This World Dog Day, meet the film stars whose love for their four-legged companions extends far beyond the screen For all the glamour that comes with being a film star, some of the most relatable moments happen away from the cameras — at home, on a walk, with a dog curled up beside you.
From Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Chris Evans in Hollywood to John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Shraddha Kapoor in India, plenty of stars have been open about their love for their dogs. This World Dog Day, here's a look at some of them — actors for whom being a dog lover isn't just a nice sentiment, it's part of who they are.
Brad Pitt: From man's best friend to his co-star: Brad Pitt is next up in Heart of the Beast, a film that puts a dog right at the centre of the story. He plays a former Special Forces soldier stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with Odin, his former combat dog; the two of them relying on each other to survive.
In a recent Esquire interview, he spoke about life with his own two doodles, Sundae and Vandy, and has been equally warm about Uber, the German Shepherd who plays Odin on screen, going as far as calling him “the star of the film”. So, when Pitt plays a man whose survival depends on his dog, he's drawing on something that feels pretty close to home.
John Abraham: The action hero with a soft spot for strays: John Abraham's love for dogs has been part of his public persona for years. He's adopted Indian-breed dogs including Bailey and Sia and has long used his platform to push for animal welfare, regularly encouraging fans to adopt strays rather than buy pedigree dogs.
Jennifer Aniston: A lifelong love for rescue dogs: Jennifer Aniston has been a dedicated supporter of animal rescue and has adopted several dogs over the years, including Lord Chesterfield and Clyde. Her love for rescue animals has also extended beyond pet ownership — she has supported rescue organisations and recently created the Clydeo Fund to help animals in need.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: When your dogs become part of the family: For Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Diana and Gino aren't just pets, they're family. Both dogs show up regularly in her social media, and Diana in particular has travelled with her through different chapters of her life, becoming a familiar face to fans along the way.
Chris Evans: The rescue dog who became a star: Chris Evans and Dodger have one of those celebrity dog stories that's almost too sweet to be real. Evans met Dodger while filming Gifted and ended up adopting him from a shelter, no pedigree, no plan, just a dog who needed a home. Dodger has been a fixture in Evans's life and social media ever since, and has become something of a celebrity in his own right.
Shraddha Kapoor: The stress-buster at home: Shraddha Kapoor has spoken often about her bond with her dog Shyloh and the comfort that comes with it. For someone navigating shoots, travel and the constant noise of public life, that kind of quiet companionship counts for a lot, sometimes the best way to switch off is simply coming home to someone who doesn't care how your day went.
Ananya Panday: Her furry children: Ananya Panday has been a dog lover since childhood and refers to her pets as her "children." She had Fudge for 16 years, and now shares her home with Riot, along with newer additions Honey and Lemon. She's described the way Riot looks at her as pure ‘magic’, and it shows in how often her dogs turn up across her social media.
Rashmika Mandanna: Growing up with Aura: Rashmika Mandanna's dog Aura has become a familiar presence in her life and online. Like many younger stars today, Mandanna doesn't shy away from sharing the less glamorous, more everyday side of celebrity life, including the quiet moments spent with her dog.
For all of these stars, loving dogs isn't just content for a cute post. Their pets are companions, family, and a constant away from the spotlight. This World Dog Day is a good reminder that behind the movie stars are simply people who come home, open the door, and get greeted by a very excited dog.
