enrichment …on a dime · enrichment “enrichment” is defined as “a process for meeting the...
TRANSCRIPT
Enrichment …...on a Dime
Becky Burton, Kennel Mgr.
Webinar Sept. 2012
Where are we going?
What is Enrichment?
How does Enrichment Help Animals & Reduce Length of Stay?
Tips, Tricks & Techniques for Implementing
Enrichment
“Enrichment” is defined as “a process for meeting the behavior needs of animals by improving their environment or behavioral care (e.g. toys, perches, beds, hiding places, etc.).
--Association of Shelter Veterinarians, Newbury, 2010
Enrichment & Stress Reduction
Behavior Needs of Animals. Enabling adaptation and coping in environment. Use of animate and inanimate techniques.
Stress Reduction
The Optimization
Focus limited resources on enrichment activities that not only promote well-being, they also produce behaviors adopters find attractive.
That’s the Ticket!
The Ticket Home !!
Recommended ReadingNational Federation of Humane Societies’ Best Practices, Length of Stay ….coming soon. www.humanefederation.org. Will have long list enrichment study citations.Weiss, E. et al., Why Did You Choose This Pet?: Adopters and Pet Selection Preferences in Five Animal Shelters in the United States. Animals 2012, 2, 144-159. See citation list here, as well.Articles by Deborah Wells, Emily Weiss, Gourkow, McCobb, more…Each will have extensive reference list.Train to Adopt by Sue Sternberg, www.suesternberg.com
Example: OptimizationProviding toys in cat cage and items that gives cat ability to engage in natural behaviors
Shown to increase play & activity in cats (well-being)Study suggests that active cats more likely to get adopted, adopters spent more time viewing cats with toys in cage (adoption)
De Monte M, Le Pape G. Behavioural effects of cage enrichment in single-caged adult cats. Animal Welfare 1997; 6: 53–66Fantuzzi, J., K. Miller, and E. Weiss, Factors relevant to adoption of cats in an animal shelter. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2010(13):p.174-179
IMPLEMENTING - GENERAL
Daily RoundsEach animal every day:
WHO are you?
HOW are you?
WHAT may we do for you today?
Dr. Phil Bushby, MSU Vet School
The “Five Freedoms”
Dr. Phil Bushby, MSU Vet School
Do Your Staff Meetings Look Like This?
CATS
Enrichment – Elevated Space
http://www.petfinder.com/admin-content/hide-perch-go.html
http://www.kuranda.com/humane
UC Davis Veterinary School, Shelter Medicine ProgramStress reduction: Because clinical signs and shedding of FHV-1 are activated by stress, reduction is crucial to feline URI control
Giving cats elevated space and distance from the litterbox is known to
reduce stress levels.
Reduced Stress = Less URI
Less time in isolation & recovery cycles
Saves $$ and Lives
Tanaka A, Wagner D, Kass P, Hurley K, Associations among weight loss, stress and upper respiratory tract infection in shelter cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2012; 240(5) 570-576
$3.49 - $5.25 each. Send home with cat.
$28 each, permanent.
Enrichment – Increasing Space
Can be purchased commercially or buy new cages.On a Dime – DIY: http://www.sheltermedicine.com/shelter-health-portal/information-sheets/cat-cage-modifications-making-double-compartment-cat-cages-
Enrichment – Increasing Space
Hiding Space
http://www.livetrap.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=629
$65 or less if bulk order
Hawkins KR. Stress, enrichment and welfare of domestic cats in rescue shelters. PhD Thesis; University of Bristol, UK, 2005.
Hiding SpaceOn a Dime: Hide, Perch & Go Boxes, visit local retailers and get cardboard boxes for free –especially from “Club” stores like Costco & Sam’s.
Hawkins KR. Stress, enrichment and welfare of domestic cats in rescue shelters. PhD Thesis; University of Bristol, UK, 2005.
Auditory
Auditory Stimuli - CatsFirst Reduce Negative Noise
Barking Dogs = Higher Stress1
Noisy = Stress = Sick CatsRelocate cats away from barking dogs if at all possible.
1McCobb, E.C., et al., Assessment of stress levels among cats in four animal shelters. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2005. 226(4): p.548-555Coppola Cl, Enns RM, Grandin T. Noise in the animal shelter environment: building design and the effects of daily noise exposure.Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 1997; 9:1-7.
Auditory StimuliOn a Dime:
Staff and volunteers training, quiet policy –being mindful of banging doors, yelling to co-workers, clanging cage doors. We’ll discuss dog runs later.Put dampeners / weather stripping in door jams, replace SS latches with plastic
Auditory Stimuli – CatsAdding Calming Noise
Classical musicSounds of natureTom’s homemade CD
Special Note: Auditory enrichment is less or unable to be individually “selected” so be mindful with usage.
Scent
Olfactory StimuliPhermonatherapy
FeliwayAromatherapy:
VanillaEastern SandalwoodChamomileFrankincenseLavenderSpearmintCinnamonPlant based oils
Griffith CA, Steigerwald ES, Buffington T. Effects of a synthetic facial pheromone on behavior of cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2000; 217:1154-6.
Delivery
Diffuser
Cotton Balls Placed in Carriers or Cages
On Collars, Thundershirts or
‘TuTus’
As with auditory stimuli, be mindful that animals cannot select exposure to olfactory enrichment.
Griffith CA, Steigerwald ES, Buffington T. Effects of a synthetic facial pheromone on behavior of cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2000; 217:1154-6.
Ultrasonic aromatherapy Nebulizer, www.HUBMAR.com $69.99
Natural BehaviorsBunting BehaviorDollar Store Scrub Brush
Wire tied to cage frontCan be sanitized between cats for re-useFerals
Optimization: Cats come to the front of the cage –adopters find this attractive.
