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- Rachel Leviss and the changing story of Graham Cracker
- When a child’s safety leads to rehoming: Andy Cohen’s decision
- Recent celebrity rehomings: Meagan Good and Jonathan Van Ness
- Common reasons celebrities rehome pets
- How fans and media respond to celebrity rehomings
- Where people involved look for solutions
Celebrities sometimes make the painful choice to find new homes for their pets. High-profile breakups, health crises and safety concerns have all led well-known figures to rehome animals. Here are several public cases that show how complex and emotional those decisions can be.
Rachel Leviss and the changing story of Graham Cracker
The dog viewers knew as Graham Cracker first appeared on Vanderpump Rules during Rachel Leviss’s relationship with James Kennedy. After the couple split in 2021, Leviss remained the primary caregiver because the dog had been given to her by her parents.
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A timeline of custody and rehoming
- 2021: Leviss and Kennedy separate; Leviss keeps custody of Graham Cracker.
- 2023 spring: Leviss enters a mental health facility for a 90-day stay. Fans wondered who was caring for the dog.
- July 2023: Kennedy says he is caring for the dog, now called Hippie, after the animal was handed to trainers following an incident involving Leviss’ mother.
- According to reports, TV personality Lisa Vanderpump helped arrange the dog’s placement with Kennedy.
When a child’s safety leads to rehoming: Andy Cohen’s decision
Talk-show host Andy Cohen adopted a dog named Wacha in 2013 from a West Virginia shelter. Seven years later he announced the dog had been rehomed for safety reasons.
In a public statement Cohen explained that, after consulting professionals, keeping Wacha at home could pose a risk to his son, Benjamin. He framed the move as a protective step for both his child and the dog. Cohen has since shared moments of reunion with Wacha over the years.
Recent celebrity rehomings: Meagan Good and Jonathan Van Ness
- Meagan Good revealed in April 2026 that she “had to get rid of my little cat” after moving in with husband Jonathan Majors. She described the choice as necessary amid a change in household dynamics.
- Jonathan Van Ness confirmed they rehomed their dog George after the pet inadvertently broke their cat Liza’s jaw. The injury prompted a re-evaluation of how their animals could safely live together.
Common reasons celebrities rehome pets
Public figures often cite a handful of recurring issues when they explain why a pet is rehomed.
- Household safety: Young children or other pets may be at risk.
- Mental health and treatment: Extended hospital stays or rehab can make temporary care permanent.
- Behavioral incidents: Attacks or accidents between animals can force immediate changes.
- Logistics and custody disputes: Breakups or legal questions about ownership complicate caregiving.
How fans and media respond to celebrity rehomings
Decisions to rehome a pet often spark intense public reaction. Social media can amplify opinion, and outlets will seek comments from those involved. Some follow-up stories focus on reunions, while others examine the legal and ethical dimensions.
Where people involved look for solutions
When pet custody becomes an issue, owners and advisors typically consider multiple options.
- Temporary boarding or trainers for behavioral assessment.
- Placement with trusted friends or family members.
- Working with rescue groups or rehoming through professional networks.
- Consulting veterinarians and animal behaviorists for long-term planning.
Scroll for more examples and first-person accounts from celebrities who have spoken openly about rehoming their animals.
