Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Free-roaming cats (feral and stray) are the biggest source of homeless kittens every year. HSoP takes in nearly 250 kittens per summer, and 1/2 of those kittens come in without a mom. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) will prevent unwanted cat births, reduce the feline infectious diseases in our area, and lower the number of unowned, homeless pets in our county. The Humane Society of the Palouse does not accept feral cats into our shelter. TNR Application TNR Agreement Be a life-saver and donate to our TNR fund today! Donate HSoP has created a TNR program to assist the residents of Latah County with feral cats on their property. Our TNR program will provide feral caregivers in our community the ability to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and ear-tip their feral cats at participating veterinary clinics. This program is free to all Latah County residents, but a suggested $20.00 donation is appreciated. Our newly created TNR program is dedicated to our feral felines here in Latah County. Feral cats are wild and not domesticated, meaning they are not suited to be a house pet. Feral cats do not want to be around people, and are better fit for sheds, barns, and garages. For more information on feral cats click here. HSoP can loan out live-traps for you catch your feral cat(s) safely and humanely. We do require a $50.00 cash or check deposit that will be returned to you when the trap is brought back to us. TNR Process: Apply for the TNR program through HSoP. You must submit the TNR Application and the TNR Agreement to HSoP. Forms can be emailed to: director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org or mailed to HSoP: 2019 E. White Ave. Moscow, ID 83843. HSoP will review your application, and send you the coupon when you are approved. Once you receive your TNR coupon from us, call the participating veterinary clinic to schedule your surgery drop-off time. North Palouse Veterinary Clinic (208) 875-1096 Set your live-trap For tips and tricks on trapping, click here. Transport your feral cat(s) to the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. Bring TNR coupon(s) along to the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. HSoP will not reimburse for past procedures. Pick up your feral cat(s) from the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. Return your feral cat(s) back to your property and release them, following any recommendations the veterinarian gave you. Why should you return the cat(s) back to your property? If a feral cat showed up on your property and won't leave, it is there for a reason. It may have found good shelter in your barn, or a good source of food like rodents. If the feral cat feels like it has everything it needs, it will stay. If you remove that cat, another cat will move in for the same reasons the first cat did. By keeping your feral cat on your property after it has been through our TNR, you will have one cat who will protect your property and will be less likely to allow another cat to enter.

Some of the best ways to keep your furry friends cool and comfortable during the summer. Summer Pet Safety Heat Wave Infographic Dog Walking in the Summer Dog Swimming Safety Tips Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication. Make sure your pet receives their flea and tick preventative, and any vaccination boosters they need. Make sure your pets do not become overheated! Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot. Know the symptoms of overheating in pets. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Some pets have a greater risk of heatstroke. Those pets with flat faces, overweight, senior, or any organ damage or disease are at higher risk. If you fear your pet is suffering from heatstroke call your veterinarian immediately! Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Do not leave pets unsupervised around any body of water (pool, lake, creek, etc.) not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur. Try to keep your dog from drinking pool water or stagnant water. Pool water can contain chlorine and other dangerous chemicals to your pets. Stagnant water (like a creek) can contain bacteria or parasites that can be detrimental to their health. Read about the dangers of blue and green algae here: https://www.aspca.org/news/pet-safety-alert-rising-dangers-blue-green-algae#:~:text=Dogs%20can%20develop%20poisoning%20when,Seizures Open un-screened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all un-screened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but do not shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. While you are walking your pooch, be sure to keep their safety in mind. It is recommended to keep your dog on a short leash in order to prevent dangers with street traffic, other pedestrians, cyclists, and other dogs. Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance. Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. Dog Swimming Safety Dog Swimming Safety Make your dog feel comfortable in the water Dogs need to learn to swim just like humans do. Although your pooch will likely be doing laps in far less time than it took you, making your dog feel comfortable in the water is an important step that you should not skip over. Playfully tossing your dog into water can be traumatizing and is never a safe or smart way to introduce a dog to the water. Tossing a stick or a ball in the water, progressively further from shore or shallow steps is an easy way to teach him to feel comfortable in the water. Not all dogs are natural swimmers Don't assume your dog can swim; many dogs will never feel comfortable in the water. Dogs with large bodies and short legs don’t swim for fun; they will swim to survive. American Bulldogs are an example. For those that have mastered the doggy paddle, you should be aware that a dog’s vision decreases dramatically at night and with advancing age. Clean your dog's ears after a swim Moisture in a dog's ear can set the ideal stage for an ear infection, so make sure to clean your pooch's ears thoroughly after each romp in the water. Ocean and lake water can set up nasty bacterial infections rapidly which can eat through your dog’s ear drum, giving an ear infection a whole new meaning. Use caution when taking your dog to the beach Though it sounds great in theory, the beach is not always the best playground for a dog. Sand can be disastrous to get out of a long coat, and dogs don’t know to avoid stepping on jellyfish or broken shells. Dog beaches may also be teeming with roundworm eggs, among other parasites. Use caution when taking your dog to the beach and never let your dog swim out far enough to be taken by the current. Remember, if it’s not safe for you to swim, it’s not safe for your dog either. Keep the wave height, currents and bacterial levels in mind. Invest in pool and water safety products for your dog Baby fences are among the simpler barriers but there are more advanced options such as pool alarms that sound when anyone falls in. Life vests for dogs are readily available and affordable. Life vests can be used for dogs learning to swim, as well as dogs who may have trouble staying afloat. Train your dog to know how to exit the pool should they fall in Teaching your pup where the steps or ramp are is something that can be easily done. Provide a refresher course each swimming season. Don't let your dog swim in water that's too cold Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from hypothermia in cold water, but they won’t understand the water is what is making them cold. The general rule is that if you need to get out of the water because you are getting cold, your dog is at risk of getting cold as well. Dangers of stagnant water Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is most likely to thrive in bodies of fresh water when the weather is warm (over 75 degrees) and sunny. Algae intoxications happen more during the summer because weather conditions promote the growth of cyanobacteria. These organisms are incredibly toxic and are known to cause poisoning in dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, birds, fish and even humans. Although many dogs drink from lakes and streams with no ill effect, microscopic organisms in that water can make you and your dog quite sick. Giardia and cryptosporidium are two of the bugs that can mess with the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of intoxication in dogs are: panting, excessive drooling, respiratory failure, diarrhea, vomiting, disorientation, liver failure, seizures, and sudden death. If you are concerned your dog is suffering from toxic waters, call your veterinarian immediately! Dog Walking in the Summer Dog Walking in the Summer Summer has finally arrived! All of us here at HSoP are just as excited as you are for sunny days! Taking your furry friend, or a shelter dog out on walks can be one of the best parts of the summer season. Before you get ready to spend some quality time with your fur friend and enjoy some exercise together, here are some tips to help keep your companion safe. Limit your walks to morning or evening. Keep the pets’ paws on grass and off pavement. Walk in areas that have lots of shade. Provide lots of water. Provide sun protection for your pet. Consider your friend's physical abilities. If the air temperature is 77°, the asphalt temperature is 125°. If the air temperature is 86°, the asphalt temperature is 135°. If the air temperature is 87°, the asphalt temperature is 143°. Limit your walks to the morning or evening: Avoid the warmest times of the day to help ensure your pets safety. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, so avoiding the high temperatures that occur during a nice hot summer day and walking in the morning or evening, is best. Keep your friends paws on the grass and off pavement. A good way to know if the pavement is too hot for your pooch’s pads is to press the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt for 7 seconds. Did you know that dogs also help cool their bodies through their paw pads? Overheated paw pads could equal an overheated dog. Walk in areas that have lots of shade. Help keep your pet cooler and their paw pads safe by walking in shaded areas. Provide lots of water. Dehydration is a serious concern with overheated animals. Just like we like to have a sip of water while we exercise, so does your furry friend! Avoid water puddles when out with you dog. Having a water bottle and bowl available for your pet is much safer. We never know what bacteria or other toxins are lurking in water puddles. Play it safe and provide clean water. Provide sun protection for your pet. Dogs can get a sunburn just like you or me! Providing you pet with pet safe sun screen can help keep them safe. Some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others. If your friend has a lot of white on his ears or snot, giving them, some sunscreen cuts down the risks of sunburn. Consider your friends physical abilities. Older pets, or out of shape pets are at a greater risk for heat stroke and dehydration on a sunny day. Talk with your vet about getting your friend a physical exam to make sure they’re in tip-top shape for summer. If you have recently adopted a new furry friend, ease them into their exercise routine during the warm months.

