The York County SPCA is thrilled to welcome Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL), a nationally acclaimed nonprofit organization, to conduct an in-depth, multi-day training for staff and volunteers on canine playgroup facilitation. This training at the York County SPCA is designed to help shelter dogs thrive through structured, engaging play.
Dogs Playing for Life’s expert trainers will guide York County SPCA team members through best practices in canine socialization, giving them the tools to facilitate safe and beneficial dog-dog interactions. These playgroups not only offer essential exercise and enrichment for shelter dogs, but also help reduce stress, improve behavior, and boost adoption outcomes.
“Playgroups are a powerful tool in improving the quality of life for our shelter dogs,” said Steven Martinez, Executive Director at the York County SPCA. “They provide dogs with much-needed physical activity and social interaction, which helps reduce anxiety, improve behavior, and ultimately make them more adoptable.”
Why Playgroups Matter
Shelter environments can be stressful and isolating for dogs. Playgroups create a more natural, engaging space where dogs can safely interact with one another. This vital form of enrichment helps dogs burn off excess energy, learn appropriate social behaviors, and relax in a way that traditional walks or kennel time often can’t achieve. Nationally, shelters that implement DPFL methods have seen increased adoption rates and shortened lengths of stay.
The introduction of DPFL training at the York County SPCA marks a major step in enhancing the shelter’s canine care practices and aligns with its mission to provide compassionate care to animals in need.
Participation in this program was made possible with a grant from the Mabel L. Slifer Fund for Animals and People in Need Fund of the York County Community Foundation.
