Ontario SPCA Animal centre key enrichment features

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we are committed to ensuring the well-being of every animal in our care. This dedication extends to providing key enrichment features and activities at our 12 animal centres across the province.  

What is enrichment? 

Animal enrichment is the practice of offering animals stimulating and engaging activities, environments, and experiences aimed at enhancing their physical health and mental well-being, as well as emotional fulfillment.  

At the Ontario SPCA, we achieve this by first assessing each animal’s personality to tailor enrichment features and activities to fit their individual needs within the animal centre environment. Our goal is to improve the overall quality of life for every animal in our care through personalized enrichment. 

Today, we’d like to highlight some of the key enrichment features within our animal centres. 

Making a splash 

Swimming can be mentally stimulating for dogs, providing them with a new and enjoyable activity that helps alleviate boredom and reduce anxiety.  

“We are so fortunate to have an in-ground doggy pool for our furry friends at the centre,” says Carol Beard, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. “We often have many water-loving dogs, and this enrichment piece is something that they thrive with.” 

There are also large, fenced yards designated for canine playtime, training, and other enrichment activities. 

“Throughout the day, our team and volunteers can take the dogs into the large parkette and play frisbee, fetch, or relax and enjoy some shade together,” says Carol. 

Paws & paths 

The walking trails at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre are cherished by dogs, team members, and volunteers alike.  

“The walking trails allow our animal centre team members and volunteers to give the dogs in our care some much-needed relief from the noisy and rambunctious environment the centre can be,” explains Katrin Schoenmair, Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre Manager. “The trails also provide us with a safe area to get to know our animals better without distraction and can assist with appropriate dog-to-dog meet-and-greets.” 

Purr-fect catio 

Many of our animal centres, including the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre boast “catios,” which are outdoor extensions of cat suites where feline residents can climb, jump, or relax in hammocks. 

“The ‘catios’ provide the cats with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, and to experience natural light, smells, sights, and sounds,” says Shawn Aaron, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. “This experience enriches the lives of our cats and can help alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).” 

Learn more about catios on our blog. 

Pawsome peace 

Ensuring the separation of animal species within our animal centres is crucial for preserving their overall well-being and promoting a harmonious environment. 

“Our animal centre is divided into the ‘cat’ side and the ‘dog’ side,” says Jocelyn Rutgers, Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre RVT. “This is so important for stress reduction, particularly in our cats, as it means that they never come into contact with our dogs.” 

Jocelyn adds that this division reduces the sound of dogs barking and the smells of dogs, both of which can be very stressful for cats. 

Unleashing fun 

Outdoor runs provide the dogs within the animal centres with the opportunity to run and play off-leash. 

“Our outdoor dog runs allow the dogs access to an outdoor space at their discretion, expanding their living space and providing them with the option to choose where they would like to hang out,” says Jane McCamus, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. 

There are also larger fenced yards designated for canine playtime, training, and other enrichment activities. 

“Throughout the day, our team and volunteers can take the dogs into the large parkette and play frisbee, fetch, or relax and enjoy some shade together,” says Carol. 

Our enrichment commitment 

Our dedication to every animal’s well-being includes diverse enrichment programs and amenities. From species separation to trails, catios, and a dog pool, our animal centres are tailored for physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional fulfillment. By providing these enriching experiences, we improve the quality of life for animals awaiting adoption.  

Join us in enriching lives 

Help us enrich the lives of animals! The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need.  

Your donation can ensure the continuation of key enrichment features and experiences at our animal centres. To contribute and make a difference, please visit ontariospca.ca/donate