Santa is coming to town early this year just for the four-legged friends! Bring your friendly pets to visit Santa on December 5th and December 6th to get your holiday photos taken. Santa loves meeting all of the pets, so don't hesitate to bring your pocket pets, feathered friends, and reptiles. For just $15 you will receive two digital photos of your pet(s) and Santa Paws. We hope to see you there! Thank you to Latah Credit Union for sponsoring the credit card fees during this event, which means all proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of the Palouse! Photography services donated by Safe Sax Photography

Frequently Asked Questions about our shelter and the animals in it! Get your questions answered here. General HSoP FAQ Does HSoP euthanize animals? The Humane Society of the Palouse is a low/no-kill shelter. HSoP will not euthanize adoptable animals due to space. We’ve stayed true to our mission for 45 years and are committed to preserving and nurturing the lives of all the rescued animals in our care. We reserve humane euthanasia only in instances when animals are suffering greatly with no potential for relief, or if an animal is so aggressive that he or she presents a danger to people or other animals and cannot be safely handled or placed. The decision to euthanize is never made lightly and done only with the best interest of the animal in mind. HSoP is committed to providing all of the animals we rescue with the individualized and compassionate care they need and deserve until they are adopted by responsible, loving people. How many dogs does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 dogs. How many dogs are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray dogs that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 70% with their owners and 30% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray dogs that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 40% with their owners and 60% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. We provide both of these services at HSoP, give us a call! How many cats does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 cats. HSoP generally has more cats than dogs How many cats are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray cats that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 5% with their owners and 95% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray cats that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 1% with their owners and 99% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. Cats should wear breakaway collars if possible. We offer both ID tags and microchipping here at HSoP, give us a call! How is HSoP funded? In our past fiscal year, we received funding from the following sources: Donations: 39% Events: 15% Government Support: 27% Grants: 7% Investment: 3% Services: 8% Sponsorships: 1% For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page. Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States? No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS, PETA, ASPCA, or any national-level organization.. Though we do look to the national animal welfare organizations to stay current with best practices, we do not receive funding nor are we affiliated with them. Who is involved with HSoP? City of Moscow Latah County HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 15 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Operations Manager Animal Care Attendants Countless volunteers and fosters Does the Humane Society of the Palouse pick up stray animals? The Humane Society does not pick up animals. Stray dogs found within Moscow city limits can be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (208)882-2677. If a stray dog is found in Latah County, citizens can call the Latah County Sheriff’s office at (208)882-2216 for assistance, but do so knowing there is no animal control for Latah County. There is no animal control for stray pets that are not dogs. Where does HSoP list stray or impounded animals? HSoP lists all stray or unclaimed animals on our Facebook page. To see the most recent stray and impounded animals, please visit our Facebook page through this link: Humane Society of the Palouse | Facebook If my pet is missing, could it be at the animal shelter? Hundreds of companion animals come into the shelter every year from Latah County. If your pet is missing, it is important that you contact the shelter as soon as possible so that a missing pet report can be completed and shelter staff can be notified to look for your pet. It is also important that you visit the shelter in-person and look for your pet on a regular basis. