LARPBO has been partnering with Los Angeles Animal Shelter, providing Shelter intervention in the form of Packwalk Field Trips since 2017.

A 2021 study highlighted that social isolation is a major stressor for shelter dogs, and human interaction helps lower cortisol levels. A 2023 research study revealed that dogs on brief outings are 5 times more likely to be adopted than euthanized, and those in temporary foster care are 14 times more likely to be adopted.

Impacts of Short Outings
As shelters face longer stays and a lack of long-term fosters, short outings can help:

Reduce Stress: Short trips relieve stress for both dogs and staff, often leading to longer-term fosters or adoptions. While less effective than short-term fosters, they still provide benefits.
Increase Adoptions and Volunteers: Low-commitment opportunities boost community engagement, attract new volunteers, and expand your network, ultimately inspiring more people to foster and adopt.
Enhance Adoption Profiles: Outings provide insights into a dog’s behavior and yield photos and videos that better capture their personality, improving adoption profiles and matchmaking.
Free Up Staff: Allow staff to focus on other animals while a dog is out.