While we are all at getting used to the ‘new normal’ of staying inside more and avoiding social gatherings, our pets are also getting used to this ‘new norm’. While pet pools and dog parks may not all be open, there are still many ways to have fun with your pet! We’ve come up with several things to do with your furry friend while also staying safe!
Go on Walks
Going on walks provides your dog with physical and mental stimulation. Your dog will be able to get great exercise, resulting in better moods and decreased destructive behavior. All the smells and exploring will also provide plenty of mental stimulation. Getting outside and going on a walk also allows them to get out of the house and get a break if they’ve been inside most of the day.
Go to Forest Preserves/ Nature Walks
Dogs, like humans, can get bored with the same routines. Mix up your usual walk and head over to a forest preserve or a nature park. Your dog will be exposed to new smells and new sights. You and your dog will be able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery as you take a walk in these new places!
Photoshoots
Use this time to update your recent pics of your furry friend. Whether it is inside or in the backyard, snap some cute pictures of them playing or being cute! Bonus, after the photo shoot is over, send the pics via text or email to family and friends to brighten their days!
Play with Toys
Pull out your cat’s favorite toy wand or your dog’s squeaking stuffed animal to play with. You can play games like go fetch, catch in the air, try to hit the wand, etc. There are even some toys out there like puzzles and different toys filled with a treat to make your pet work for what they want while also playing. This will be sure to keep your furry friends from getting bored anytime soon!
Teach New Tricks
What better time to teach your dog the basics or even more advanced tricks then now?! While you are both practicing social distancing, you can also practice commands such as “rollover” “sit” and “stand on back legs.” It will be educational and fun for the both of you!
Go for a Car Ride
If your dog or cat loves going for car rides, then you should hit the road! Drive around to different places while you let them look out the window. You don’t have to have a destination to go to even, it can just be a simple car ride just for fun!
Hide & Seek
Think your pet has a nose of a champion? Test it out! Hide in an area that they would be able to reach you. Call their name and watch them try to use their senses to figure out where you are! You can also play a game of find the treats where instead of you hiding, you hide their treats to find when they are not looking. When they come into the room, tell them to go find the treats. This will give them great mental stimulation and be fun for them and you to watch!
Ready to adopt?! View all of the adoptable animals AND fill out an online adoption application here, at The Humane Society’s website!
If you are interested in fostering, visit their page here for more information. IACS provides all of the necessary supplies for a foster animal.
Picture Credit: Getty Images / Arterra
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- Hi, I’m Avril! I’m a 3yr old, roughly 50lbs girl who is ready for my new home! I’m a sweetie who came in as a stray, so it is unknown how I do with cats or other dogs, but I am looking for a home without cats or small animals. Come meet me!
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- Hi, I’m Sasha! I am a 2yr old, roughly 50 lbs, spayed female. I came in as a stray so they do not know how I am with cats or kids. I am kind-of the star of the show, so I prefer to be the only dog in the home. I know I look like I have it all together in my beautiful pictures but you wouldn’t believe the restraint it took me not to pounce all over my soccer ball. I listened and waited just like the volunteer told me because she was right, I am an extra good girl! I LOVE to chase the ball and playing with humans gives me the cutest zoomies. I prefer all the playtime to myself and don’t enjoy the company of other pooches, but I sure do love a good snuggle with a human who likes to give belly rubs! I’m looking for a new family and I’m hoping it might be you!
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- Buffalo here! I’m a 3-year-old neutered male who is roughly 55lbs. I came in as a stray, so it is unknown how I do with cats or children, but I have met female dogs here at the shelter and did well! I have been in playgroup and like to play chase my friends so I will need a dog friend who has the same push and pull play style that I have. I’m ready to go home with you!
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- Drako is a 3 year old, 63 lb, neutered male. Drako was surrendered because the owner was moving and cannot take him with them. Drako must be the only dog in the home. Everyone in the family has to meet Drako prior to adoption because he is sometimes selective of men
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- Hi there! I’m Brekkie! I’m a 4yr old, roughly 50lbs neutered male who is ready for my forever home! I’m an energetic, silly guy who loves to play! I get so excited to play that I can be a little grabby with my toys, so I would do best in a home without small children, but older kids might be okay. I’ll sit and shake for treats and toys! It is unknown how I would do with cats but I’m looking for a home where I can be the only dog so I can be the only one to spoil. I’m waiting here for you!
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- Hi, I’m Raquel. I am about 3 years old. I am a very sweet girl. Who loves to snuggle and play! I came into the shelter as a stray so it is unknown how I do with cats or kids. I am a required meet and greet because I can be very picky about my dog friends.
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- Cookie is a 3yr, roughly 65lbs spayed female. She enjoys long walks and would love even more someone to jog with. She is currently working on her girlish figure for warm weather and increasing her stamina each day. She craves being outside in the sunshine with her humans. She tends to stay close to her people and seeks snuggles every chance she gets. She is playful and active but certainly enjoys her nap time too. No girl likes to admit this, but she does snore a bit! She is a smart Cookie and knows sit and takes treats nicely. In the home, she wants to please her humans. She is house trained and seems to be fine with hanging out in a crate when the humans are gone. She is quiet and rarely barks. Outside, she tends to be dog reactive and needs to be kept close. This girl would be an awesome addition to a home where there are no other animals or young children, so she can have the humans all to herself.
