Evidence-based enrichment strategies that reduce the chronic stress experienced by dogs in rescue shelter environments.
Shelter stress is a welfare problem with systemic causes that no amount of individual animal care can fully overcome while the underlying environment remains unchanged. High noise levels, visual stimulation from nearby dogs, inability to withdraw from public view and unpredictable human approach patterns create a chronic threat state that degrades immune function and mental wellbeing. Enrichment programmes do not eliminate this stress but meaningfully reduce its severity and duration. The most welfare-effective intervention is reducing length of stay through accelerated adoption processes, foster programmes and owner-surrender support that prevents dogs entering shelters in the first place.