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to search for their missing pet; however, HSoP will do everything possible to assist you in doing so. We also encourage posting a photo, description and information about where your pet went missing from as well as when to local lost and found groups on Facebook. What happens if my pet is brought to the shelter? If your pet is not readily identifiable by tag or microchip, your pet will be held for a stray holding period. Dogs found in the City of Moscow have a 10-day holding period. Dogs found outside of Moscow but within Latah County have a 6-day holding period. Cats found anywhere within Moscow or Latah County have a 6-day holding period. The Shelter will make every effort to contact you regarding your pet during this time. Reclaim fees apply in each situation and must be paid prior to reclaiming your pet. Unclaimed pets become the property of HSoP following the end of a stray holding period. Once this happens, they start the process of becoming ready for adoption. Please ensure that all of your pets have accurate ID to increase the chance of being reunited with them if they ever get lost. What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter? Pet owners are charged an impound fee of $20.00. To reclaim a dog that lives within Moscow city limits, if the dog is not already licensed with the city, the purchase of a lifetime license is mandatory. The license is $25.00 for altered dogs and $35.00 for intact dogs. Boarding fees of $10.00 per day are charged for each day of impound after the initial twenty-four hours of arrival at the Shelter Do I have to have my pet spayed or neutered? Spaying or neutering is not required for reclaimed pets, although we encourage responsible sterilization of pets and offer assistance through S.N.A.P. Spaying or neutering your pets can prevent unwanted litters and even prevent some cancers in your beloved cat or dog. There are already so many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter, we don't need anymore! If you are in need of assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please apply for our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). If I witness what I believe to be an act of animal cruelty, who do I call? Humane Society of the Palouse encourages the public to IMMEDIATELY report acts of animal cruelty or neglect to Animal Control by calling (208) 882-2677 if occurring within Moscow city limits, and (208) 882-2216 if occurring in Latah County. HSoP does not have the ability to report cruelty or neglect secondhand. If we are contacted about situations of this kind, we will direct them to contact local law enforcement. Does HSoP offer veterinary services to the pulbic? Though we would love to offer spaying/neutering and vaccination services to our local pet community, HSoP does not have the ability or facilities to do so at this time. HSoP does offer assistance through our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program ( SNAP ), and microchipping services. For a list of local veterinary services, please view the Veterinary Services resource page in the HSoP Resource Library . Does it cost money to surrender an owned animal? Yes. HSoP does ask for a small donation to help provide care for owned pets that have been surrendered. Please visit our Owner Surrender page to learn more. How old do I have to be to visit the shelter? Anyone is welcome to visit the shelter during our open hours! We do have some restrictions about who can see and interact with shelter pets: - You must be at least 18 years old to enter our dog kennels or to interact with our adoptable dogs without a parent or guardian present. - You must be at least 18 years old to interact with our adoptable cats without a parent or guardian present ( unless you're working a junior volunteer shift ). - Those 17 and under are welcome to visit the shelter and interact will all of our adoptable pets, so long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. I'm going on vacation, can you board my pet? No. At this time HSoP does not offer boarding services for pets. There are several boarding facilities throughout Latah County and most vet clinics will also board. For a list of local boarding services, please view our Pet Boarding Services resource sheet in the HSoP Resource Library . I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do? HSoP is not equipped care for wildlife. If you've found an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at (208) 614-2273. For more information, please visit their website: Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation I found a feral cat, what do I do? HSoP does not have the ability to provide care for feral cats within our facility. We do have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats living on owned property in Latah County. The program intends to reduce feline infectious diseases and homeless cat births in our region, by providing feral cats with vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and ear-tips for identification. Why can’t I bring my animal to the Humane Society of the Palouse if I live outside of Latah County? HSoP does not euthanize to make space. We do not have the capacity, space, or manpower to receive animals from outside of the agreed jurisdiction we have with the City of Moscow and Latah County. We recommend contacting the shelter that services your county and they may be able to help. Frequently Asked Questions Click here to read about some of the fur kids HSoP has been able to help thanks to our generous community!

Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of $0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.

Volunteering for special events is one of the best ways you can support your local humane society! We host several fundrasing events per year, and our volunteers make it all possible. Event Volunteering HSoP holds several annual fundraising events, many of which require volunteers to ensure the event is running smoothly. Event Volunteering is a great opportunity for clubs, community, business and philanthropic groups to support an organization with a great cause. Soup and Pie Held every February, Soup and Pie is a social luncheon where HSoP supporters can enjoy a bowl of soup and a slice of pie. Volunteers at our soup and pie event are responsible for selling tickets at the door, admitting those with tickets purchased online, serving soup to attendees, and slicing up delicious pie for all of those who came to support our animals. Volunteers are also extremely helpful for the setup and teardown of event materials (tables, chairs, decorations, food, etc.). Paw-Louse 5K Fun Run & Walk Paw-Louse Fun run is a fun outing for all family members (including the furry ones) that starts and ends at the corner of Rail Road and Sweet Ave. Volunteers make this event possible by handing out water and snacks, distributing T-shirts, setting up the 5k route, and helping to keep our participants (people and dogs alike!) on track. Howling at Hamilton The Sunday after Labor Day, at the Hamilton Lowe Aquatic Center, it’s the dogs’ day at the pool. With dog dock diving contest. Volunteers have a great time at this event! Some volunteers collect entrance fees at the gate, while others sell toys and treats to those who attend. A few lucky volunteers will even get to help judge the pool jumping contest! Pet Pictures with Santa Each December, patrons and their pets spread the holiday cheer while posing with Santa. Our volunteers help bring Christmas joy by setting up the photo station, cleaning up after the fact, and keeping our photogenic furry friends entertained. Volunteers also help us to collect the funds from this event. Are you interested in being an event volunteer for HSoP? We would love to have you on our team! Feel free to call us at (208)883-1166 or email Sierah, our Shelter Director at director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org . Thank you for thinking of our animals!

A breakdown of how many lives were saved through HSoP in 2020. This shows how many animals were brought in, how many found forever homes, and how many benefitted from our programs. Life-saving statistics It's important for our supporters to know how their contributions are used, and how many lives we save each year. Below you will find our statistics for the calendar year (January-December). 2024 Calendar Year Statistics Total animals brought to HSoP: 510 Total animals adopted: 329 Total animals returned to owner: 161 2024 save rate: 97% Total identification provided to owned pets: 70 Total owned pets fixed through SNAP : 49 Total feral cats fixed through TNR Program : 81 Total owned pets assisted through our Pet Supply Pantry : 2,236 Total HSoP volunteers : 277 Total hours spent volunteering at HSoP: 1,498 2023 Calendar Year Statistics Total animals brought to HSoP: 501 Total animals adopted: 259 Total animals returned to owner: 185 2023 save rate: 97% Total owned pets microchipped: 46 Total name tags made for owned pets: 52 Total owned pets fixed through SNAP : 46 Total feral cats fixed through TNR Program : 89 Total owned pets assisted through our Pet Supply Pantry : 2,371 Total HSoP volunteers : 264 Total hours spent volunteering at HSoP: 1,319

Learn about the ways you can get involved in saving local homless pets. This includes donating, volunteering, and fostering. Get Involved! Our amazing community is truly what makes our work possible. The residents of Moscow and Latah County have continuously shown how much they care for local animals over the last 40 years. There's several ways to get involved in our lifesaving mission! Each year we have the help of countless volunteers who ensure each animal is safe and comfortable in our care. We also have an extremely generous community who funds more than 30% of our shelter expenses through donations! The community effort doesn't end there. Many of our toys, blankets, treats, and carriers have been donated by helpful residents of Moscow and Latah County, and event volunteers make sure our fundraising efforts are successful year after year! There are even some community members who choose a more hands-on approach and get involved by fostering animals still in search of their forever homes. We are always trying to brainstorm more ways our community can get involved in the work we do. If you have any questions or ideas about how you could help us save countless lives, please send us an email us at information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org Donate Volunteer Foster Shop Thank you for allowing us to help those who cannot help themselves!

