Many famous people leverage their exposure to the public in order to help animals, either by promoting practices like having your pets fixed, or raising awareness and money for specific animal rescues and other charities.
Betty White
This comedically gifted star of Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland has been a vocal animal advocate for decades. She has been involved with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association as well as the Morris Animal Foundation (which conducts health research for animals). Betty’s personal sponsorship of more than 30 animal health studies through this foundation has improved health for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife.
Ke$ha
Yes, that Ke$ha. The eccentric and at times troubled singer of hits like “Your Love Is My Drug” is not only a pet owner (of both dogs and cats!) but she also doesn’t hesitate to use her fame for the good of other animals like seals, sharks, and lions. The wild songstress is outspoken about cruelty to these beautiful creatures and is also an avid proponent of cruelty-free cosmetics. Her animal activism won her the Humane Society’s Wyler Award in 2013. Now that’s worth singing about.
Sarah McLachlan
The soulful crooner who rose to musical popularity through both her affiliation with the concert tour Lilith Fair as well as heart-touching songs like “I Will Remember You” is also a die-hard devotee of animal rights. Sarah’s soul-wrenching song “Angel”, which graces her commercial (yes, that one) promoting fundraising for the ASPCA, has undoubtedly been part of the reason she was able to raise upwards of $30 million for the animal rights group since 2007.
Bob Barker
The legendary 35-year host of The Price Is Right has long been known for his strong views on beloved pets. This celebrity animal lover used to end every episode of the popular game show with a reminder for viewers to get their pets spayed or neutered. Bob’s DJ&T Foundation has raised millions of dollars in support of spaying and neutering programs as well as animal rescues. This stand-up celebrity even relinquished his position as the host of the Miss USA Pageant because of the use of animal furs as Prizes. Bob is a true winner in the celebrity animal activism game.
Howard and Beth Stern
This shock jock has been lighting up the radio and television airwaves for over a quarter of a century with his controversial topics, interviews, and celebrity antics. But Howard and his wife Beth aren’t all about entertainment – they are also celebrity animal activists who are active with the North Shore Animal League. And, in 2011 they produced a calendar packed with irresistibly cute pets in order to raise money for the animal rescue. The surprisingly un-shocking behavior is a win for animals as well as Howard’s image. Beth Stern just released a book entitled “Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens” and she is donating 100% of the proceeds to North Shore Animal League. The book can be purchased here.
Simon Cowell
Indisputably the cruelest of the American Idol judges, Simon Cowell is just a softie underneath – as evidenced by his celebrity animal activism. The former talent judge has been very outspoken about leaving pets in hot cars, as well as the unethical nature of the fur trade and the benefits of adopting from an animal rescue rather than buying a designer pet. Simon put his heart where his mouth is by adopting two adorable little terriers in 2010. In addition to all of these lovable animal activism actions, Cowell leveraged his celebrity power to put a stop to an X-Factor dolphin segment. He is also active in the fight against captive dolphins and whales. It’s hard to find anything to criticize about that performance!
