Bryan Reisberg, a 37-year-old New York City filmmaker and entrepreneur, has helped place 11 shelter dogs in homes by taking them on public outings in a canine backpack. NYC influencer takes shelter dogs on subway rides to help them find …

Reisberg began sharing a video diary this summer of outings intended to showcase shelter dogs’ personalities in transit and around the city, a tactic credited with connecting adopters to animals who might otherwise be overlooked. Best Friends Animal Society and Animal Care Centers of N.Y.C. collaborated with Reisberg on the project, supporting the efforts to move dogs from shelter kennels into homes. Many organizations utilize similar strategies, promoting dog adoption through engaging social media videos that highlight traits like playfulness and intelligence, which increase the perceived adoptability of the animals. What are some effective strategies other organizations use to promote dog adoption.

Reisberg carries his own corgi, Maxine, in an ergonomically designed backpack that he has adapted for shelter animals; photos from his posts show Maxine perched behind Reisberg’s head as they ride the subway. He described the willingness of the dogs to take part in the outings: “I’m just so touched by the fact that [the dogs are] down to go be on the train and to go do all these crazy things,” Reisberg said. His efforts align with the notion that showcasing dogs in everyday activities can significantly boost their visibility and appeal to potential adopters.

The outings are plain in their aim: place the dogs where people can see them being calm, curious, and social. Reisberg said he will go to lengths to get attention for the dogs. “If I need to go ride a Citi Bike with a dog in a backpack just so somebody wants to click on that video, comment on it, and share it to somebody else, great, let’s do it,” he said. He is dedicated to finding homes not only through visibility but also by attracting those who will provide the kind of unconditional love that these pets deserve.

Alongside Maxine, Reisberg has featured dogs with names on social posts including Lucy Goosey and Genesis. The videos and outings have produced emotional responses: supporters have shared the clips, and potential adopters have reached out after seeing the dogs in public settings.

Best Friends Animal Society, an animal rescue organization, worked with Reisberg to bring the dogs to public spaces and amplify their profiles. Animal Care Centers of N.Y.C. also collaborated on the effort, providing access to dogs who might benefit from off-site outings and increased exposure. For those looking to support local shelters, volunteering, donating supplies, or even fostering pets are vital ways to contribute beyond adoption.

Reisberg said the approach is aimed at attracting people who will give the animals steady, wholehearted care. “I hope it attracts that kind of person who will just give completely unbridled, stupid, crazy, ridiculous love to these pets,” he said, reflecting a sentiment echoed throughout the animal rescue community.

The initiative’s combination of in-person outings and short-form video has drawn attention within the city. Local reporting has chronicled the weekly adventures and the adoption outcomes, with outlets such as CBS News describing how the trips showcase dogs’ temperament during everyday activities like subway and bike rides.

Reisberg’s project began as a simple experiment with a pet-friendly backpack and has become a deliberate matchmaking effort between shelter animals and New Yorkers. Support from established rescue groups has allowed the outings to reach more people while keeping the animals’ welfare central to each trip. As the project gains traction, it continues to inspire both local residents and beyond to consider adopting from shelters.

Reisberg continues to post outings and video diaries documenting the dogs on short adventures around New York City, with the stated goal of finding homes for more shelter animals through public exposure and social sharing.

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