Ariana Madix Joins the ASPCA Rescue Effect Campaign to Inspire Animal Adoption and Fostering

Many shelters across the country are full, with nearly 6 million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues in 2024, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in their care before being adopted. With limited resources and so many animals in need of care, shelters are working hard to find loving homes for animals, including an increasing proportion of animals with greater medical and behavioral needs that cause them to stay longer in shelters. Animal shelters have pets of all sizes, ages and an array of wonderful personalities, and if you aren't able to adopt, temporarily fostering also provides lifesaving support.

"When you visit a shelter, you'll see so many wonderful animals just waiting for a second chance," said Ariana Madix. "Choosing to adopt even one pet creates a ripple — not just for that animal, but for others who now have a better chance at finding a home, too."

Ariana, known for her long-time role on Bravo's "Vanderpump Rules," as the host of Peacock's "Love Island USA" and "Love Island Games," and for her Broadway run as Roxie Hart in "Chicago," is a pet mom to two adopted animals: an 18-year-old cat named Kitty and a 6-year-old pit bull-mix named Mya Moon.

"Pet adoption and rescue have been important to me since I was a little kid. My mom shared my love for animals, and she gave me the instinct to help them," Madix said. "I want people to know there are amazing animals in shelters who match all the things they say they're looking for — whether it be breed, size or age. These animals do exist in shelters — just go look."

Ariana adopted her first dog on her own from St. Augustine Humane Society while studying at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Known to Ariana as her "soul dog," Charlotte, a Chihuahua/Husky-mix, moved with Ariana from Florida to New York City then Los Angeles, where Charlotte lived until she was 18 years old, passing away in 2022. When living in New York City, Ariana rescued her cat, Kitty, after she found her as a stray. During the pandemic, Ariana adopted 11-month-old Mya Moon from a rescue organization that was fostering her.

"We're thrilled to have Ariana Madix join the ASPCA for The Rescue Effect and use her voice to advocate for the millions of adoptable animals in need of loving homes," said Christa Chadwick, vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA. "Her support will help drive national awareness of the critical role shelters and rescue groups play in saving animals' lives — and how every adoption makes a positive, lasting impact on even more."

Launched this month and continuing through Adopt a Shelter Dog Month in October, more than 550 shelters and rescues nationwide are participating in The Rescue Effect to engage more adopters and reduce the time animals spend waiting for loving homes. As part of The Rescue Effect campaign, the ASPCA is providing $2 million in grant funding to more than 100 of the participating shelters to help waive adoption fees and support their operating costs, giving more animals a chance to find loving homes.

For more information about the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign and to find a participating shelter or rescue, visit aspca.org/therescueeffect. In addition to adopting a new pet, members of the public can also support their local shelter by temporarily fostering an animal in need, donating resources or calling on state lawmakers to include funding for municipal shelters in their state budgets. Join the conversation on social media by using #TheRescueEffect and tagging the ASPCA or spread the word with one of the ASPCA's GIFs to encourage others to adopt a pet.

About the ASPCA^®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

SOURCE ASPCA