Danica Patrick has made a career out of being bold, unapologetic, and fiercely independent—whether it was on the racetrack or in the public eye. But while she may have traded in her NASCAR helmet for a new mission, it’s not in politics or business—it’s in animal advocacy.
Patrick has been vocal about her love for dogs, often sharing emotional posts about rescue animals, crying for dogs she has never met, and openly stating her dream of giving senior shelter dogs a loving home in their final years.
But as heartwarming as this transformation is, it raises a few eyebrows. After all, this is the same Danica Patrick who once publicly opposed veganism, stating, “You can live off steak, not broccoli.” So, the question remains—is she an all-around animal lover, or is her compassion limited to just the four-legged furry kind?
A Deep Love for Dogs—No Doubt About That
Patrick’s love for animals, particularly dogs, is undeniable. She owns two fur babies—a Belgian Malinois named Ella and a Siberian Husky named Dallas—who regularly appear on her social media.
She’s also a huge admirer of Steve Greig, a well-known dog rescuer who has opened his home to ten senior rescue dogs, many of whom came from heartbreaking situations. Patrick calls Greig her “ultimate hero”, reinforcing just how deeply she resonates with the cause.
Recently, she even reposted a video of a shelter volunteer playing with rescue puppies, captioning it:
“That’s it. I quit all my jobs and responsibilities and only do this!!!! For free !!!!! I guess I would even pay.”
Her love for dogs doesn’t stop at social media posts. She has spoken multiple times about wanting to rescue elderly shelter dogs, admitting that while her nomadic lifestyle prevents her from doing so right now, it’s a dream she hopes to fulfill someday.
Joining NASCAR’s Animal Advocacy Club
Patrick’s passion for rescue work places her alongside other NASCAR stars who actively promote animal welfare.
- Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch, and Alex Bowman have all used their platforms to support rescue animals.
- In 2021, Busch’s No. 18 Toyota Camry featured images of adoptable dogs at Nashville Superspeedway.
- Bowman has been a dedicated rescue pet advocate for years, adopting two dogs, Roscoe and Finn, and stating, “Anything to do with animals hits home for me.”
Clearly, Patrick’s love for dogs is not a publicity stunt—she is genuinely moved by the cause and is willing to champion it publicly.
The Big Question—Selective Animal Lover?
While Patrick’s devotion to dogs is evident, her past comments about food choices and veganism present an interesting contradiction.
On one hand, she weeps for rescue dogs. But on the other hand, she has made statements like:
“You can live off steak, not broccoli.”
That’s not just a casual comment—it’s an outright dismissal of the idea that all animals deserve ethical consideration.
Some critics argue that she wouldn’t be so vocal if she were confronted with cultures that eat dogs, which raises a tough moral dilemma. Would she be outraged or silent? And given that Patrick is not the type to stay quiet, her stance on animal welfare remains an open-ended question.
The Pet Psychic Episode—Healing Through the Unseen?
Patrick’s emotional connection to animals runs so deep that she hosted a live session with renowned pet psychic Karen Anderson, later uploading it to YouTube.
The reason? She was still heartbroken over losing her 9-week-old puppy, Oz, more than a decade ago.
Their discussion revolved around whether deceased pets visit their owners from beyond the grave—a conversation that showcased just how emotionally invested Patrick is in her bond with animals.
The Verdict—Passionate Animal Lover, But With Caveats
Danica Patrick’s passion for animal rescue, particularly for dogs, is genuine. There’s no questioning her love, devotion, and emotional connection to man’s best friend.
But is she an all-encompassing animal rights advocate? Not quite.
Her pro-meat stance and opposition to veganism create a clear philosophical contradiction. It’s easy to love dogs—but what about cows, pigs, or chickens? Does she care about their suffering the same way?
For now, Patrick seems happy focusing her advocacy on rescue dogs, and in that regard, she’s doing a great job. But if she ever finds herself in a debate about animal ethics on a broader scale, she may have some difficult questions to answer.