The benefits of enrichment can be surprisingly far-reaching, from reductions in stress and anxiety to reducing the risk of behavioural issues. In fact, if you aren’t helping your animal companion keep their mind and body active, they may develop behavioural problems such as aggression or social anxiety.Â
Enrichment activities not only improve the overall wellbeing of our pets; they also nurture and strengthen the bond we share with our adorable animal companions!Â
Animals with regular exposure to environmental enrichment often make for happy, healthier pets, which is why it’s so important for people to keep their animal companions entertained. Proper enrichment is achieved by engaging an animal’s primary senses: touch, taste, hearing, vision, and smell.Â
Exposing your pet to different types of environmental enrichment will strengthen their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. It’s important to use different types of enrichment, as this will help your animal companion keep their mind and senses sharp. A boring environment that does not encourage them to express their natural behaviours can contribute to problems like aggression, anxiety, depression, and excessive vocalisation.Â
The different types of enrichment include:Â
Engaging your pet with enriching activities isn’t as hard as you might think! Here are a few ways you can bond with your animal companion, encouraging natural behaviours while keeping them entertained.Â
Food plays a vital role in your pet’s daily routine, which is why dietary enrichment is an excellent way to reduce boredom. Try freezing some of your pet’s dinner, incorporating training with food rewards, or letting them work for their food by placing their meals inside food-dispensing toys.Â
Exercise and supervised access outside of the yard or enclosure can also be a good way to enrich your pet’s life. However, be sure that this doesn’t become too overwhelming. If your pet is easily frightened or is not used to change, take it slow.Â
Most companion animals are generally social beings, which is why introducing them to playmates can often help brighten their lives. For example, a lone bird in a cage could benefit from living with another bird or having a feathered friend in an aviary or cage nearby.Â
Here are some other things you can try introducing to your home to help keep your pet engaged and entertained: 
In addition to engaging your pet’s natural instincts, enrichment gives pet owners a chance to spend some quality time with their animal companions. By taking the time to think about attending to their mental and physical needs, you’re helping your animal live the happy, healthy life that they deserve!Â
From a behavioural perspective, it’s important to remember that pets who aren’t regularly exposed to enrichment are more at risk of developing social anxiety and even stress-relieving behaviours. Some examples of the latter include:Â
RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of different animals, from dogs, cats, and birds to horses, rabbits, and sheep! We believe that all creatures, great and small, can bring joy to our families and homes. Begin your adoption journey today and make an adorable lifelong friend!
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The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
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