Pathway Playgroups Program

Shelter Playgroups should be Fun, not Stressful.

But they should also be intentional.

Pathway Playgroups are designed as a purposeful part of each dog’s journey through the shelter and into a successful adoption. Rooted in a welfare-forward philosophy, this framework prioritizes emotional well-being while giving your team the tools to truly understand each individual dog. The goal? Support better in-shelter care, make more informed decisions, and move dogs onward—sooner and more successfully.

  • Reduce Dog Fights through low-stress, behaviorally sound introductions and groupings

  • Increase Staff/Volunteer Knowledge and Skills with real-time coaching and skill-building

  • Provide a Better Welfare Experience by creating meaningful social outlets and reducing kennel stress

  • Get to Know the Dogs in Your Care through structured, goal-driven play

  • Get them Onward to Adoption Sooner with clearer behavioral insight and pathway planning

What Your Team Gets:

  • Customized Playgroup Program Design tailored to your team, animals, and shelter structure

  • Upgraded safety, communication, and documentation tools and methods

  • Improved staff skills in dog-dog introductions, playgroup management, and conflict prevention and mitigation

  • Reduction of in-kennel stress and behavioral deterioration through purposeful socialization

  • On-Site Implementation including 4 days of immersive training, staff coaching, and leadership strategy

  • Remote Support with weekly team check-ins, planning sessions, and real-time guidance

What Your Shelter Gets:

  • Pathway Integration Across Departments — from intake and medical to adoption and volunteer engagement

  • Data-Driven Strategy informed by pre-visit surveys, video review, and operational assessments

  • Essential Tools and Templates including SOPs, behavior tracking, training guides, and more

  • Ongoing Collaboration to ensure your new systems are working and evolving with your shelter

This program is designed for shelters who are ready to invest in lasting changes in their playgroups. It’s strategic. It’s collaborative. And it’s built to transform the way your shelter supports the dogs while in your care and into their future.

Blending On-Site Expertise with Ongoing Remote Guidance

Every shelter I have been to is unique. Long lasting and meaningful change requires more than a one-time visit or a static plan. That’s why my approach blends the hands-on value of on-site consulting with the flexibility and consistency of remote support.

When I come on-site, I work directly with your team in real time: observing daily operations, offering practical coaching, refining behavior plans, and meeting dogs where they are. I get a true feel for your shelter's culture, challenges, and strengths.

Through follow-up remote support - including customized software, virtual check-ins, team trainings, case consults, and plan reviews - I help you maintain momentum, adapt as needed, and build internal confidence and consistency over time.

This hybrid model is designed for sustainability.
 You're not just getting a consultant - you're investing in a partner who helps build a program your team can carry forward, long after the visit ends.

Alison Reder, CAWA

Vice President of Animal Welfare & Operations, Wayside Waifs

"Having Laurie come to Wayside Waifs was absolutely worth the investment for the growth of our Playgroup Program and our team! Laurie observed our team in action, made recommendations for how we could best formalize playgroups utilizing the physical and human resources available to us, and provided hands-on learning for the staff and volunteers...Being able to run almost daily playgroups has resulted in a decrease in noise in the kennel areas and generally more relaxed dogs."