The animal causes industry continues to show strong growth as philanthropic funding, high-impact media campaigns, and celebrity backing have seen a culture shift in public attitudes toward animal welfare.
Some of the biggest animal charities include the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), known for its national campaigns and celebrity partnerships, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which focuses on combating cruelty.
Throughout August, NBC Universal is again teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear the Shelters. The annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign helps animals in need find much needed loving homes. Since its inception in 2015, over 1 million pets have successfully been housed with a new family, and this year several famous athletes are lending their support.
OG Anunoby
After helping the New York Knicks bring an NBA championship back home, breaking a 53-year drought, OG Anunoby has now turned his attention towards another miracle: helping the city’s cats find a loving home.
Anunoby averaged 21.2 points and 4.8 rebounds over five games in the NBA Finals, including a now-famous game-winning tip-in just before the buzzer in Game 4 to complete a 29-point comeback and 107-106 victory. But the 29-year-old wants to do even more for the city.
The Knicks cat lover has selected five cats from Animal Care Centers of NYC, the city’s largest animal shelter system. Calling them “OG’s Starting Five”, he hopes to raise awareness around rescue cats available for adoption and help the homeless felines find a family.
Cam Newton
The former Carolina Panthers player has been a vocal supporter of animal rights and welfare causes for many years. In 2020, he famously partnered with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for an ad campaign called “Built Like a Vegan”.
Newton aimed to show the world what it means to be “Built Like a Vegan”, as he advocated the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and highlighted how removing animal products from your lifestyle saves lives.
The former Panthers quarterback has also worked with the Humane Society, supporting local initiatives such as promoting pet adoption and raising funds for shelters. After making the playoffs with a losing record last season, Newton’s former team are not expected to threaten the Super Bowl betting this year, but there’s a variety of team specials on DraftKings for fans to enjoy.
Chris Godwin
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, Christop Godwin, is a big supporter of animal causes. The former Super Bowl winner and his wife Mariah are lifelong animal lovers who have opened their home to rescue pets. Keen to promote the joy of helping vulnerable animals by giving them a second chance, the couple established the Team Godwin Foundation.
The charity partners with animal welfare organizations and aims to support rescue efforts. That includes financial support to local shelters, funding medical care for rescue dogs, facility improvements, and supporting the “adopt, don’t shop” movement.
Dennis Rodman
Five-time NBA winner Denis Rodman is not afraid to court controversy or voice his opinion, so it’s no surprise he became the first man (and first sports star) to pose for PETA’s “Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” series.
In 2005 at Fashion Week in New York, Rodman unveiled a nude billboard during New York’s Fashion Week in an attempt to target a fashion world that promoted the use of fur. The now-famous advert saw Rodman posing naked while sitting on a stool, alongside the caption, “Think Ink, Not Mink”. The strap line says “Be comfortable in your own skin and let animals keep theirs.”
The stunt generated huge controversy and made headlines across the world. PETA claims the campaign successfully challenged traditional male stereotypes and made animal rights more appealing to a traditionally resistant, masculine male demographic.
Rodman’s breakout ad persuaded other high-profile male athletes to pose for PETA’s “Ink, Not Mink” series, including Tony Gonzalez, Tim Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Maurice Jones-Drew, Terrell Suggs, and Ty Lawson
Get Involved
Of course, you don’t need to be a celebrity or an athlete to help animals. Everyone can make a difference and luckily there are lots of ways people can lend their support. Whether it’s donating much-needed supplies, volunteering at local shelters, providing financial aid, or fostering and adopting.
You can also support charities such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society or The Humane World for Animals. Alternatively, you can simply advocate for animal welfare and raise awareness through social media, signing petitions, or by talking to friends and family.
Annelina Pierceric is a dedicated author at pethubnest She shares practical insights on pet care, exploring new ways technology can support healthier and happier lives for pets.
