Celebs Who Adopted Pets from Unusual Places

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Many celebrities have opened their homes to animals rescued from surprising places – not just local shelters, but also movie sets, other countries, and even areas affected by disasters. These stories highlight how unexpected meetings or unique work environments can create lasting bonds with animals in need. From a wolfdog famous for a TV show to a deer saved from a film production, these pets all have incredible stories about how they were rescued. Here are some examples of celebrities and the unique ways they found their animal companions.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner, who starred in ‘Game of Thrones,’ adopted the Northern Inuit dog that played her character’s direwolf. The dog had been working on the show and needed a loving home after filming wrapped. When the show no longer needed the dog, Turner decided to give him a permanent place with her family, turning their work relationship into a lasting companionship.

Chris Evans

While filming the movie ‘Gifted’ in Savannah, Chris Evans found his dog, Dodger, at a local animal shelter that was also used as a filming location. During a tour of the shelter, he learned Dodger was available for adoption and quickly completed the necessary paperwork to bring him home. It was a lucky meeting, made possible by the movie shoot and the shelter’s involvement in the production.

Tom Hardy

While heading home after work on a film project in London, Tom Hardy found a lost dog wandering near a road. He rescued the dog, later working with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to find him a permanent home. The dog, named Woody, quickly became a familiar face alongside Hardy at public appearances. This heartwarming rescue happened right on the city streets, not at an animal shelter.

Audrey Hepburn

While filming ‘Green Mansions,’ Audrey Hepburn was encouraged to raise a baby deer at home to help it become comfortable with her for scenes in the movie. This allowed the deer and Hepburn to form a close bond. The deer didn’t come from a rescue organization or breeder; it was originally part of the film’s production.

Gerard Butler

While filming in Eastern Europe, Gerard Butler found a stray dog wandering near the movie sets and decided to give her a home. He took care of all the necessary vet visits and paperwork so she could travel with him to the United States. The dog had been living as a stray near where they were filming, and this unexpected encounter turned into a loving, permanent adoption.

Justin Theroux

Justin Theroux adopted his dog, Kuma, from a Texas animal rescue after Hurricane Harvey. Kuma had been separated from his home and moved through a network of organizations helping animals affected by the storm. Theroux met Kuma at the rescue and adopted him as soon as he could. This wasn’t a typical local adoption; Kuma came to the rescue as part of a larger effort to help animals displaced by the disaster.

Selena Gomez

While traveling for her concert tour in Canada, Selena Gomez found a rescue dog at a local shelter. She quickly filled out the adoption papers and made arrangements for his care. Despite the challenges of her busy touring schedule, she brought the dog, named Baylor, into her life. She originally met Baylor at a shelter while working abroad.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. recently welcomed alpacas to his Malibu home. The animals, rescued and rehabilitated from a sanctuary rather than purchased, were carefully placed on his property with the help of farm animal specialists. This adoption provided a new home for these unusual companion animals.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron partnered with a rescue organization to bring dogs from the streets of Mexico to loving homes in the US. These dogs received necessary medical care, were quarantined as required for international travel, and were placed with families through a network of rescue partnerships. Unlike many adopted pets, these animals came from the streets rather than local shelters.

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco recently partnered with a charity that finds homes for small horses, and she decided to adopt two herself. These horses came from a rescue group that specializes in placing horses, not traditional pets. The adoption process included making sure her property was suitable and committing to the long-term care these animals require. The rescue organization focuses specifically on horses, unlike pet stores or breeders.

Share your favorite unusual pet adoption stories from the celebrity world in the comments.

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2025-11-18 06:45