Learn about all of the programs we offer for our community members! From feeding assitance, to discounted spaying and neutering, to microchips, we do everything we can to ensure the best lives for our community and their pets. Spay & Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) Do you know a dog or cat who needs to be spayed or neutered but the owners are experiencing difficulty with the cost? Check out our SNAP page for details on how we can help . SNAP Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Feeding Assistance If you are disabled, unemployed, on public assistance, or otherwise just short on funds and need help feeding your pet, please stop by the shelter. We try to keep extra donated cat and dog food on hand to help feed the needy pets in our community! This program depends entirely on donations, and food may or may not be available at any given time. Pet food donations are gratefully accepted to enable this program! Please bring your own container. Feral cats contribute greatly to pet overpopulation. Our TNR program is designed to safely trap feral cats, sterilize and vaccinate them with an accredited vet, and release them back where they were found. This helps to reduce the number of unwanted pets that are being born on the streets of Latah County. TNR Pet Food Bank Barn Buddy Program Do you have a rodent problem? Take a look at HSoP Barn Buddy Program to learn more about how we can help. Barn Buddy

The importance of enrichment for all pets! Learn about some of the best ways to keep your pets happy, healthy, and entertained! Pet Enrichment Enrichment for animals is extremely important. Enrichment allows animals to demonstrate their species-specific behavior, gives them opportunity to exercise control or choice over their environment, and enhances their physical and mental well-being. Enrichment is just as essential to animal welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Enrichment can be completed using the five senses: sight, scent, touch, taste, and hearing. HSoP strives to find new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of the pets in our care. Here is some ideas and information about enrichment! Playing soft music in the background Pandora has animal-specific, calming radio stations YouTube has quite a few hour-long videos of soft and comforting music This is especially helpful for pets with separation anxiety or stress. Toys This sounds very obvious, but finding the toys each individual animal enjoys the most is key to enrichment. Find out if your pet likes toys that make noise, toys that are soft, or toys they can chew on. Always monitor your pet with a new toy. Make sure the toy is size appropriate to your pet, and that they do not attempt to eat the toy or any of the pieces. Puzzle bowls and puzzle toys There are certain bowls and toys that allow you to put the pets kibble or treats inside. This allows your pet to not only exercise and work for the food, but also gives good mental stimulation! Variety of Treats There are the usual treats that we all love to give our pets, but giving them treats that will also stimulate them mentally is best! Stuffed kongs are great treats to keep your pet happy and distracted. Visit https://www.puppyleaks.com/healthy-foods-you-can-stuff-in-a-kong/ for ideas on stuffing kongs. Frozen treats are a great option too! Freezing canned food for your pet will give them a yummy, interactive treat on a hot day! Playing videos or opening a window for sight-seeing Some animals enjoy watching videos on a TV or computer There are bird videos on Youtube for your cat to watch and enjoy Opening the blinds of your home windows allows your pets to see the outside world, from the safety of the indoors. Animals love different and new smells You can put a few drops of diluted essential oils like lavender, cherry, vanilla, etc. (Always dilute the essential oils, as animals can be delicate to strong smells. Do not put essential oils on your pets body.) Kitties love catnip! Always let your dog sniff on walks, dogs love to sniff new things. Touch Some animals enjoy soft things to lay on, try offering your furry friend a padded pet bed or fluffy blanket for them to rest on. Cats really enjoy scratching and using their nails! Offer them appropriate things to scratch on like cat trees or cardboard!