New Yorker Has Helped Shelter Dogs Find Homes
Bryan Reisberg uses custom backpacks to take adoptable dogs on tours across New York City.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Dogs
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Bryan Reisberg has conducted over 55 adoption rides throughout New York City to help shelter dogs find permanent homes. His video series featuring these outings has garnered more than half a billion online views.
Why it matters
Reisberg launched these initiatives to increase adoption visibility after realizing existing dog-carrying products on the market were insufficient or unsafe for transport.
Bryan Reisberg founded the dog product company Little Chonk in 2021, where the inaugural backpack product sold out in just four minutes. The brand has since expanded its catalog to include a hip and joint supplement launched in February 2026.
The players
Bryan Reisberg
He is the founder of Little Chonk and a creator who uses video content to advocate for dog adoption in New York City.
Maxine
She is the dog that Reisberg received as a wedding gift in 2015 and has served as the inspiration for his product designs.
Little Chonk
This is a company founded by Reisberg in 2021 that specializes in dog-carrying equipment and canine health supplements.
The details
By transporting adoptable shelter dogs in a custom-designed backpack, Reisberg creates content for Instagram that highlights their personalities to a massive audience. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between shelter animals and potential adopters in the city.
Timeline
2009: Bryan Reisberg graduated from NYU with a film degree.
2015: Reisberg received his dog, Maxine, as a wedding present.
2021: Reisberg founded the company Little Chonk.
February 2026: Little Chonk launched a new hip and joint supplement for dogs.
Culture Shift
The adoption rides represent a larger move toward utilizing social media influence to disrupt traditional animal shelter marketing. This trend capitalizes on the digital appetite for heart-centered content to drive real-world outcomes for homeless pets.
Residents in New York City may encounter these highly visible adoption rides while commuting or walking through the city. These outings serve as a reminder for prospective owners to consider shelter dogs when looking to expand their household.
The takeaway
Reisberg's journey demonstrates how creative professional skills can be repurposed to solve community-level problems. His model shows that leveraging viral content can significantly amplify the reach of local charitable efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in pet ownership and care on our Dogs page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.
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Do you think viral social media campaigns are an effective way to help local animal shelters?
