If you think celebrities only buy purebreds, think again: Meet 25 who chose their best canine friend from a shelter or rescue. For some, it’s a first, while others are adding another family member to their growing brood of deserving animals who have found a forever home with someone famous.
David Arquette and Dallas
Adopted Dallas, a Basset Hound facing his final hours in a high-kill shelter, with help from the Last Day Dog Rescue in Livonia, Michigan
Kristen Bell with Lola and Mr. Shakes
Adopted Mr. Shakes from a shelter the day before he was scheduled to be euthanized.
Rachel Bilson and Thurman Merman
Adopted at an animal rescue center in Los Angeles, Thurman Merman joins a large family of Bilson’s other rescued dogs.
Selma Blair’s dog
The actress adopted her new dog from Los Angeles animal shelter.
Drew Barrymore and Oliver
Adopted her Shepherd mix, an abandoned dog rescued by Bark n’ Bitches in Hollywood.
Sandra Bullock with Poppy and Ruby
The actress adopted two-legged Ruby and three-legged Poppy from a pet rescue center.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Bluebell
Adopted a Jack Russell Terrier named Bluebell from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, a rescue organization. Bluebell joins another rescued Terrier named Beth, adopted in 2011.
Andy Cohn and Wacha
Adopted from a shelter in West Virginia, Wacha now has a big Instagram following.
Lauren Conrad and Fitz
Adopted shelter-puppy Fitz (short for F. Scott Fitzgerald) as a brother for her beloved rescue dog Chloe.
Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting and Ruby
Adopted from the West Valley Animal Shelter, puppy Ruby is the second shelter dog for The Big Bang Theory actress.
Selena Gomez and Baylor
Adopted at an Animal Rescue Center in Canada, Baylor joins Gomez’s five other rescue pups.
Jake Gyllenhall and Atticus
Adopted from a Los Angeles animal shelter, “Cuss” and Gyllenhall are inseparable.
Jon Hamm and Cora
Adopted his dog Cora at a Los Angeles area pet rescue where the actor frequently volunteers.
Chelsea Handler and Chunk
Adopted from a high-kill shelter, Chunk has his own Twitter account and 131,000 followers.
Carrie Ann Inaba and Peanut
Adopted little Peanut from The Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles. Inaba has a menagerie of rescued pets.
Billy Joel and Rosie
Dog-lover Joel recently adopted Rosie, a 4-year-old Pug rescued from a puppy mill, from North Shore Animal League America.
Miranda Lambert’s dogs
Adopted three shelter dogs, adding to a brood that includes a dog rescued near a highway and one abandoned at a Sonic Drive-In.
Kellan Lutz and Kola
Adopted Kola from a California rescue shelter. Lutz and his two dogs have appeared in public service announcements urging shelter adoptions.
Robert Pattison and Bear
Adopted his dog Bear from a kill shelter near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bear had only one more day to live when Pattison took him home.
Nikki Reed and Ira
Adopted at a Los Angeles shelter. Reed has also fostered numerous rescued dogs.
Ryan Reynolds and Baxter
Adopted from a Houston rescue shelter. Reynolds was looking for a dog for a disabled friend when Baxter caught his attention and stole his heart.
Denise Richards and Tara
Adopted her black Lab from North Shore Animal League America, Long Island, N.Y.
Al Roker and Pepper
The television weather guy adopted new pal Pepper from Main Line Animal Rescue, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
Amanda Seyfried and Finn
Adopted from Best Friends Animal Society, Finn is often seen out and about with the actress.
Charlize Theron and Tucker
Adopted new friend Tucker at a California pet rescue shelter. Theron has given a home to eight other rescue dogs over the years.
