.
• Anything worn, rusted, or missing parts.

For items not on this list (such as ex-pens, pet clothing, pet strollers, ramps or stairs, pet/baby gates, etc.), or to pre-arrange a large donation, or if you have any questions, please email Lisa Slobojan, at

Thank you for your generosity!

This year we are bringing the Easter B’egg Event to the comfort of your own backyard! Kit ordering is closed, but make sure you submit your video or photo to enter our contest (instructions below).

How It Works

• Order treat-filled kit(s) for your dog or cat.
• Capture the moment of your pet finding the eggs and share a short video (please no longer than 30 seconds!) or photo with us for a chance to win one of 5 prizes below. Submit your photo or video via this Google Form.
• Our team of judges will pick ten clips to share on Facebook where our community can vote on April 7 & 8. Winners will be announced at 5 pm on April 8.

Contest Prizes