WASHINGTON—Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard and devoted owner of five dogs LaMelo Ball has joined the Humane Society of the United States as an ambassador for its More Than a Pet campaign. Approximately 20 million pets in the United States experience poverty with their families and 70% have never seen a veterinarian. The campaign works to raise awareness of this national crisis and ensure that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, geography or background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of pets.
To kick off his role as a More Than a Pet ambassador, Ball and the Humane Society of the United States are launching Points for Pets. For every point that Ball scores during the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, the HSUS will donate 250 meals to pets in historically marginalized communities around the country through its programs that increase access to care. Ball will support the campaign on his social media channels to raise awareness and advocate to keep people and pets together.
Ball started the season strong in the Charlotte Hornets' first three regular season games beginning October 23, 2024, scoring 95 points for his team and 23,750 meals for pets and families in underserved communities.
“I have five dogs who are much more than pets to me—they are my family. My dogs are really a part of who I am, and they bring out the best in me,” Ball said. “I am sure anyone with a pet would agree with me when I say that these incredible beings are much more than a pet. They truly become part of the family unit and their love is unconditional. I cannot imagine my life without them. I am so grateful to be part of the More Than a Pet campaign and doing all we can to increase equity in access to care and basic necessities so we keep people and pets together.”
Amanda Arrington, vice president, Access to Care for the Humane Society of the United States, said: “People have tremendous love for the animals in their lives, yet millions of families struggle to access affordable veterinary care, pet food and basic supplies for their beloved pet family members. No one should be denied the unconditional love and companionship of a pet. More Than a Pet addresses the national access to care crisis head on by elevating awareness and providing solutions for people facing economic challenges and struggling to access essential pet resources. We are excited that LaMelo is supporting this critical issue and helping spread the word to keep people and pets happy, healthy and together.”
Ball is beyond proud to talk about his five beloved dogs: “My two-year-old Django is definitely the attention seeker of the pack and at 89 pounds still thinks he is a lap dog. Doe is also two and is the independent one who enjoys his alone time. Dipper is the pack leader and a gentle giant who loves to snuggle, and Draco is really the sweetest of the group. My newest family member, Dope at just 7 months old, is already an integral part of the pack. And it won’t come as a surprise, but they all love playing with basketballs.”
Ball was the third overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft and the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021. He has averaged 20 points and 7.4 assists during his career. He also received a 2021 ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete.
Since 2002, the Humane Society of the United States has served more than 500,000 pets and their families experiencing poverty with veterinary services such as spay/neuter and vaccinations at no cost to the pet’s family. The HSUS has supplied more than 27 million pounds (13,900 tons) of pet food and more than 6,000 pallets of pet supplies valued at over $91 million to more than 570,000 animals in underserved communities in all 48 contiguous states and Puerto Rico.
Launched in 2023, the Humane Society of the United States’ More Than a Pet campaign honors the love people have for their pets, celebrates and protects the human-animal bond and aims to show that this bond transcends race, ethnicity, geography and socioeconomic status. Through its programs Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services, the HSUS supports hundreds of thousands of people and pets who do not have access to veterinary care and pet essentials. A key part of this work is to bring equity in access to pet care for underserved communities and increase diversity in the animal welfare movement, efforts which are long overdue and necessary to recognize the human in humane.
Together with its corporate partners, More Than a Pet raises awareness and funds for these critical programs and the HSUS’ work to fight for all animals. For additional information, please visit humanesociety.org/morethanapet.
View photos/b-roll To download these visuals, email rrosensweig@humanesociety.org.