07:00, 04 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Best known for her breakout role as Eleven in Stranger Things, British actor Millie Bobby Brown is also emerging as one of the most committed young advocates for animal rights.
Being the proud keeper of 62 pets – yes, sixty-two! From fostering dogs to founding rescue initiatives, she is using her fame to amplify compassion, which is why she’s our October Positive Icon.
Millie doesn’t just talk about helping animals – she lives it. She recently revealed she has nine pet dogs and is fostering 23 more on her farm in Georgia. She told People magazine she even moved next door to her parents to make room for more rescues.
She also co-founded Joey’s Friends, a dog rescue and fostering initiative named after one of her beloved dogs. Through the project, she showcases adoptable animals on social media, helping find them loving homes.
As she explained in a BBC Newsround interview, fostering gives dogs a chance to be seen and loved – and, in many cases, adopted.
In 2019, Millie launched Florence by Mills – a skincare and beauty brand built on the values of kindness, transparency and animal welfare. The entire line is PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan, meaning none of its products or ingredients are tested on animals or derived from them.
Millie has spoken out about her vision for a compassionate beauty industry, saying animals should have "absolutely nothing to do with clothing or beauty".
In 2023, she was honoured with two PETA Libby Awards: one for Florence by Mills, and another for her outspoken support of animal adoption.
Millie’s love for animals also extends to their style. In 2023, she partnered with Kanine Group to launch Florence by Mills Pet – a line of vegan, fashion-forward pet accessories. The brand includes raincoats, harnesses, bowls, and more, with a portion of proceeds pledged to support animal welfare charities.
Millie’s approach to animal advocacy isn’t loud or performative – it’s steady and personal. From day-to-day care of her rescues to cruelty-free business choices, she lets her actions speak for themselves. Whether it’s bottle-feeding a rescue puppy or fostering dogs with behavioural challenges, her hands-on work is a constant reminder that animal rights aren't just a cause – they’re a commitment.
She once said:
Animals are meant to be in the wild and meant to be free.
Millie Bobby Brown may be best known for saving the world on screen, but in real life, she’s helping save animals – one adoption, one product, and one rescued dog at a time.
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
Joey’s Friends. This US-based dog rescue, co-founded by Millie Bobby Brown, provides foster care and rehabilitation for dogs with medical or behavioural needs, helping them find safe and loving homes. Find out more.
Humane World For Animals. Previously called the Humane Society of the United States, it is one of the largest animal protection organisations in the US. This nonprofit works to end animal cruelty through rescue operations, public education and advocacy for stronger animal welfare laws. Learn more here.
Dogs Trust. The UK’s largest dog welfare charity, which rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes thousands of dogs each year. They also run public education programmes to promote responsible dog ownership. Support them here.
