Dog Enrichment Distribution
Help reduce kennel stress and improves adoptability by delivering daily mental enrichment to our shelter dogs.
This isn’t a cuddle-and-play position — it’s about making an enormous difference with just a frozen KONG, a peanut-butter-smeared frisbee, or a catnip-filled toy. As a Dog Enrichment Distribution Volunteer, you’ll deliver fun, engaging enrichment items directly to shelter dogs in their kennels, helping them stay busy, calm, and mentally stimulated. These small moments of joy help reduce stress, prevent frustration, and give pets the tools to better cope with shelter life.
Who We’re Looking For
This role is perfect for volunteers who:
Want to support animal wellness without hands-on handling
Are calm, observant, and confident in active kennel and cattery environments
Can follow directions and safety guidelines
Enjoy behind-the-scenes work that delivers visible, immediate impact
Are comfortable working around barking dogs and vocal cats
Responsibilities Include:
Deliver pre-prepared enrichment items (e.g., KONGs, benebones, pup pops, & PB smeared frisbees) to dogs in their kennels
Ensure each animal receives an appropriate item, skipping kennels or condos with multiple animals for safety
Use calm body language and a quiet presence to reduce overstimulation during delivery
Observe pets for any unusual behavior or concerning reactions and report to staff
Restock or assist with cleanup as needed after distribution
Work with staff and fellow volunteers to help maintain a consistent enrichment routine
The Impact
Daily enrichment helps reduce stress, improve kennel and cattery behavior, and increase a pet’s chances of adoption. By helping dogs and cats stay busy and mentally engaged, you’re giving them a better quality of life while they wait for homes — and helping staff by keeping energy levels manageable during the day. This role is essential to our shelter’s behavior and wellness program.
What you need to get started:
Animal Health Training - Animal Health
Animal Handling - Animal Handling
Animal Behavior Training - Animal Behavior
Volunteer duties, access and privileges are only valid for the duration of the assigned shift in which they have chosen on the on-line volunteer scheduling system. There is a 15-minute grace period before and after each shift so that the volunteer may prepare and/or end their volunteer assignments.
