DIY Pet Enrichment Ideas That Cost Little, But Mean a Lot

Pet enrichment isn’t just a fun extra—it’s an essential part of keeping dogs and cats mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and physically active. The good news? You don’t need fancy toys or expensive gadgets to make your pet’s life more stimulating and joyful. With a little creativity, you can provide meaningful enrichment at home using items you already have.

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS), we believe that enrichment plays a powerful role in overall well-being. Here are some easy, low-cost DIY pet enrichment ideas that will keep your pet engaged, satisfied, and happily tired.

Why Enrichment Matters

Enrichment helps pets:

• Burn excess energy
• Prevent boredom (and the behavior problems that come with it)
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Build confidence
• Strengthen their bond with their humans

A mentally stimulated pet is more relaxed, resilient, and content—and enrichment supports both physical and emotional health.

DIY Enrichment for Dogs

1. Muffin Tin Puzzle Feeder

Place treats or kibble in a muffin tin’s wells, then cover each one with a tennis ball or toy. Dogs must nudge and lift the objects to get the goodies. 

Great for: problem-solving, slowing down fast eaters.

2. Snuffle Towel or Blanket

Take an old towel, sprinkle kibble inside as you fold and twist it into layers, and let your dog sniff and forage.

Sniffing lowers heart rate and taps into natural canine instincts.

3. Frozen Treat Blocks

Use low-sodium broth, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or kibble in water and freeze in silicone molds or a plastic storage container.

Perfect for hot days or calming busy pups.

4. Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt

Stuff a cardboard box with crumpled paper, toilet paper rolls, or old packaging and hide treats throughout.

It’s noisy, fun, and a great outlet for natural shredding needs.

5. Indoor Obstacle Course

Use couch cushions, chairs, broomsticks, and blankets to create tunnels or jumps. Here are some helpful tips on building your own home agility course.

This builds physical coordination and strengthens confidence.

6. Scent Games

It is easy to give your pets the opportunity to use their sniffers to engage their mind and their senses. Hide some treats around the house and see how long it takes your pet to find them.

Scent games are great enrichment opportunities for pets that help them stay mentally and physically active, and cater to their natural instincts.

7. Toilet Paper Roll Toy

Using items you already have at home—like a toilet paper roll—can provide hours of fun. Simply fill an empty toilet paper roll with some food or treats and fold both sides. Your pet has to figure out how to get to the food. 

This simple toy creates plenty of opportunities for enrichment, and you can even make a new one each time you finish a roll of toilet paper.

DIY Enrichment for Cats

1. Paper Bag Hideouts

A plain paper grocery bag becomes a crinkly, irresistible adventure tunnel. Add a sprinkle of catnip for extra fun.

2. Toilet Paper Roll Treat Puzzle

Fold one end of a toilet paper roll, drop treats inside, then fold the other end. Cats can bat, toss, and chase the toy to release snacks.

3. Window Wildlife TV

Set up a cozy perch near a window and hang a bird feeder outside. Your cat gets hours of visual stimulation and natural enrichment.

4. Feather Wand + Hide-and-Seek

Drag a wand toy behind furniture, through hallways, under blankets, or around corners to mimic prey behavior.
Cats thrive when their play follows the “hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom, sleep” cycle.

5. DIY Cat Fort

A few cardboard boxes, a blanket, and an old T-shirt become a cozy, private space for hiding, resting, and observing.

Bonding-Focused Enrichment

These enrich both your pet’s mind and your relationship:

• Training sessions: teaching new tricks or cues
• Scatter feeding: tossing kibble around the yard or inside to encourage foraging
• Scent games: hide treats in easy-to-reach spots and encourage your pet to “find it”
• Massage and brushing: relaxing, grounding enrichment that strengthens trust

Safety Tips for DIY Enrichment

• Always supervise pets with new toys or homemade items.
• Avoid small pieces that could be swallowed.
• Remove items once they’re worn, ripped, or unsafe.
• Choose food rewards appropriate for your pet’s dietary needs.

Enrichment Supports Lifelong Health

Providing consistent mental and physical stimulation supports overall health and behavior. For pets recovering from illness or injury, enrichment can be adapted to keep them engaged while protecting healing tissues (ask your veterinarian for guidance).

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we’re passionate about keeping pets healthy in every way—from advanced specialty care to everyday wellness strategies and even DIY pet enrichment.

If you have questions about enrichment, behavior, or mobility support, our team is here to help.
📞 Call (248) 334-6877 to learn more.