Justin Theroux Partners with ASPCA to Promote Pet Adoption during Shelter Dog Month

In a heartfelt initiative, actor and animal advocate Justin Theroux has become the newest ambassador for the ASPCA’s national campaign, The Rescue Effect. Launching in conjunction with Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, this campaign aims to highlight the importance of fostering and adopting pets from shelters across the nation.

Alongside his beloved adopted dog, Kuma, Justin emphasizes the crucial role that adoption plays in providing shelter animals a second chance at a loving home. The Rescue Effect campaign not only showcases the profound impact that adopting and fostering animals can have, but it also seeks to dispel myths surrounding certain breeds, especially pit bulls, which are frequently stigmatized.

Through an editorial-style portrait series and video shared on the ASPCA’s platforms, Justin and Kuma hope to inspire individuals to open their hearts to pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes. The urgency behind this initiative is underscored by staggering statistics that reveal nearly three million dogs were placed in shelters during 2025, a situation that can lead to many animals being overlooked due to misconceptions or breed biases.

Justin’s personal connection to this cause runs deep; he is a lifelong advocate for rescue dogs, having adopted Kuma in 2018 from a Texas shelter that rescued her in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Having owned several pit bulls before, Justin understands their true nature, which often contrasts sharply with public perception. With over 78,000 followers on Instagram, Kuma herself acts as an ambassador for her breed, highlighting the love and loyalty that pit bulls possess.

Justin shared his feelings about pet adoption, stating, "The preconceptions people have about pit bulls can be life-threatening for dogs like Kuma. She's an incredible ambassador for the breed, and I encourage potential adopters to look beyond the stereotypes and consider the personality and behavior of the dog instead."

In addition to encouraging adoptions, Justin has experience fostering several dogs, recognizing that fostering allows animals to escape the stressful shelter environment, helping them thrive in a nurturing home setting. Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services at the ASPCA, reinforces this message, noting, "The best choice when adopting a dog is based on personality and behavior rather than breed. You may find that your perfect match is a dog you didn’t expect."

The campaign, which began in August and runs through October’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, sees hundreds of shelters nationwide participating to encourage more adoptions while reducing the amount of time animals spend in shelters. The ASPCA is further supporting this initiative through a $2 million grant aiding 200 shelters in waiving adoption fees, thus enabling more pets to find loving homes.

For members of the public wishing to help, the ASPCA encourages not only pet adoption but also fostering animals, donating supplies, or advocating for enhanced funding for animal welfare at federal levels. By sharing the hashtag #TheRescueEffect on social media, the community can join the conversation and spread awareness.

In summary, Justin Theroux’s collaboration with the ASPCA during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is a timely reminder of the power of love and compassion in changing the lives of shelter animals. By promoting the message of adoption and fostering, they strive to not only find homes for dogs waiting for their forever families but also to overturn stigma, encouraging a broader understanding of the value shelter animals bring to our lives.

For more information about The Rescue Effect campaign or to discover participating shelters, visit aspca.org/therescueeffect. Together, we can make a difference one paw at a time.