Incorporating enrichment activities into kennel time improves animal welfare, reduces stress-related behaviors, and supports smoother recovery during boarding or hospitalization.
For veterinary clinics that offer boarding services or long-term patient care, kennel enrichment isn’t just a luxury, it’s part of a holistic animal care strategy. While your clinical team is already focused on diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring, small additions to daily kennel routines can make a significant difference in behavior, healing, and overall wellbeing.
The right enrichment strategy varies depending on species, temperament, medical status, and kennel environment. Below, we explore enrichment ideas for different patient types, safety considerations, and practical ways to integrate enrichment into a veterinary workflow
Why Enrichment Matters in a Clinical Kennel Setting
Veterinary boarding and recovery kennels can be stressful for pets, particularly when they’re away from familiar environments. Without mental and sensory stimulation, animals may develop repetitive or anxiety-based behaviors such as spinning, licking, or excessive vocalization.
According to Best Friends Animal Society, consistent enrichment reduces stress hormones and promotes healthier sleep, digestion, and immune function in kenneled animals. It also reduces length of stay by improving behavioral outcomes during recovery or hospitalization.
For veterinary professionals, enrichment also plays a role in post-op healing and patient comfort. Calmer animals are easier to handle, require less sedative intervention, and tend to respond better to care routines.
Types of Enrichment Activities for Kennel Time
Not every enrichment method is appropriate for every pet. Medical restrictions, species needs, and kennel design all influence what’s possible. Below are safe, practical options that work well in a clinical or boarding environment.
1. Food-Based Enrichment
These activities are ideal for most patients, especially during recovery, as they promote slow feeding and cognitive engagement.
- Kongs or puzzle feeders with canned food or prescription diets
- Frozen treats made from safe ingredients like pumpkin or low-sodium broth
- Snuffle mats or scatter feeding for patients cleared for full mobility
Safety Tip: Always consider dietary restrictions, fasting periods, and aspiration risks. Avoid food-based enrichment for sedated patients or those with GI complications.
2. Scent-Based Enrichment
Smell is a powerful tool, especially for dogs. Safe scent enrichment helps reduce boredom and anxiety.
- Essential oil diffusers with calming veterinary-approved scents (lavender, chamomile)
- Scented cloths or toys pre-treated with interesting smells
- Rotating scent objects from different areas of the clinic to provide novelty
Note: Always confirm that the scent is safe for cats or exotic animals, who may be more sensitive to certain compounds.
3. Auditory and Visual Enrichment
Quiet environments support healing, but that doesn’t mean sensory deprivation. Soothing sounds or visual cues can be calming and enriching.
- Classical music or species-specific playlists (e.g., “Through a Dog’s Ear”)
- Pet-safe videos of nature or movement
- Soft lighting and natural light access to simulate a stable circadian rhythm
Many modern veterinary pet boarding products now integrate features like tempered glass doors and sightline dividers, which support visual enrichment while minimizing overstimulation.
4. Tactile and Toy Enrichment
Depending on the kennel layout and patient status, rotating toys or soft bedding can make a significant difference in comfort and engagement.
- Chew-safe rubber toys or soft plush toys for light chewers
- Fleece or textured bedding for tactile comfort
- Rolled towels to create bolsters or nesting areas for cats and small dogs
For patients undergoing limited mobility recovery, tactile comfort can be more effective than physical stimulation.
Tailoring Enrichment by Species and Condition
Veterinary teams know that enrichment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to think through enrichment based on common patient types.
- Feline patients: Prefer enclosed spaces, elevated resting areas, and scent enrichment like silvervine or catnip. Use gentle lighting and quiet zones to prevent overstimulation.
- Geriatric pets: Benefit from low-impact enrichment such as scent-based games or gentle auditory cues. Ensure bedding and enrichment items don’t interfere with mobility or create tripping hazards.
- Post-surgical animals: Use stationary enrichment like puzzle feeders or tactile bedding. Avoid any activity that requires jumping or pulling.
- High-energy dogs: Incorporate longer-lasting chews or frequent visual changes like rotating toys or scents. Enrichment can reduce barking, jumping, or pacing during downtime.
Integrating Enrichment into Your Workflow
Incorporating enrichment into a busy clinic schedule requires planning, but it doesn’t have to be labor-intensive. Here are a few workflow-friendly tips:
- Assign enrichment tasks during scheduled rounds or kennel checks.
- Create an enrichment chart in patient records to track preferences, reactions, and contraindications.
- Use modular kennel units or quiet zones to separate high-stress pets from general boarding areas.
- Keep enrichment tools sanitized and stored in a labeled cabinet near the veterinary exam cabinets for easy access.
Many clinics find that after implementing even simple enrichment routines, both patient behavior and staff morale improve.
Enrichment Is an Extension of Medical Care
In a veterinary environment, enrichment is more than just entertainment—it’s a tool for reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS), improving recovery outcomes, and creating a more humane experience for patients. Whether you’re caring for a boarded pet, a hospitalized patient, or a long-term resident, thoughtful enrichment enhances every aspect of the care you provide.
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