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- Hi! My name is Rain! I’m a sweet, smaller, 4 year old, girl who weighs roughly 40lbs. I’m already spayed and ready to go home today! I can sit pretty for treats and I love getting my belly rubbed. I’m looking for a home where I can be your only pet to spoil rotten. Other dogs make me nervous, so I need a home with a privacy fenced in back yard so I do not have to see other dogs at all. I’m house trained and crate trained! I have not been around children, so it is unknown how I would do with them. I hope I’m the right one for you!
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- Hi, I’m Missy! I’m a 3 year old, 46 lb, spayed female. I came in as a stray so it is unknown how I am with cats or children. I’m currently in a foster home learning to be the best girl I can be! I don’t prefer female dogs, but I live with two male dogs right now and I do really well with them! It can take me a little while to get comfortable with new people but once I do I am such a sweet girl and will love you forever! I love cuddling and just spending time with you. My foster mom says I’m house broken and crate trained! I even know how to sit and stay. Pretty smart cookie, huh? I would love to meet you!
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- Hi, I’m Mace Windu! I’ll never go over to the dark side, I’ll always be the bet boy. I’m a 5 yr old, roughly 70 lb, neutered male. I’m in a foster home where I’m learning to be the best boy that I can be! My previous owner had to give me up due to the landlord but I’m ready to find my new forever home! I used to live with other dogs and children, as young as 4yo, and I did well with both! It is unknown how I am with cats. May the force be with you to pick me!
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- Lightning McQueen is 2 years old and weighs 45lbs. Just like my namesake, I’m a super fast racer! I would prefer to be the only pet in the home
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- Meet Spunk A Roo! Spunk is 7 years young and weighs roughly 30 lbs. She is the sweetest and so fun! Her name describes her because she has A LOT of energy! She is nonstop zoomies so I would say she would do best in a home with a fenced in yard so she can run around and will definitely need an active family. She loves being outside and playing! She is very smart so I feel like with some basic training she will be even more of a perfect pup! It is unknown how she would do with cats or kids, but she might do well with a calmer dog if there are other dogs in the home.
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- Hi, I’m Boojie! I’m a 2yr old spayed female who is roughly 60lbs. I am looking for a home without children and if you have other dogs in the home, I would love to do a meet and greet to see if we get along. I love to climb in laps and give kisses! Come meet me today!
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- Cookie is a 3yr, roughly 65lbs spayed female. She enjoys long walks and would love even more someone to jog with. She is currently working on her girlish figure for warm weather and increasing her stamina each day. She craves being outside in the sunshine with her humans. She tends to stay close to her people and seeks snuggles every chance she gets. She is playful and active but certainly enjoys her nap time too. No girl likes to admit this, but she does snore a bit! She is a smart Cookie and knows sit and takes treats nicely. In the home, she wants to please her humans. She is house trained and seems to be fine with hanging out in a crate when the humans are gone. She is quiet and rarely barks. Outside, she tends to be dog reactive and needs to be kept close. This girl would be an awesome addition to a home where there are no other animals or young children, so she can have the humans all to herself.
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- Hi! I’m Hot Fudge! I’m a 1.5 yr old, roughly 50lbs, neutered male who is ready for my forever home! I came in as an owner surrender for not doing well with the children in the home, so I need a home without kids. I am as sweet as my name and I love pets, scratches, and belly rubs! It is unknown how I do with cats, but I have done well with dogs here at the shelter. Are you ready to add some sweetness in your life?
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- Hi, I’m Rocky. I am a 7 year old, 60 lb, neutered male. My foster mom says I love to sleep and cuddle on the couch with my people. Cats are fun to chase, but I’m not sure they enjoy it as much as I do, so I would do best in a home without cats. I am also looking for a home without small children, but older kids might be okay. I am looking for a home to relax and enjoy my golden years. If you take a chance on me, I know you won’t regret it!
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- Janie is a 4 year old, 64 lb, spayed female. She came into the shelter as a stray so we do not currently know how she does with Kids, Dogs, or Cats.
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- Maddie is a very quirky girl! She loves to “talk” back in meows, she loves to wait by the door for you to come home. She loves looking out the window, and comes when her name is called. She loves being scratched pretty much anywhere, and sometimes will roll onto her back/side for belly scratches. She loves her food, and she will be sure to let you know if her bowl is empty. Beware of leaving cups on the counter, she may stick her head in to see what it is inside. She’s also curious and likes to open up cabinets, she may hide inside them until she gets to know you. She’s very lovable and loves attention. She is not a big fan of guests, but will adjust to new people with time.
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- Hi, I’m Ivory Diane! I’m just as beautiful as my name. I’m a 4 yr old, spayed female who is roughly 50lbs. It is unknown how I am with cats or kids, but I’d do best as the only dog in the home. I’m ready for my forever family, I hope you’re ready for me!
