The paparazzi are out in full force, not even bothering to hide behind the bushes. Their long-lens cameras are trained on the private residence of a famous actor waiting for any sign of movement from the house. They know he walks his other dog twice a day when not on set, but today they are not here for him – they are here for his new pet, a beautiful Cane Corso Mastiff, a powerful, impressive large dog with a blocky head that is the perfect match for his owner’s stocky physique. The door finally opens, and the actor steps out with his gorgeous new canine companion. Members of the paparazzi shout, “Is he a good boy? How is he adjusting to his new home? Here, we’ll leave you alone for a peaceful walk to bond with your new puppy!” (said no paparazzi ever).
The public is fascinated by actors, singers, athletes, and other celebrities and their adorable pets. Celebrities who love their dogs are usually not quiet about it. Learn about 7 celebrities whose love for their dogs inspires them to advocate for animal rights, support foundations, and start organizations and businesses that promote healthy dogs.
7 Celebrities Who Love Their Dogs
It’s easy to scroll through social media and find accounts dedicated to celebrities’ pets, some even run by their famous owners. Fans delight in their dogs’ silly antics, providing laughs and relatable content to share and brighten someone’s day. Let’s look at how celebrities love their dogs and leave the world a better place with their efforts to support animals.
Betty White with dogs Bandy, Stormy, and Danny at home c. 1954 NBC
1. Betty White
Betty White, the legendary actress who lived to be 99 years old, owned 26 dogs throughout her lifetime and was a staunch animal advocate who inspired her fans to support various animal welfare organizations. She sponsored over 30 organizations whose missions improved the lives of dogs, horses, cats, otters, giraffes, and other domestic and wild animals.
White’s support went beyond animal shelters. She sponsored organizations to raise enough funds for ethical animal research, such as breakthroughs in animal pain management, canine cancer, disease reduction, congestive heart failure in dogs, and other passed-over areas. Betty White’s animal advocacy gave a voice to millions of animals to improve their well-being and leave a better tomorrow for them. Since her death, fans have continued her support, most notably with the Betty White Challenge using the hashtag #bettywhitechallenge honoring White’s memory on her birthday by encouraging people to give donations to animal shelters in her name.
Cooper and Samson
2. Bradley Cooper
Actor Bradley Cooper enjoys life with 3 dogs: Charlie the Labradoodle, Samson the German Shorthaired Pointer, and Charlotte the Golden Retriever/Chow mix. Charlie went from a beloved house pet to a celebrity himself. Cooper cast Charlie the Labradoodle in his movie A Star is Born, aiming for authenticity in the relationship dynamics to represent a family with Lady Gaga on screen. Because Charlie was already bonded with Cooper, this actor, writer, and director was able to focus on other aspects of the film rather than trying to bond with a random dog on screen to keep that true chemistry. PETA was so impressed with Cooper casting his own dog that they gave him the Compassion in Film Award, citing his decision to avoid Hollywood’s animal actor services where they are often abused and neglected.
Ariana Grande with her dogs, Billboard
3. Ariana Grande
When not singing her heart out as Glinda in Wicked or belting out her most recent hit song, singer and actress Ariana Grande advocates for rescue dogs and enjoys sharing her home with 10 dogs (14 total throughout her life), goats, and a micro pig named Piggy Smallz. She is a fan of rescue dogs and has both purebred and mixed breeds like a Pit Bull mix, a Shiba Inu, Basset Hounds, a Bloodhound, a Yorkshire Terrier, an interesting Dachshund/German Shepherd mix, and more. Regarding saving homeless animals, she noted, “My mission is to help as many homeless dogs as I can find loving families who will cherish them.” She also partners with companies like BarkBox to drive awareness to her cause.
4. Russell Wilson
NFL star quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara, are huge dog lovers and animal welfare advocates. Russell and Ciara have shared 3 Great Danes: Naomi, Prince, and Hero, welcomed a 4th dog, Bronco, to the family in 2022, and loved former canine family members that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Wilson is heavily involved with Banfield Foundation’s Safer Together Initiative which aims to “help create a world in which victims of domestic violence and their pets can find safety together.“ Celebrities like Wilson who use their fame to help people and their dogs stay together in terrible situations are the true stars of the game of life.
Serena Williams with her dogs, Animal Fair Media/Getty Images
5. Serena Williams
When she’s not smashing it on the tennis court, Serena Williams’s dogs have provided emotional support both on and off the court. Her pack of pooches has included Christopher “Chip” Rafael Nadal the Yorkshire Terrier, Jackie Pete the Jack Russell Terrier, Bambi the Staffordshire, and Lauerlei (passed away). Chip enjoys his time in the spotlight with an Instagram account of 13,300 followers and is often seen prancing around courts worldwide. Chip also provides emotional support to those who need it as a certified therapy dog. Her pets are more than just home-bound companions; they bring joy to people around the world.
6. Sandra Bullock
Actress Sandra Bullock has a soft spot in her heart for dogs with special needs. She adopted Poppy and Ruby, two dogs with mobility challenges, to give them a loving home when most people pass over shelter dogs needing extra care. Bullock developed a close bond with her pets, often bringing them to red carpet and other high-profile events. Poppy the Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix had three legs due to a car accident, and Ruby had two legs and walked upright like a human! Bullock experienced heartache when both her dogs passed away within a month of her father also dying. Bullock welcomed a new rescue, Sweetie the Miniature Poodle puppy, into her life after her loss. She donates to campaigns and organizations that help rescue animals, especially those with special needs or challenges. Bullock’s huge heart for special needs dogs is apparent when she said at the 2010 Golden Globes, “Any dog that is missing something is welcome in our house.”
7. Katherine Heigl
Emmy award-winning producer and actress Katherine Heigl is known for her roles in movies and TV shows like 27 Dresses and Izzie Stevens on Grey's Anatomy. However, her passion for dogs is the star of the show these days. Heigl has used her love of animals to build a non-profit organization, a ranch, and a thriving dog wellness company that makes premium dog food brand Badlands Ranch. Heigl has matched over 16,000 animals to find their forever homes through her non-profit, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, which promotes ending animal abuse and cruelty. Her ranch provides a haven for neglected animals waiting to be adopted. As an owner of nearly 10 dogs herself, Heigl stays busy advocating for dogs and raising her family on her Utah ranch.
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