LA shelter dogs dressed for Valentine’s Day to charm their way into forever homes

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LA shelter dogs dressed for Valentine’s Day to charm their way into forever homes

Cupid paid a visit to a Los Angeles city animal shelter this Valentine’s season, with volunteers proving that love can be a powerful rescue tool.

The volunteer group Big Dog Energy, a nonprofit that works inside the West LA Animal Shelter, created handmade Valentine’s Day cards to spotlight dogs who have been waiting the longest for adoption. Using pink backdrops, playful props and plenty of one-on-one attention, the team set up a Valentine-themed photo space focused on the dogs most in need of a second chance.

Valentine's Day adoption ad for Gracie, a tan dog wearing heart-shaped antennae.
Big Dog Energy
Apollo, a husky mix wearing a heart-shaped collar, from West LA Animal Shelter 2026.
Big Dog Energy
Stella, an English Bulldog, wearing a red heart-shaped headband, ready for adoption from West LA Animal Shelter.
Big Dog Energy

They called the campaign “Single, Sweet & Ready to Meet,” giving each overlooked pup a special moment to shine.

One by one, dogs were brought away from the noise of barking kennels and concrete corridors for a few quiet minutes in front of the camera. The resulting photos are being transformed into bold kennel cards, Valentine-style postcards and social media posts shared throughout the community to boost visibility in a shelter system strained by overcrowding.

Long-stay dogs often fade into the background, but organizers hope that a festive photo and a catchy bio will make someone pause mid-scroll — and consider adoption.

A husky dog lying on a pink mat with red heart shapes, surrounded by Valentine's Day decorations.
The shelter launched the campaign in hopes of getting their long-term stay dogs adopted. Big Dog Energy
A Pitbull wearing a pink bandana and a headband with heart-shaped antennae sits in front of a red tinsel backdrop.
Big Dog Energy is the nonprofit rescue group behind the photos. Big Dog Energy
A black and white dog in a heart-shaped collar lies on a white and pink blanket, surrounded by heart pillows, a rose toy, and red heart balloons.
The campaign hopes to capitalize on the holiday to get dogs adopted. Big Dog Energy
A white and brown dog wearing a red Valentine's Day arrow headband sits in front of a red tinsel background.
Long-stay dogs often fade into the background. A themed photo and a punchy bio can stop a scroll — and start an adoption. Big Dog Energy

Big Dog Energy says its goal is simple: reduce stress for dogs inside the shelter, increase their exposure outside of it and turn attention into action.

The group believes that if even one Valentine card inspires someone to walk in and say, “Can I meet that dog?” it’s more than a photo success — it’s a life changed.

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