In James Gunn’s “Superman,” David Corenswet stars as the titular character — but the real star of the show is Krypto, his foster dog, who has had a significant cultural impact.
Thanks to the love surrounding Krypto — inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu — interest in dog adoption has surged over 500%. However, experts have warned prospective pet parents not to be blinded by the buzz, urging them to consider the lifestyle they want before bringing a new being into their homes.
According to an analysis by dog training app Woofz, Google searches for “adopt a dog near me” increased by 513% after the movie’s premiere weekend.
Searches for “dog adoption near me” rose by 163% and inquiries for “adopt a puppy” increased by 31%.
More specifically, the interest in “adopt a schnauzer” is up 299% — as Krypto seemingly is a mix between a Schnauzer and a terrier mutt.
The dog in the film is entirely CGI (computer-generated imagery), but Gunn told the New York Times that Ozu was the physical model for the flying pup, though Krypto has white fur instead of gray and is a little bigger than Ozu.
Warner Bros. helped with that interest in dog adoption, teaming up with Best Friends Animal Society to cover pet adoption fees from July 1-10 ahead of the movie’s release on July 11. During that time, there were 454 pets adopted across the nation.
In 2024 alone, 4.8 million dogs and cats entered America’s shelters, according to Best Friends, putting them at risk of being killed. Adopting a dog gives the animal a second chance at life.
And while “Superman” has been a “barrage of blessings” for Gunn, he shared on social media that the increased interest in dog adoption “may be the greatest.”
“Ozu has no idea any of this is happening, but if he did, he’d be proud,” he wrote.
However, aside from the excitement of the spike in pet adoption interest, Woofz CEO Natalia Shahmetova said in a statement reported by The Wrap that “adoption is a real commitment.”
In fact, the “Superman” director shared his experience with that commitment, saying that at first his dog was “the world’s worst dog.”
Gunn said that Ozu “was biting my feet until they bled, ate my new $10,000 laptop, chewed up all my shoes and our furniture — and I was like, ‘Thank God he doesn’t have superpowers.’”
It’s important to be aware of what adopting a dog entails before jumping into an “impulse adoption.”
“Adopting a pet can be one of the most magical, life-changing experiences of your life, and everyone deserves the unconditional love of a pet, but it’s super important that prospective pet parents take honest stock of their home situation and lifestyle before adopting,” Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover, told The Post.
“Are you truly ready for a dog or cat? Do you work long hours? Does the pet have a history of trauma? Do you know the pet’s full medical history?”
“The hype will fade, but your dog will stay, so make sure you’re ready to give them the time, care, and training they need and deserve,” Shahmetova warned.
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