Environmental Enrichment for Hospitalized Pets
At The Pet Clinic, we work hard to provide the best possible hospital experience for your pet. Enriching the hospital environment decreases stress and anxiety and improves the quality of every visit and hospital stay. When pets feel safer and more comfortable, they eat better, rest better and often recover faster.
How We Create a Comfortable Hospital Stay
Comfortable Kennels for Every Patient
We provide padding, beds and blankets in every cage. Food and water bowls are appropriately sized and, when needed, raised for added ease. Litter boxes come in a variety of sizes and depths to suit cats of all ages and mobility levels.
A Calming Atmosphere
All kennel wards have music playing and Feliway and Adaptil diffusers plugged in at all times, and each cage is also sprayed with these pheromone products. In areas with more movement and noise, pheromone-sprayed towels cover cages to help reduce stress.
Care for Dogs
Our kennel team walks canine patients three to four times a day, and dogs receiving IV fluids are walked every one to two hours.
Care for Cats
Cats are given hide-a-boxes so they have a safe place to retreat, along with warm, pheromone-treated towels and quiet housing.
Care for Pocket Pets and Reptiles
Pocket pets receive cubes to hide in, hanging beds and plenty of hay to curl up in. Reptiles stay in our dedicated reptile ward, which has its own thermostat to monitor temperature and humidity. Soaking dishes, sand, rocks, branches and everything your reptile needs are provided during their stay. Learn more about our ferret, pocket pet and reptile care.
Comfort During Treatment
We make every effort to keep your pet comfortable while we draw blood for our in-house laboratory, take X-rays and provide treatment. Pets are placed on warm, non-slip surfaces in quiet, low-traffic areas, and our team uses low stress handling techniques at every step.
Why Enrichment Matters
Stress can slow healing, reduce appetite and make future visits harder. Enrichment supports recovery after surgery, during treatment for gastrointestinal illness and for pets dealing with anxiety and fear. If your pet struggles with stress at home, a behavior consultation can help you bring enrichment strategies into your daily routine. Read more about our patient care approach and why families choose us.
Environmental Enrichment FAQs
What is environmental enrichment in a veterinary hospital?
Environmental enrichment means designing the hospital space to reduce stress, using comfortable bedding, hiding spots, calming pheromones, music and species-appropriate housing.
How often are hospitalized dogs walked?
Dogs are walked three to four times a day, and dogs on IV fluids are walked every one to two hours.
How do you keep hospitalized cats calm?
Cats receive hide-a-boxes, warm pheromone-treated towels and quiet housing, and cages may be covered to reduce visual stress.
Do you have special housing for reptiles?
Yes. Our reptile ward has its own thermostat for temperature and humidity control, plus soaking dishes, sand, rocks and branches.
Can I bring my pet’s bed or toy for a hospital stay?
Familiar items can be comforting. Ask our team what is appropriate for your pet’s stay.
Why does stress matter for hospitalized pets?
Stress can reduce appetite, slow healing and make pets more fearful at future visits, so reducing it supports better outcomes.
Do you use pheromones throughout the hospital?
Yes. We use Feliway and Adaptil diffusers and sprays in kennel wards, exam rooms and waiting areas.
A Comfortable Stay for Your Pet
We treat every hospitalized pet like family. Call The Pet Clinic at (402) 330-3096 or request an appointment in Omaha, NE .