Enrichment - Canine Enrichment and Exercise Program

Canine Enrichment Forms

• Each dog will have their own “Canine Enrichment Form” documenting their participation in the canine enrichment program
• All forms (active and non-active) with arrival dates within the same calendar year will be kept in the Canine Enrichment Form Binder (located in the building receiving area).
  • Older forms will be filed for three years after euthanasia 

Floor space provisions

• Group -housed dogs - Are to be housed in a pen that provides, at a minimum, 100% of the floor space required by the Animal Welfare Regulations (AWR)/The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) (whichever provides more space) for each dog.  In this case additional opportunity for exercise is not required.
•  Individually housed dogs - Are to be housed in a pen that provides, at a minimum, two times the floor space required by the AWR/Guide (whichever provides more space) per dog.  In this case additional opportunity for exercise is not required.
• Dogs that are housed individually in enclosures that provide less than two times the required floor space per dog will be provided with additional opportunities for exercise.
  • Removal from cage for a minimum of 30 minutes and allowed to roam the room perimeter at will.
    • Opportunity for additional exercise will be provided daily during normal working hours.
    • One or more persons will observe the animals during the opportunity for exercise.
      • A sign will be placed on the room door to note that dogs are loose within the room
  • One or more persons will positively interact with the dogs during the opportunity for exercise.
  • When possible, several compatible dogs of the same sex from the same room will be released together to facilitate social interaction.

Space requirements
(Please reference the AWR and the Guide for more details)

Group housing

• All dogs will be paired or grouped housed when research design and temperament allow

Toys/manipulanda, treats and beds/bedding

• All dogs will be provided with at least 2 toys per dog
  • Toys will be rotated on a weekly basis
• Each dog will receive treats (example: canned food, commercial treats) at least once a week
  • Amount of treats to be fed:
    • Canned food:
      • Dog < 20 lbs. – consult with a veterinarian
      • Dog 20 to 50 lbs. – ¼ can
      • Dog 50 to 100 lbs. – ½ can
    • Commercial treats:
      • Large treats (anything 2 inches or more in length or diameter), give:
        • Dog < 20 lbs. – consult with a veterinarian
        • Dog 20 to 50 lbs. – ½ treat
        • Dog 50 to 100 lbs. – 1 treat
      • Small treats (anything less than two inches in length or diameter), give:
        • Dog < 20 lbs. – consult with a veterinarian
        • Dog 20 to 50 lbs. – 1 treat
        • Dog 50 to 100 lbs. – 2 treats
• Each dog will be provided with access to a bed or bedding as long as temperament allows

Dog aggressive animals

• Dog aggressive animals will be individually housed to prevent injury to other animals.
  • Approved exemptions are entered on the Exemption Form and a yellow informational card is placed on the cage.
  • Other provisions of this Program will be followed.
  • When animals are individually housed, auditory, sensory and/or visual contact will be maintained.

Individually housed dogs with no sensory contact with other dogs

• Whenever possible, dogs will be housed with other dogs in the same room.  
• If only one animal remains in the facility, the individually housed dog that does not have sensory contact with another dog must be provided with positive contact with humans at least once daily.
  • Play, pet, groom &/or talk to this animal for no less than 15 minutes per day for as long as it is being housed alone in a room.
  • Documentation of this positive physical contact will be maintained on the “Record for Animals Housed Alone”.  

Exemptions from the Canine Enrichment and Exercise Program

• Exemptions may be granted by:
  • The Attending Veterinarian, or his/her designee, on a case by case basis
    • Records for exemptions must be maintained and reviewed at least every 30 days by the attending veterinarian, or his/her designee, unless the exemption is permanent.
  • The IACUC for approved scientific reasons

Approved exemptions are entered on the Exemption Form and a yellow informational card is placed on the cage.

Possible reasons for exemption include, but are not limited to:

• Post-operative animals during recovery
• Medical condition or injury
• Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior towards other dogs
• Scientifically justified and approved by the IACUC

Temporary exemptions from the Canine Enrichment and Exercise Program

Permanent exemptions from the Canine Enrichment and Exercise Program

Last reviewed by OAR and the IACUC 6/14/2023