Bieber in PETA's pet adoption ad

MANILA, Philippines - The recent hit single U Smile of Justin Bieber (photo) not only has his legions of fans smiling but also has homeless dogs wagging their tails and homeless cats purring. That’s because the pop music phenom — whose concert tour hit Manila last May 10 — is the star of a new PETA ad that promotes adoptions from animal shelters. The ad was shot by renowned celebrity photographer Cliff Watts.

“It’s really important that people adopt,” said Bieber. “I really encourage going out to an animal shelter or a place where you can get a dog who has been abandoned or doesn’t have a home.” 

Buying an animal from a pet store or a breeder robs a homeless animal of his or her chance at finding a good home. The less fortunate never even make it to a safe haven; they are left to fend for themselves on the streets, where they are often subjected to abuse by cruel people or succumb to starvation, disease, or injuries.  

Bieber’s numerous awards include the American Music Awards’ Artist of the Year, and he recently released an acoustic version of his breakthrough album called My World Acoustic. He joins a growing list of celebs — including Lea Michele, Kellan Lutz, Yasmien Kurdi, Pink, Maggie Q and Borgy Manotoc — who have teamed up with PETA to help animals.