Search Results for: enrichment
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Animal enrichment: How to make snuffle mats
With March Break just on the horizon, we wanted to offer you and your family a way to support your local animal centre, from the comfort of your home! Here’s a great activity you can do as a family, that’s fun to make, and incredibly useful for animals waiting for their loving homes! *Please note – […]
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September 11, 2025
Back to school enrichment for animals
It’s time to head back to school and return to your family’s regular activities, which means your animal may be alone for longer periods during the day. This is a great opportunity for some enrichment time for your furry friend. It will help them adjust, as well as make your transition back to school smoother. […]
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June 17, 2025
Touch the target – Enrichment game for cats
Does your cat ever get the “zoomies”? Although this behaviour is quite normal, it can also be an indicator that your furry friend is looking for some additional activity and enrichment. In today’s blog, we’re going to walk you through the “Touch the target” game and why your cat will enjoy it! Why the touch […]
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January 28, 2025
Small animal enrichment outside of the enclosure
Providing mental stimulation outside of their enclosure can be very beneficial for your small animal’s well-being. It can also be a fun new way to interact with your small animal. Find some great tips and ideas below. Safety first When giving a small animal a physical enrichment opportunity outside its enclosure, it is important to […]
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April 1, 2024
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 […]
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March 12, 2024
Enrichment tips for your bird
Interested to know how much enrichment your bird needs, and what kind is good for them? We’ve got you covered on today’s blog! You may know the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society for our dog and cat adoptions, but did you know that we also find loving homes for birds? Birds are beautiful and intelligent […]
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December 13, 2022
Why your animal needs toy enrichment
Boots arrived at the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre stressed and fearful. She resisted handling and struggled to interact positively with staff. Through toy enrichment, she became a completely different cat – friendly, cuddly, and comfortable being herself. Toy enrichment is a crucial component of care, whether in an animal centre, or at […]
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July 21, 2020
Dog Enrichment: DIY Cereal box kibble dispenser
Empty cereal boxes can act as great dog enrichment tools when turned into kibble-dispensing devices. They can also provide the ripping and tearing that some dogs enjoy. Without enrichment, heavy chewers can get frustrated and chew things they shouldn’t. As a result, they can swallow parts of objects that are left in their kennels. Some […]
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April 27, 2026
The Ontario SPCA launches Dog’s Day Out program to help shelter dogs find loving homes
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stouffville, ON (April 27, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is launching Dog’s Day Out, a new pilot program giving shelter dogs the chance to spend time outside the animal centre while community members enjoy a rewarding day with an adoptable dog. Modeled after similar programs in the United States, and supported by VCA Charities, Dog’s […]
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April 27, 2026
Give a dog a day out and change their future
What if changing a dog’s life didn’t require a long-term commitment? With the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s new Dog’s Day Out program, it doesn’t. In fact, all it takes is a few hours. Dog’s Day Out is a new pilot program at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre that gives shelter dogs the chance to spend time outside […]
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April 21, 2026
Aging dogs and Sundowning syndrome
Have you ever noticed your dog becoming unusually restless, anxious, or confused just as the sun begins to set? Maybe they pace the house, seem unsettled, or vocalize more than usual in the evening hours. While it can be easy to dismiss this as a quirk of aging, these behaviours may point to Sundowning syndrome. Often linked to Canine Cognitive […]
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April 20, 2026
The Ontario SPCA celebrates 1,000 volunteers during National Volunteer Week
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stouffville, ON (April 20, 2026) – National Volunteer Week takes place April 19-25, and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is celebrating more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers across Ontario who generously give their time to help animals in need. This year is especially meaningful for the charity, which welcomed its 1,000th volunteer in […]
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