This week, award-winning actor, comedian, writer, director and animal advocate Ricky Gervais and his partner, Jane, visited the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City to raise awareness about adopting and fostering animals in need. During his visit, Ricky toured the Adoption Center, including our “real life room”, and had the opportunity to meet some of our adorable adoptable animals like T-Bone and Fate, who are both looking for loving homes in the tri-state area. Click on their profiles to learn more about Ricky’s new canine buddies.

T-Bone, left and Fate, right. 

After his visit, Ricky took to Twitter to talk about his time at the Adoption Center, promoting adoptable animals and advocating for animal fostering. 

“Please consider adopting one of the older or bigger dogs from your local shelter,” says Ricky. “If you can’t adopt, then another option is to foster—it’s really helpful to take the dogs home, even if it’s not permanent, and opens up space in the shelter for other animals in need."

At the ASPCA, we’ve got furry friends looking for homes all over the country! This summer, if you’re in the tri-state area, consider opening your heart to one of our available cats or dogs in New York City. Or, if you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can find the feline of your dreams through our L.A. feline program. We also have dogs, many of whom are large dogs, at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, North Carolina, and at the Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio.

If you aren’t ready or able to adopt yet, as Ricky said, fostering is also a great way to help shelter animals. Fostering provides experience in a home environment for animals who need to heal, grow or get some extra TLC while looking for homes. It can also help our staff better get to know an animal since the shelter can be a stressful environment for many of them. Having the opportunity to decompress and experience life in a home can be life-changing. You can sign up to foster an animal for the ASPCA in New York City, Los Angeles, Columbus or Weaverville today!