Enrichment Prep & Clean Up Crew – Brighten a Pet’s Day, One Treat at a Time
Life in a shelter can be busy, loud, and stressful for animals waiting for homes. One of the simplest ways we help reduce that stress is through enrichment. Frozen KONGs, puzzle feeders, pup pops, snuffle mats, and cat toys give animals a chance to engage their minds, release energy, and break up the routine of shelter life. These small moments can make a huge difference in helping pets stay emotionally balanced and comfortable while they wait for adopters.
As part of the Enrichment Prep & Clean Up Crew, volunteers help prepare the enrichment items that are used throughout the shelter each day and assist with cleaning and resetting supplies afterward. This role is essential to keeping the enrichment program running smoothly and ensuring animals continue receiving consistent daily stimulation.
Volunteers may help stuff and freeze KONGs, prepare lick mats or puzzle feeders, organize enrichment supplies, wash dishes and toys, sanitize items, sort donations, restock carts, and keep prep areas clean and organized. This role focuses more on behind-the-scenes support rather than direct interaction with animals, making it a great fit for volunteers who want to make an impact in a structured environment.
Even though this role may seem simple, it directly supports the emotional wellness of shelter pets. Having enrichment items prepared and ready each day helps reduce boredom, frustration, and kennel stress for dogs and cats throughout the shelter. Consistent enrichment also helps animals display calmer, more natural behaviors, allowing potential adopters to better see their personalities.
This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy hands-on projects, organization, and supporting shelter operations in a meaningful way. Every cleaned toy, prepared KONG, and stocked enrichment cart contributes to improving daily life for the animals in our care.
Before getting started, volunteers must complete Animal Health Training – Animal Health to understand proper sanitation, disease prevention, and safe handling of enrichment supplies within the shelter environment.
To view and complete our trainings - CLICK HERE
Volunteer duties, access, and privileges are valid only during the scheduled shift selected through the online volunteer scheduling system. A 15-minute grace period is allowed before and after each shift so volunteers can prepare for and wrap up their assignments.
Sign up for Enrichment Delivery Crew here:
Henry’s Animal Campus – CLICK HERE
Silcox Animal Shelter – CLICK HERE