Expert-Led Enrichment Programs
Vancouver pet owners face challenges different from those in rural environments. For example, studies have shown that dogs in big cities are more fearful of other people or other dogs, and prone to additional behavioural problems1. At Jet Pet Resort, we provide all our guests with professional dog enrichment activities. We combine mental stimulation with socialization and physical exercise to ensure your dog receives the comprehensive care needed to thrive as a city pup.
Many dogs living in Vancouver’s urban environment need more than a walk. Without proper mental enrichment, they can develop anxiety, destructive behaviours, and may have difficulty further adapting to city life. High quality enrichment programs such as those at Jet Pet Resort dog daycare provide structured and safe activities that challenge your dog’s mind while keeping them engaged and content.
“He drags us to get there quicker and comes out in such a good mood every time,” – Nathan Hocken, sharing about his puppy’s experience with Jet Pet Resort’s dog enrichment activities.
Mental Stimulation Programs That Address Urban Behavioral Challenges
Approach matters just as much as the activity when it comes to keeping dogs mentally stimulated or engaged. So what does playtime look like at Jet Pet with our professionally planned dog enrichment activities?
We consider every aspect of your dog’s play and exercise time. For example, we consider details like toys. Dogs are welcome to have toys from home in their private luxury suites, especially for longer stays. However, we keep toys out of our group play areas to avoid potential arguments between dogs. Instead, we focus on one-on-one enrichment activities that meet each dog’s individual needs.
We also offer specialized packages to meet different dogs’ needs. For example, for the dogs that love to fetch or have high energy levels, we offer the Fast and Furious package. And as with everything we do at Jet Pet Resort, safety is always a top priority.
Our staff recognizes that enrichment goes beyond physical games or exercise. We engage with dogs during downtime in their private suite or at any time the dog appears to need attention and stimulation. We strongly believe that providing personal attention makes a world of difference to all dogs.
The dog’s downtime or nap times are when we offer the more mentally stimulating toys. We carefully select enrichment tools that challenge all sorts of aspects of your dog’s cognitive abilities. Those toys could include puzzle toys, slow feeders, Kong toys, and other interactive activities.
During playtime, we focus on guided play rather than free-roaming play and exercise. Our team constantly supervises each dog for their body language, and any signs of the dog getting overstimulated or overwhelmed. If one of our guests has had enough time to play, he is treated to downtime away from other dogs. This professional supervision is the difference between generic running around and meaningful enrichment.
Environmental enrichment has well-documented benefits. Research shows that dogs who receive proper mental stimulation display fewer behavioural problems and adapt better to urban environments like Vancouver.
Expert-Led Interactive Games & Puzzle Activities
Interactive puzzle activities and scent work form the backbone of effective mental stimulation programs in dogs. These activities tap into dogs’ instincts, like their need to solve problems, hunt, and explore. When played with under professional supervision, these games provide safe outlets for built-up energy.
Our professional safety protocols mean that each activity is tailored to the individual dog’s personality and energy level. Some dogs thrive with more complex puzzle toys, while others do better with slow feeders.
Why Professional Enrichment Matters for Vancouver Dogs
There’s a significant difference between amateur and professional care standards when it comes to dog enrichment. Professional facilities have trained staff who understand dog behavior, body language, and how to create safe environments for mental stimulation. The goal of any professionally planned dog enrichment activities is to benefit the dog’s cognitive development. Professional dog enrichment and stimulation always consider safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
Staff involved in these programs, such as our dedicated Jet Pet team, are trained in pet first aid and understand how to recognize when a dog is becoming overstimulated or stressed. They know when to step in, when to redirect behaviour, and how to ensure that enrichment activities remain a positive experience. We maintain partnerships with veterinary clinics across Vancouver, but especially those closest to our locations.
Vancouver dogs have special needs because they face city noise, limited space, and stimulation from their surroundings. Professional enrichment programs help dogs process these challenges in healthy ways while building resilience and confidence.
Signs Your Urban Dog Needs More Mental Stimulation
It isn’t always easy to recognize when your dog needs more mental enrichment. Here are the biggest signs that your Vancouver dog could benefit from professional enrichment programs:
- Excessive barking or destructive behaviour when left alone – This often indicates boredom or anxiety that mental stimulation can address
- Restlessness despite adequate physical exercise – This might indicate the dog needs a healthy combination of mental and physical stimulation
- Repetitive behaviours – Spinning or pacing can develop when dogs don’t have enough mental outlets
- Difficulty settling down after activity – Physical exercise alone sometimes isn’t enough to tire out an active mind
- Increased anxiety around new people or situations – Often an indication of lack of confidence or adaptability
I’ve been searching for a suitable daycare ever since I moved here and I no longer need to look any further! The new management and staff are amazing and really care about the well being of your pets. I felt totally comfortable with the cleanliness and supervision of the dogs and cats in their care. I was given a thorough tour of the facility by the manager Fay and I was very impressed!
Expert Credentials and Trust You Can Count On
The knowledge and expertise that go into enrichment programs are a big part of a successful process. Our team includes certified pet specialists who complete comprehensive training through our Dog Force U program. This covers dog behaviour, stress management, and first aid. We also partner with local professionals like Annika McDade from Canine Connections for behavioural expertise and work with veterinary professionals to ensure our programs meet the highest standards.
All staff undergo criminal background checks. About three months our training program, our pet specialists complete pet first aid through Walks and Wags. This level of preparation means your dog is in capable, qualified hands.
Our PAW Partner system allows us to track each dog’s individual needs, bathing, medications, feeding schedules, and progress throughout their stay. We use a colour-coded assessment system during onboarding. Plus, our professional licensing, veterinary partnerships, and detailed safety protocols further solidify our strong foundation for effective enrichment programs. We maintain open communication with you about your dog’s progress through our app; we’ll send push notifications with photos, videos, and any other relevant updates.
Special Extras
Food Prep
Routine is key to whole dog happiness, and at Jet Pet Resort we’re happy to prepare your dog’s meal to perfection; just like at home.
Webcams
24/7 peace of mind! Check up on your pup from any device, any time to watch them sleep & play while at our dog hotel.
Baths at our pet spa
Nothing is more relaxing than sinking into a soapy tub, and at the Jet Pet Spa we indulge our guests in top quality products.
*services may vary at each location
Book your dog in today!
Book a tour today to learn how our expert-led enrichment programs will transform your dog’s daily life. Your Vancouver dog deserves the best, and we believe the best comes from enrichment activities designed by professionals who understand urban canine behavior.
“The staff at JetPet are always welcoming and positive with us and our puppy. You can tell they care about all their animals and try to meet each animal’s individual needs as best they can. We just felt comfortable leaving our fur-baby with them right from the first day,”
-Nathan Hocken
1 Puurunen, J. et al. (2020). “Inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environment are associated with social fearfulness in pet dogs.”