Exercise and Enrichment
Providing our pets with exercise and enrichment is not spoiling! We consider it to be a part of a pet’s essential care. Numerous studies show the benefit of exercise and enrichment for the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals, and for strengthening the human-animal bond.
Enrichment in particular is believed to play a big role in the mental development of our pets and can help prevent behavioral problems later in life. True animal “enrichment” involves novelty, problem solving, challenge, confidence building, choice, instinct expression, movement, and the five senses. But we know that life is busy and so many pet parents don’t have the capacity to regularly engage in effective enrichment. So let us help you!
(Please refer to important policy notes at the bottom of this page).
Fun and Games
$35
30-minute visit
- Let’s get active! We’ll engage with your pets to get them moving, playing and mentally stimulated, with activities tailored to each individual pet and their environment. We can use their favorite toys and bring new toys and supplies to add enriching novelty.
- Brain games! Using some supplies of your own and our own items and creations, we’ll come provide your pets with opportunities to activate their mental muscles with problem solving, learning, and “winning”. Some of our favorites are the Name Game, Cup Game, Towel Treat Roll, Box Game, and the Go Find It Game.
- Stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats, lick mats, and food puzzles. We’ll come put together some delicious food activities and supervise your pet while they enjoy them. We can either use your supplies, sell you supplies, or use our own.
- Learn new tricks! Learning a new trick is a fantastic way to help keep a pet’s mind active and healthy. Yes, including “old” dogs! Even simple things that most anyone can teach are great, but we can get creative too.
- Positive Associations! If you have a pet that is not yet accustomed to certain experiences or exposures, or may already be slightly fearful of it, we can assist in creating positive associations with those things. It is best to do this preemptively, before a potential fear response develops in your pet. Common exposures to include are crates, carriers, doorbells, medications, grooming, muzzles-training, separation-anxiety triggers, handling, noises, etc.
- Shred it! Letting our dogs act upon their instinctual inclination (or obsession!) with tearing things up can actually be highly enriching, when done appropriately and safely. Many dogs can learn to only destroy designated items and still leave house items alone. Appropriate items can include cardboard boxes, tissue paper, paper bags, or toys designed to be shredded. And it’s extra fun to hide treats within these items! We would always supervise these activities and clean up afterward. But of course, this option isn’t for every pet! And please consider consulting with a trainer or behaviorist first.
Dog Walking
$35
Walking our dogs is an essential part of their routine care and, for many dogs, is considered crucial to their mental and physical wellbeing.
- 30-minute walking time
- Up to 2 dogs at a time (large dogs must have excellent walking etiquette for pack walks)
- GPS tracked walks
- Safety is the number one priority!
- Pet first aid supplies on hand
- Apple Air Tag will be attached to your dog’s collar
- We carry other-animal deterrent devices (specifically for loose dogs that may approach)
Field Trip
$55
A comfy care ride and a chance for your dog to see, smell, hear and experience the world is one of the best ways to achieve high-quality enrichment for our pets.
- 30+ minutes (1 hour total time, including transport)
- Options: River valley trails, the Bosque, Sandia Foothills, and nearby parks (no dog parks)
- Up to 2 dogs at a time (large dogs must have excellent walking etiquette)
- GPS tracked walks
- Safety is the number one priority!
- Pet first aid supplies on hand
- Air tag will be attached to your dog’s collar
- We carry other-animal deterrents devices
- See “Pet Transport” page to learn more about the transport process and policies
A mileage fee may apply if you are located outside of the service area of an available caregiver. Please let us know your location when requesting services.
Seasonal and weather restrictions apply at the discretion of Eden Pet Care for Dog Walking and Field Trips. These services are unavailable for aggressive dogs, heavy leash-pullers, dogs that show signs of pain or discomfort, dogs that get car sick, or dogs that simply would not enjoy the experience.
We typically prefer using your own treats and familiar food items to avoid introducing anything new to your pet’s GI tracts, but we can discuss ways to level-up the enrichment factor by safely introducing unique food items that are generally approved for pets. But first, always consult with your veterinarian.
These enrichment services can make a huge difference in preventing behavioral problems in pets, and also in helping to resolving behavioral issues that already exist. However, it will be recommended or required to consult with a certified trainer or behaviorist if your pet is already exhibiting behavioral issues or signs of significant fear, anxiety, or stress to a given experience or exposure before we can provide supportive services.