Humane Society of Burnett County: Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The Petfinder Foundation Dog Enrichment Grant has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the Humane Society of Burnett County and the dogs in our care. Funding from this grant allowed us to enhance daily enrichment activities that support dogs’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being during their time at the shelter.
Through the grant, we were able to provide a variety of enrichment tools and activities designed to reduce stress, encourage positive behaviors, and improve overall quality of life. These enrichment opportunities helped dogs expend energy in healthy ways, remain mentally engaged, and experience greater comfort and confidence in a shelter environment. As a result, we have seen improvements in behavior, socialization, and overall adoptability. Dogs are better prepared for successful transitions into permanent homes, while staff and volunteers are better equipped to meet individual behavioral needs.
We are grateful to the Petfinder Foundation for investing in enrichment programs that directly benefit shelter dogs and help organizations like ours create more positive outcomes for animals and adopters alike.
How many pets did this grant help?
60+
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
After 253 days, our hound dog Rusty, was adopted (first photo)!
Being in a kennel for that much time without adequate mental engagement may cause animals to experience increased stress, anxiety, and frustration. Over time, the lack of stimulation can contribute to kennel stress, which may lead to behavioral deterioration, reduced ability to cope in a shelter environment, and difficulty adapting to new homes.
With the Petfinder Foundation Dog Enrichment Grant, we used some of those funds to purchase peanut butter to create enrichment boxes, tennis balls and treats for treat “puzzles,” and lick pads for the kennel doors. We feel that helping to keep Rusty engaged and stimulated while he was in his kennel for that many days helped him finally get adopted on Jan. 13, 2026.
Providing enrichment activities, puzzle toys, scent work, and positive human interaction helps reduce stress, promotes healthy behaviors, and improves quality of life. Enrichment not only supports animals emotionally but also plays a critical role in increasing adoptability and long-term success after adoption.
