The ASPCA has named actor and animal advocate Justin Theroux an ambassador for The Rescue Effect, its national campaign for pet adoption and fostering. Joined by his adopted dog Kuma, Theroux is helping spotlight animals available for adoption during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Nearly three million dogs entered shelters and rescues in 2025. The campaign includes an editorial-style portrait series and an accompanying video featuring Theroux and Kuma.
Kuma’s Rescue Story
Kuma is Theroux’s fifth pit bull. He adopted her in 2018 from a Texas shelter that rescued her after Hurricane Harvey, and she now has more than 78,000 Instagram followers. Theroux’s advocacy includes speaking out against breed discrimination and encouraging people to consider dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes.
Justin Theroux, ambassador for The Rescue Effect, said:
“I've had dogs my whole life and the preconceptions people have about pit bulls can be life-threatening for dogs like Kuma, who are loving, kind and loyal. She's an incredible ambassador for the breed, and I encourage adopters to open not just their doors, but their hearts and minds to an animal in need,”
Space for More Animals
Many shelters are at capacity, and dogs are often staying longer before adoption. Adoption and fostering put shelter animals in safe and loving homes, help shelters conserve their space and resources, and provide people with companionship. Fostering also gives animals a chance to decompress outside the shelter and experience life in a home.
Its nationwide survey found that most Americans believe pets bring benefits including reduced loneliness and increased happiness. Most Americans favor large dogs, even though large shelter dogs are often overlooked because of misconceptions about their size.
Campaign Support Nationwide
Hundreds of shelters and rescues are participating in this year’s Rescue Effect campaign, which launched in August and continues through October. The ASPCA provided $2 million in grant funding to help 200 participating shelters waive adoption fees and support operating costs.
People can find a participating shelter or rescue through aspca.org/therescueeffect. The organization also encourages people to foster temporarily, donate supplies, or urge their members of Congress to provide federal funding for animal welfare organizations.
Choosing the Right Match
Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services at the ASPCA, said:
“Some animals in shelters are often overlooked due to misconceptions about their breed, age or size, and Justin's commitment to advocating for the most vulnerable animals is a wonderful reminder that the best way to make a good choice when adopting a dog is to base that choice on the dog's personality and behavior rather than their breed – you might be surprised to find that your perfect match is an animal you didn't initially consider,”
