Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL), a national nonprofit dedicated to enhancing shelter dog experiences, has reached a significant milestone by providing training to its 400th shelter at the Brandywine Valley SPCA's Washington DC campus. The organization's innovative playgroup model has transformed how shelters approach dog care and enrichment.
DPFL's approach focuses on improving shelter dogs' quality of life through structured playgroups and individualized training. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2015, the organization has helped hundreds of thousands of shelter dogs nationwide through in-person training, webinars, and mentorship programs.
The partnership with Brandywine Valley SPCA comes at a critical time, as the shelter took over all animal control and care services for Washington DC in January 2025. DPFL's training will include a classroom presentation and four days of hands-on coaching for staff and volunteers.
Research has shown that shelters implementing DPFL's programming experience significant benefits, including a 4.1% increase in lifesaving rates and a 30% decrease in dogs' length of stay. These improvements are crucial for animal welfare, potentially increasing adoption rates and reducing stress for shelter animals.
The program has been made possible through partnerships with Petco Love and the ASPCA, which have funded seminars for shelters unable to cover training costs since 2016. By providing comprehensive enrichment strategies, DPFL is helping transform animal sheltering practices across the United States.
