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Celebrating World Animal Enrichment Day: Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy at Home

Written by

Dr. Medrano

in

November 12, 2025

Happy World Animal Enrichment Day! 🎉

Today is all about celebrating our beloved pets by giving them activities that stimulate their minds and keep them happy. Whether it’s a new puzzle toy, a game of fetch, a catnip-filled treat or even teaching a new trick, there are countless ways to make your pet’s day extra special.

At MedranoVets, we believe that enrichment is crucial for your pet’s overall well-being. It engages their natural behaviors and problem-solving skills, keeping them mentally stimulated and physically active—even when they’re at home.

Enzo enjoying his pile of toys. Photo by Dr. Medrano.

Why Animal Enrichment Matters

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for our furry friends. Without proper enrichment, pets can become bored, anxious or develop behavioral issues. The good news? Enrichment doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and some household items, you can transform your pet’s daily routine into an engaging adventure.

Easy Enrichment Ideas for Dogs and Cats

1. Puzzle Feeders & Food Games

Transform mealtime into playtime! Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls, and food mazes require your pet to solve a problem to get their reward. This is especially great for pets who eat too fast and need to slow down.

Pip and her enrichment game. Video by Dr. Medrano.
Photo by Saleswset.

Pro Tip: Start with easier puzzles and gradually increase the difficulty as your pet gets better at solving them.

Check out Nina Ottosson’s website for fantastic toy options: https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/great-for-cats/

2. Scent Games & Sniffing Activities

Your pet’s sense of smell is incredibly powerful—let them use it!

  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide high-value treats around the house or yard and let your dog use their nose to find them
  • Snuffle Mats: Create a DIY snuffle mat by tying strips of fabric to a rubber mat and hiding treats among the fabric strips
Photo by Snuffles.

3. DIY Toys from Household Items

Get creative with items you already have at home:

  • Sock n’ Ball: Put a tennis ball inside a sock and tie it tightly at the top for a simple chew and toss toy
  • Kitchen Towel Rope: Fold an old kitchen towel into a thick rope and tie knots in it for a tug toy
  • Empty Cereal Box: Hide treats inside an empty cereal box and let your pet rip it open (supervised play only!)
  • Crinkle Bottle: Put an empty plastic water bottle inside a sock and tie it securely for a crinkly, engaging toy

4. Training & Trick Sessions

Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s mental exercise! Teaching your pet new commands or refreshing old ones provides excellent cognitive stimulation.

Ideas to try:

  • Teach a new trick (roll over, shake, spin)
  • Practice leash training (yes, even cats can learn!)
  • Work on basic commands in different environments
  • Try clicker training for precision learning

5. Interactive Play Games

Fetch: Works both indoors and outdoors (use soft toys inside!)

Tug-of-War: Great exercise for both you and your dog—just establish clear rules

Hide-and-Seek: Hide somewhere in your home and call your pet. When they find you, reward them with belly rubs, treats or their favorite toy

Lady Bird playing with her ball by the pool. Video by Allison Carden Hanes.

6. Rotate Toys Regularly

If your pet has accumulated a mountain of toys, chances are some have been forgotten. Keep things fresh by rotating their toy selection every week or two. Choose 3-4 “new” toys to bring out while storing the rest. This keeps your pet excited and engaged—plus it helps reduce clutter!

Important: Always leave out your pet’s favorite comfort toy.

7. Create a Window Watching Station

Set up a cozy window perch where your pet can observe the world outside:

  • Place a comfy blanket or bed on a windowsill for cats
  • Position a chair or bench by the window for dogs
  • Add a bird feeder outside for wildlife entertainment
Stelle watching the birds at her bird feeder. Photo by Allison Carden Hanes.

8. Build an Obstacle Course

Use household items like pillows, chairs, boxes, and blankets to create a simple indoor agility course. Guide your pet through, over, and around obstacles for physical and mental exercise.

9. Storytime & Quality Time

Reading to your pet can help keep them calm and less anxious. Kids especially love this activity! Encourage your child to read their favorite book to your furry friend—it’s bonding time for everyone.

Don’t underestimate the power of simply talking to your pet. They’re the best listeners, and your voice provides comfort and connection.

Take Action Today!

This World Animal Enrichment Day, take a few minutes to engage your furry friend in something fun and enriching. They deserve it! Start with one or two activities from this list and see what your pet enjoys most.

Max enjoying his puzzle feeder. Photo by Dr. Medrano.

Share Your Enrichment Ideas!

We’d love to see how you’re celebrating World Animal Enrichment Day! Tag us on Instagram @medranovets with photos or videos of your pet’s favorite enrichment activities. Let’s inspire each other to make our pets’ days brighter together!

Questions About Your Pet’s Health or Behavior?

At MedranoVets, we provide stress-free veterinary care in the comfort of your home. If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, activity level, or overall wellness, we’re here to help with personalized care and guidance.

Contact us today:

Dr. Medrano and the MedranoVets team are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for your beloved pets — right at your doorstep.

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