Backpack Outings Helped Shelter Dogs Find New Homes
New York City residents are finding rescue dogs through creative city outings that boost animal visibility.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Dogs
Live Poll
Do you believe social media campaigns are a reliable way to increase shelter dog adoptions?
Innovative backpack-based outings in New York City are helping shelter dogs connect with potential adopters in public spaces. This approach to animal welfare is expanding as local residents like Steve Wruble find pets in unexpected, non-shelter settings.
Why it matters
The program helps rescue animals gain essential exposure outside the stressful shelter environment, which can often speed up the adoption process for long-term residents. It addresses the ongoing challenge of high shelter intake numbers across the United States.
In 2025, U.S. shelters recorded 5.8 million animal intakes, with approximately 320,000 dogs euthanized. By June 2026, backpack-focused adoption efforts had successfully placed 36 shelter dogs in new homes.
The players
Bryan Reisberg
Founder of Little Chonk and creator of canine backpacks used to increase the visibility of shelter dogs in cities.
Best Friends Animal Society
A national animal welfare organization that operates the Adventure Buddies program to help shelter dogs meet potential adopters.
Steve Wruble
A New York City resident who adopted a shelter dog named Missy after a chance encounter in a local Starbucks.
Bideawee
A New York City animal welfare organization that provides shelter and care services for pets awaiting adoption.
Shelter Animals Count
A national organization that tracks and provides data on animal shelter intake and adoption numbers across the United States.
The details
Bryan Reisberg, founder of Little Chonk, uses specialized backpacks designed for dogs between 20 and 100 pounds to transport shelter animals on public transit and through city streets. These outings are conducted in partnership with the Best Friends Animal Society Adventure Buddies program. By documenting these travels on social media, the initiative provides potential adopters with a look at how a rescue dog behaves in real-world urban settings.
Timeline
2022: Maxine the corgi won a Webby Award.
2025: 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters.
June 2026: Total of 36 dogs helped by Reisberg reported.
September 15, 2026: Steve Wruble met Missy at a Starbucks.
The Home Front
This effort marks a departure from traditional kennel-based adoption by bringing rescue dogs directly into public life. It responds to national trends showing millions of pets entering the shelter system annually.
Check with your local animal shelter to see if they offer fostering programs that include outings to parks or city centers. These programs can help you determine if a specific dog is a good fit for your household and living situation before you commit to adoption.
The takeaway
Bringing a shelter dog into public spaces can improve their social behavior and increase their chances of finding a forever home. Interested adopters should contact their local shelter to ask about similar programs that allow for public interaction with rescue animals.
Further reading
Learn more about the Dogs available for adoption in your area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
Live Poll
Do you believe social media campaigns are a reliable way to increase shelter dog adoptions?
