Celebrities Who Have Rehomed Their Pets and Why

It is a conversation that usually happens behind closed doors, often whispered in the quiet corners of a living room or discussed in hushed tones during a therapy session. For most of us here in Los Angeles, pets are more than just animals; they are the anchors that keep us grounded amidst the chaos of traffic on the 405 and the relentless pace of the entertainment industry. Yet, even for those with the most resources, the decision to rehome a pet can be an agonizing crossroads. When celebrities like Rachel Leviss, Andy Cohen, and Meagan Solid craft these choices public, it sparks a polarizing debate across social media, but it also mirrors a extremely human struggle that many residents from West Hollywood to the Valley face every day.

The case of Rachel Leviss provides a particularly complex look at how personal crises can ripple into the lives of our pets. For fans of Vanderpump Rules, the saga of Graham Cracker—the dog later renamed Hippie—became a subplot in a much larger drama. The pup was originally a gift from Leviss’ parents, and after her 2021 split from James Kennedy, she remained the primary guardian. However, the stability of that arrangement crumbled during the fallout of her affair with costar Tom Sandoval, which famously ended Sandoval’s long-term relationship with Ariana Madix. The subsequent spiral, including Leviss checking herself into a mental health facility in the spring of 2023, left a vacuum of care. The situation reached a breaking point following an incident involving Leviss’ mother, leading the dog to be surrendered to trainers. In a move that highlights the tight-knit, often messy nature of the SUR circle, Lisa Vanderpump eventually stepped in to facilitate the dog’s rehoming with James Kennedy.

This transition wasn’t without its own shadow. While the dog found a new home, the relationship between Leviss and Kennedy remained fraught. Recent reports have highlighted the volatility of their past, with Leviss calling out Kennedy’s “violent outbursts” prior to his arrest for domestic violence. It serves as a stark reminder that the “difficult decision” to rehome a pet is rarely about the animal alone; it is often a symptom of deeper, more systemic turmoil within a household.

Contrast this with the experience of Andy Cohen, whose decision was framed not by crisis, but by a protective instinct. In 2020, Cohen shared the heartbreaking news that his dog, Wacha—adopted from a kill shelter in West Virginia back in 2013—had to find a new home. The catalyst was the arrival of his son, Benjamin. Cohen was candid on Instagram, noting that numerous professionals advised him that his home was not a suitable environment for Wacha, and that keeping the dog could be “catastrophic” for both his son and the animal. This narrative shifts the conversation from “giving up” a pet to making a responsible, safety-oriented choice. The fact that Cohen has since publicly documented his reunions with Wacha suggests that rehoming doesn’t always mean a permanent severance of the bond, but rather a strategic pause for the well-being of all family members.

More recently, in April 2026, Meagan Good joined this candid dialogue, admitting she had to part with her cat after moving in with her husband, Jonathan Majors. While less dramatic than a mental health crisis or a safety concern, this highlights the logistical and emotional friction that occurs when merging two lives. Whether it is a matter of allergies, space, or interpersonal dynamics between pets, the “merging households” dilemma is a common reality for couples in high-density areas like Los Angeles, where living spaces are often premiums.

These stories, alongside the experiences of figures like Jen Affleck, underscore a growing trend of transparency regarding pet ownership. For a long time, rehoming was seen as a failure of character. However, by speaking out, these individuals are inadvertently highlighting the importance of behavioral health and the necessity of professional intervention. When we look at the guidelines provided by organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the ASPCA, the emphasis is increasingly on the “best interest of the animal.” Sometimes, the most loving act a pet owner can perform is recognizing that they are no longer the right fit for that animal’s specific needs.

In a city where the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is often overwhelmed, these high-profile admissions can actually destigmatize the act of seeking help before a situation becomes dire. When a pet is surrendered to trainers or rehomed through a trusted network—as seen with the intervention of Lisa Vanderpump—it prevents the animal from ending up in a shelter system that is already stretched to its limit.

Given my background as an Executive Geo-Journalist, I’ve seen how these national celebrity trends manifest as local needs. If you find yourself in a position where your home environment has become unsustainable for your pet, the “celebrity way” isn’t always accessible, but the professional path is. In the Los Angeles area, you should avoid the impulse to make a hasty decision and instead consult these three types of local specialists:

Certified Veterinary Behaviorists (CVB)

Before deciding that a pet “cannot live” with a child or a new partner, seek a CVB. Look for professionals board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. They can determine if a behavior is medical or psychological and create a modification plan that might save the placement.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) specializing in Pet Loss and Transition

The guilt associated with rehoming can be paralyzing. Find an LCSW who specifically lists “animal companionship” or “pet bereavement” in their practice. They provide the emotional scaffolding necessary to make a decision based on logic and love rather than shame.

Accredited No-Kill Rescue Coordinators

If rehoming is inevitable, avoid generic drop-offs. Seek out breed-specific rescues or accredited no-kill organizations that perform rigorous home checks. Ensure the organization provides a “trial period” and a transparent communication channel between the previous owner and the new adopter.

Making the choice to let go is rarely straightforward, but as these public figures have shown, it is often the only way to ensure a healthier future for both the human and the animal.

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