Colorado Animal Welfare Conference Session
Enhancing Enrichment Offerings for Your Shelter & Community
10:30-11:45am - August 19, 2026
City Lights 2 and 3
Shelter Operations
More than ever, enrichment is critical to a pet’s wellbeing inside and outside the shelter. Understanding what enrichment can—and cannot—do allows us to apply it thoughtfully and effectively. In this session, participants will explore both big-picture concepts and specific ideas to make enrichment more meaningful for dogs and cats, set realistic expectations for enrichment in shelters and homes, and learn strategies to gain staff, volunteer, and patron engagement. Attendees will leave empowered to enhance animal welfare and strengthen the human–animal bond in every environment.
Jill Wetzel
Jill Wetzel has served as the Animal Enrichment Coordinator at Humane Colorado for the past 3.5 years, where she guides dog walking programs and in-kennel enrichment initiatives to ensure animals receive consistent behavioral support and meaningful daily engagement from staff and volunteers. She officially began her journey in animal welfare at 17 as a volunteer at the same shelter, sparking a commitment to improving the lives of animals. Jill holds degrees in evolutionary biology and anthropology and is a certified dog trainer. Her experience includes work in zoos, educational wildlife programs, doggy day cares, and private dog training, giving her a broad foundation in animal behavior and care. She specializes in enrichment and behavioral education, using evidence-based strategies to enhance animal welfare, reduce stress in shelter environments, and strengthen the human-animal bond.