For Every Point Lamelo LaMelo Ball Scores This Season, 250 Meals for Pets Are Donated.
Charlotte Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball, a proud dog parent and advocate for animal welfare, has joined the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as an ambassador for its More Than a Pet campaign.
This initiative sheds light on the national crisis affecting millions of pets living in poverty alongside their families.
Through awareness and direct support, the campaign strives to ensure that every pet owner, regardless of socioeconomic status, can provide for their beloved animals.
To kick off his role as ambassador, Ball and HSUS have launched Points for Pets, a program that provides 250 meals to pets in underserved communities for every point he scores during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Within just three games, Ball has already racked up 95 points, equating to 23,750 meals for pets and their families.
Ball will also use his social media platforms to raise awareness about the campaign and advocate for keeping pets and their families together through equitable access to care and essential resources.
As a devoted dog owner, Ball’s passion for animal welfare comes from a deeply personal place. He describes his five dogs as much more than pets—they are family.
“My dogs are really a part of who I am, and they bring out the best in me,” said Ball. “These incredible beings are more than just pets; they are family members who give unconditional love. I’m honored to support the More Than a Pet campaign to ensure all pet families have access to the care and resources they need to stay together.”
Ball’s dog family includes:
Django, a playful 89-pound attention seeker.
Doe, an independent soul who enjoys alone time.
Dipper, the gentle pack leader who loves to snuggle.
Draco, the sweetest member of the group.
Dope, a seven-month-old puppy who has already become an integral part of the pack.
The More Than a Pet campaign tackles a critical issue: approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. live in poverty, and 70% of them have never seen a veterinarian. Amanda Arrington, HSUS Vice President of Access to Care, emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“Millions of families love their pets deeply but face immense challenges accessing basic care, food, and supplies,” Arrington said. “LaMelo’s support will help us elevate awareness and provide solutions to keep people and their pets happy, healthy, and together.”
Since 2002, the HSUS has supported over 500,000 pets and their families through no-cost veterinary services and distributed more than 27 million pounds of pet food to animals in need. Launched in 2023, the More Than a Pet campaign expands on this mission by addressing disparities in access to pet care and promoting diversity within the animal welfare movement.
By partnering with compassionate individuals like Ball, HSUS aims to honor the human-animal bond, showing that love for pets transcends race, geography, and socioeconomic status.
Get Involved
To learn more about the More Than a Pet campaign and how you can help, visit their website. Together, we can create a world where every pet family has the resources they need to thrive.
This partnership highlights the power of collaboration and compassion, proving that when communities come together, they can make a difference in the lives of both people and animals.
