FURever Friends: Jennifer Aniston Receives Adoption Advocacy Award From PETA
As Women’s History Month unfolds, it’s only fitting to spotlight the remarkable contributions of women who have made a significant impact on society, including those who advocate for animals. This March, PETA is proud to honor Jennifer Aniston with the “I’ll Be There for You” Adoption Advocacy Award for her unwavering dedication to promoting homeless-animal adoption.
While many know Jennifer as the ever-fashionable Rachel Green on Friends or from her recent captivating performance on The Morning Show, it’s her commitment to shedding light on the plight of homeless animals that truly sets her apart.
Almost daily, Jennifer draws the attention of her over 45 million Instagram followers to the importance of adopting rather than shopping for animals. Rumor has it she may have influenced her friend Jimmy Kimmel, who recently adopted his dog, Todd. With heartwarming—and heartbreaking—photos and videos of animals in need of homes, she inspires her fans to donate, foster, or adopt animals in need of permanent families.
On any given day in the U.S., an estimated 70 million homeless dogs and cats are struggling to survive. With “pandemic puppies” (and cats) being given up at record levels, animal shelters are more crowded than ever. Many of them are warehousing dogs in stacked crates for weeks or months on end and turning animals away, leaving the most vulnerable with nowhere to go—all so they can avoid euthanasia and claim to have high “save rates.” As a result, countless animals end up abandoned on the streets, where they might be hit by cars, infected with diseases, or hurt by cruel people—and leaving them to reproduce makes the companion animal overpopulation crisis worse.
The solution is simple: Adopt animals instead of buying them from breeders or pet shops and prevent unwanted animals from being born by always having your companion animals spayed or neutered. Every time someone buys an animal from a breeder or a pet shop, a dog or cat in a shelter loses their chance at finding a loving home.
Be a True Friend: Opt to Adopt!
Jennifer leads by example, with her own companions—Clyde and Lord Chesterfield—both adopted dogs. Her advocacy is a reminder of the importance of choosing adoption and spaying or neutering companion animals to help prevent overpopulation.
If you’re ready to welcome a new Friend into your home, Just Go with It and head over to your local animal shelter, where you’re sure to find your perfect match.
