As we move into Santa Cruz County’s winter weather, we may find ourselves spending more time indoors with our families and pets. And when the cozy moments inevitably turn into chaos, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is here to help with ideas to keep both kids and pets engaged, happy, and out of trouble.
Unwanted behavior is one of the leading reasons people surrender their pets to shelters. These behaviors often arise as dogs and cats enter puberty—much like their human pre-teen counterparts. But the good news is that enrichment activities can prevent or redirect these behaviors while fostering a deeper connection between pets and their families.
Animal behaviorists identify five key areas of enrichment: socialization, food, sensory, physical and occupational, and environment. Each provides opportunities to keep pets mentally stimulated and happy while teaching kids empathy, responsibility, and creativity.
Environmental Enrichment
Changing or enhancing a pet’s surroundings can be stimulating and fun. Kids can actively participate in making safe, small adjustments to keep pets curious and engaged.
For Pets: Rearrange furniture or add new pathways and hideaways. Cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, in particular, love exploring new nooks.
Social Enrichment
Socialization isn’t just about meeting new people or animals; it’s about meaningful interactions with the family. Pets thrive on connection, and kids can play an essential role in providing it.
For Pets and Kids: Turn homework time into a tutoring session for pets! Kids can explain their schoolwork to their furry “students,” giving pets undivided attention while helping kids process what they’ve learned.
Sensory Enrichment
Even if rain limits outdoor adventures, pets can still enjoy rich sensory experiences indoors. Stimulating their senses—sight, smell, touch, and sound—can relieve boredom and stress.
For Pets and Kids: Create a “smellcome” ritual for dogs and cats when kids arrive home. Let pets sniff their “small humans” to connect through their powerful sense of smell. This can spark conversations about the incredible capabilities of animals’ noses and help kids talk about their day.
Food Enrichment
Food-based enrichment taps into a pet’s natural foraging instincts and problem-solving abilities. Plus, it’s a hands-on way for kids to get creative.
For Pets and Kids: Task kids with designing their own food puzzles, bypassing Amazon and using household items.
Host a “snack time challenge,” where kids present food in fun, engaging ways. For example, wrap a small piece of carrot in a paper bag for a rabbit or hide treats for a dog to find.
Physical and Occupational Enrichment
Pets need to stay active, even during rainy days. Movement and problem-solving mimic natural behaviors like hunting or digging.
For Pets and Kids: Teach new tricks! Dogs, rabbits, and even guinea pigs can learn commands like “spin” or “come.” Guinea pigs can learn to navigate a small maze with food incentives.
Get Involved with Local Animal Shelters
Looking for more ways to enrich animals’ lives? The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter offers enrichment opportunities for pets and people:
Volunteer with the SCCAS Enrichment Team. Help shelter pets stay mentally stimulated while they wait for their forever homes.
Participate in the “Awkward Pet Portraits” Fundraiser. In February, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation will host an art fundraiser where amateur artists create whimsical portraits of donors’ pets—or even shelter pets waiting to be adopted. Perfect for artists of all ages!
Need Behavioral Help?
If your pet’s behavior is driving you crazy, both the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and the Santa Cruz SPCA have resources to help. Whether it’s tips for enrichment or direct behavioral support, your community is here for you.
Winter is the perfect time to explore enrichment activities for pets and people alike. Together, we can build stronger, more compassionate connections—one treat, one trick, and one cardboard maze at a time!
Sarah Krummel is a Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation board member and a Program Specialist for Santa Cruz City Schools. Connect with her at [email protected]
