6 Celebrity-Founded Animal Charities

Celebrity involvement in charitable organizations is nothing new. Celebrities are almost always in the limelight, so it's only natural for them to use their status to promote their favorite causes. Animal welfare is high on the list for many, and some do more than show public support; they establish new organizations devoted to helping animals in need. These six animal-welfare charities exist because celebrities saw a need and did something about it.

Actors and Others for Animals - Late actor Richard Basehart and his wife, Diana, founded Actors and Others for Animals (A&O) in 1971 after witnessing a horrible act of animal cruelty. Determined to make a difference, the couple gathered their friends and community members in an effort to end all animal abuse and exploitation.

DJ&T Foundation - Well aware that pet overpopulation is a serious problem, Bob Barker established the DJ&T Foundation in 1995 to address the issue. Named for animal lovers in Barker's life, the foundation funds low-cost spay and neuter clinics as well as spay/neuter vouchers for qualified dog owners across the U.S.

Jason Debus Heigl Foundation - Katherine Heigl's brother, Jason, was an animal lover who died at the age of fifteen. To honor his memory, his sister--along with their mother, Nancy--founded the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation (JDHF). Focusing mainly on the greater Los Angeles area, the JDHF strives to eliminate animal suffering by providing funds for rescue organizations, spay/neuter procedures, compassion education programs, and the transport of dogs from Los Angeles shelters to other parts of the country. The foundation also has its own rescue group, the Heigl Hounds of Hope.

Maddie's Corner - Actress/singer Kristen Chenoweth founded Maddie's Corner in honor of her beloved Maltese. Maddie's Corner isn't just about people helping animals; it's also about animals helping people. Its primary goal is to support homeless pets in shelters and rescues as well as the groups trying to help them.

Save the Manatee Club - Manatees are Florida's official marine animal, and they've been on the endangered list since 1967. In 1981, Jimmy Buffett and then-governor of Florida Bob Graham founded the Save the Manatee Club in an effort to protect manatees and their habitat. As an endangered species, manatees fall under the protection of both state and federal laws. The Save the Manatee Club also supports other sirenian species worldwide.

Sidewalk Angels Foundation - Singer Rob Thomas and his wife, Marisol, established the Sidewalk Angels Foundation to support several causes, including animal welfare. This organization funds many no-kill animal shelters and rescues, and although it is based in New York, it supports groups located throughout the nation.