Those working in the field of laboratory animal science are familiar with federal regulations requiring institutions to provide for the psychological well-being of many laboratory animals. Enrichment provides an excellent means of achieving these goals. But beyond regulatory compliance, behavioral and environmental enrichment are essential to providing the highest levels of care for all animals in captivity. Proper enrichment can reduce stereotypies and other undesirable behaviors while increasing species-typical postures, activities and behavior.

Who needs to understand enrichment?

Laboratory Animal Technicians
Laboratory animal technicians realize that outstanding animal care includes attention to animals' mental and emotional well-being. Technical staff are charged with providing enrichment. However, a fuller knowledge and understanding of enrichment strategies allows the staff to play a fuller role in the design of the overall program. Technicians are not just the providers of enrichment, they are also in the best position to assess its impact, suggest changes, and maximize the effectiveness of any existing enrichment program.

Veterinarians &
Veterinary Technicians
The connection between mental and physical health has already been well documented in both people and animals. Veterinary staff are focused on health and preventive medicine and thus are a key component to enrichment programs. Proper enrichment reduces stress and facilitates quality care. Veterinarians and their technical staff review and oversee existing programs and any suggested changes. The facility veterinarian is best positioned to determine how enrichment can be employed while avoiding toxins, injury, airway obstructions, and all potential health & safety hazards. A full knowledge of enrichment goals and strategies can help staff to improve overall animal health.

Researchers
Investigators are sometimes concerned that enrichment may introduce additional variables into a study. However, as long as enrichment is established before the experiments begin there is no reason to believe that confounding variables will be introduced. In fact, the decrease in stress and maladaptive behaviors that typically accompanies enrichment suggests that lab animals become better study animals when they receive appropriate enrichment. With a proper understanding of animal enrichment researchers will be able to enrich laboratory animals without affecting results or compromising experimental design. Indeed, due to inadequate assessment, there are many opportunities for research in the field of enrichment itself.

Good behavioral management must address three key components for every animal: the physical environment, the social environment, and the opportunity for physical and mental challenges. Our online programs at ABI cover all important elements of enrichment. We provide innumerable examples of design, implementation and assessment, giving you the resources you need to further your program. Our convenient, online courses give you the convenience you need and are taught by AALAS members familiar with the needs of our profession. In addition to Animal Enrichment, we offer several other courses that are of value to Laboratory Animal Science professionals. Courses may be eligible for CEU credits and reimbursement, check with your employer.

Animal Training & Enrichment Program