Ariana Madix Partners with ASPCA to Help Animal Lovers Couple Up with a Rescue Pet

A new animal lover has entered the ASPCA villa.

On Aug 22, the ASPCA announced that Ariana Madix has joined the animal welfare organization’s Rescue Effect campaign, created to help promote pet adoption from local rescues and shelters.

Madix, a proud rescue parent herself, will be adding a boost of attention to adoptable pets nationwide by promoting the Rescue Effect campaign on her social media channels from now through October.

“When you visit a shelter, you’ll see so many wonderful animals just waiting for a second chance,” the Love Island USA host said in a statement. “Choosing to adopt even one pet creates a ripple — not just for that animal, but for others who now have a better chance at finding a home, too.”

The Rescue Effect campaign and Madix’s support come at a critical time. According to the ASPCA, nearly 6 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024. Unfortunately, many of these rescue pets, especially dogs, are staying in shelters longer, putting more strain on shelters’ already limited resources, and leaving less room for other animals in need.

For those who can’t adopt a pet. Madix and the ASPCA encourage them to consider fostering, which gives rescue pets time out of the stressful shelter environment and frees up shelters to take in more animals who need care.

Madix also wants people to foster or adopt a pet in the next few months, because she knows how much love these furry friends can bring to your life. She is currently a pet mom to two adopted cuties — 18-year-old cat Kitty and 6-year-old pit bull mix Mya Moon — and has given a forever home to numerous animals throughout her life.

“Pet adoption and rescue have been important to me since I was a little kid. My mom shared my love for animals, and she gave me the instinct to help them,” the former Vanderpump Rules star said. “I want people to know there are amazing animals in shelters who match all the things they say they’re looking for — whether it be breed, size, or age. These animals do exist in shelters — just go look.” 

Over 550 shelters and rescues nationwide are participating in The Rescue Effect, working with the ASPCA and Madix to promote pet adoption in hopes of reducing the time animals spend waiting for loving homes.

“We’re thrilled to have Ariana Madix join the ASPCA for The Rescue Effect and use her voice to advocate for the millions of adoptable animals in need of loving homes,” Christa Chadwick, vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA, said. “Her support will help drive national awareness of the critical role shelters and rescue groups play in saving animals’ lives — and how every adoption makes a positive, lasting impact on even more.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Along with enlisting Madix for The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA is also providing $2 million in grant funding to more than 100 shelters for the campaign, so the shelters can waive adoption fees and cover operating costs.

For more information about the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign and to find a participating shelter or rescue, visit aspca.org/therescueeffect.