Natural BehaviorsScratchingIndividual Scratchers
Attach to cage frontSingle Use – Cannot be reused.Price = ~$1.50 eachWe ask for sponsorship
Optimization: Cats come to the front of the cage –adopters find this attractive.
Natural Behaviors, FeedingProvide feeding method that supports natural behavior – locating, capturing food, paw use
Kitty Kongs with special canned fishy pasteOn a Dime: Plastic Easter Eggs from Dollar Store with treats inside; empty tissue/paper towel rolls with food inside.
Natural Behaviors, FeedingCat Activity Fun Board
PlasticAround $40Variety of nooks & crannies to put food.Likely too intensive to clean for widespread, daily use. Episodic use or idea generation for alternate techniques.
http://www.overstock.com/Pet-Supplies/Trixie-Pet-Products-Cat-Activity-Fun-Board/6095176/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}
Natural Behaviors
There’s an app for that!
Volunteer lent iPad
Possibly less frustration than laser toys. Cat can ‘catch’ item. No studies – watch for frustration
In Cage: Toys
Study suggests potential adopters spend more time in front of cage with toys in it.Toys good for cat –play, activityMore active cats get adopted
This kitty is not sitting in litter – it’s a bed
Visual, In CubbyAlleviate cage boredom through visual enrichmentHang moving items from ceiling
We buy at Christmas Tree Shop, very inexpensiveMove frequently or not visually enrichingKids can create mobiles if you provide instructionsDecorates Cat Room at same time
Following study experimented with televisions only ( or no television as control). Study suggested some enrichment value to TV with program featuring movement, prey responses. Ellis SLH, Wells DL. The influence of visual stimulation on the behavior of cats housed in a rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behavior Science 2008; 113:116-74.
Out of Cage TimePerching, Pouncing, PlayingThese trees can be cleaned & disinfectedIn use in our healthy adoption room only.Donor sponsored
$600 & up
On a Dime:
Trex Decking or similar non-porous products available.
Attach with shelf brackets.
Make a Crate Tree
Out of Cage TimeSitting on volunteer lap ($0)Treat searchConspecific Time *MirrorsWindows – Bird Feeders outsidePerching places
Time with Humans
Whether interacting in cage or out –rewarding cat to approach people or the front of the cage will help them to get adopted.Clicker Training Cats!
A Good Idea?
How we doin’?
DOGS
Enrichment – Mental, In RunPupciclesSS Bowls in Freezer
KibbleCanned FoodWaterPeanut Butter or ??Leash in Mix – Then can attach to chainlink or equiv. in enclosure
Volunteers – Young, too
Enrichment – Mental, In Run
Meal(s) served in Kong or Puzzle Toy
At St. Hubert’s we feed our dogs their meal in a Kong at least 5 times a week
Soft Bedding, Company of other Dogs
Treat Cups on Cage FrontTraining: Reward quietComfort: Positive interaction from people that walk byEncourages dogs to approach front of cage - Dogs that approach front of cage & look at visitors….get adopted.
Treat Cups on Cage FrontStainless Steel ones that remove easily from cage for cleaning, $2.25 each
http://www.birdguys.com/steel-coop-cup-10oz.html
Plastic Ones, $1.59 each – Fall off more
http://www.petco.com/product/6386/Petco-Plastic-Bird-Cage-Cups.aspx
Treat Cups on Cage FrontMake your own or ask volunteers / scout group / youth volunteers to make them:
Sweet VirginiaKentucky Puppy Mill Survivor. Undersocialized.
Thundershirt® employs swaddling technique to calm. The company has a widget for websites so donors may directly sponsor and they are shipped to you.
http://www.petfinder.com/admin-content/thundershirt.html
Conspecific (same species) interaction = very important for dogs
Time with humans shown to be even more important
Wells, D.L, A review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs, Canis familiaris. Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science 85 (2004) p. 307-317
Train To AdoptEnrichment & Adoption Readiness
Sitting with attention, looking into eyes of whoever holding leash (v. staff/volunteer in room!)Train to be comfortable with head patting & body thumping (visitors do this to our dogs)“Do Nothing”Door Manners, Basic Commands
Optimize by training for behaviors that support adoption & in home realities.
Staff - Finding some time…
Auditory
Auditory Stimuli – DogsAdding Calming Noise
Dogs prefer:Through a dogs earLaughing dogsClassical musicEasy listeningSoft rock NO angry hard rock music
Scent
Olfactory Stimuli
Chill Pill $19.99 Whole FoodsRoman ChamomileVanillaSandalwoodLavenderSpearmintCinnamonPlant based oils
Delivery
Diffuser
On Collars, Thundershirts or
‘TuTus’
As with auditory stimuli, be mindful that animals cannot select exposure to olfactory enrichment.
BIRDS, SMALL & FURRIES
Cage Enrichment
Out of Cage Time
Special Comments on SeniorsConsider scent work, like “Noseworks” to provide mental stimulationSeniors cats & dogs matched in our Pet Therapy programThey still enjoy toys and pupcicles!
Special Comments on SeniorsOdor work (e.g. Noseworks®) is a fun, low-impact mentally enriching way for dogs to use their natural desires to seek and flush out scents / food.Cardboard boxes, scents & treats.
What Works in ISO?
Cleaning, disinfecting all supported with these enrichment activities. Combined with noise reduction and good medical protocols - and your kitties well-being is getting its consideration. UC Davis estimates the cost of URI at $200 - 400 per animal – You can’t afford not to think enrichment in intake area & isolation.
http://www.sheltermedicine.com/shelter-health-portal/information-sheets/facility-design-and-animal-housing
Where were we?Considering each animal
Broad array of opportunities & ideas for enrichment
Tie enrichment into adoption potential & promotion to optimize limited resources and time.
