Superman’s Canine Sidekick Sparks Dog Adoption Boom

James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ reboot sends Google searches for “adopt a dog” soaring across the U.S.

When Krypto soared across the screen beside the Man of Steel in James Gunn’s newly released Superman, moviegoers didn’t just leave with popcorn crumbs and superhero nostalgia. Many walked out with one burning question in mind: “Where can I adopt a dog like that?”

As it turns out, America responded en masse.

During the blockbuster’s opening weekend, dog adoption-related Google searches surged by triple digits. The hero of the hour? A digitally animated white terrier-schnauzer mix named Krypto — Superman’s loyal, gravity-defying, tail-wagging companion.

A Super Spike in Adoption Curiosity

The data speaks volumes. According to figures from Woofz, a popular dog training and behavior app, Google searches for “adopt a dog near me” jumped a staggering 513% in the U.S. during Superman’s premiere weekend. Even more specific queries like “rescue dog adoption near me” climbed by 163%, and “adopt a puppy” saw a modest but meaningful 31% boost.

Searches related to Krypto’s breed spiked as well. While the film doesn’t specify his precise mix, The Wrap confirmed the character was designed as a blend between a Schnauzer and a Terrier mutt — a combo that triggered a 299% rise in the phrase “adopt a schnauzer.”

Why Krypto Resonates With Viewers

The big-screen version of Krypto isn’t just a cute sidekick; he’s a bonafide character. Voiced by a fan-favorite comedian (rumored to be Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein, though DC hasn’t confirmed), Krypto shares Superman’s powers, from x-ray vision to supersonic flight — all with the endearing quirks of an eager rescue pup.

“He’s strong, brave, and a little clumsy — kind of like Clark Kent with a wagging tail,” said James Gunn in an interview with Empire. “We wanted him to feel like the dog you never knew you needed.”

And that’s exactly how audiences reacted.

Families and solo viewers alike reportedly left theaters inspired to adopt — or at least explore the idea.

Here’s how search trends stacked up over the film’s opening weekend:

Search Term	Increase (%)
“Adopt a dog near me”	513%
“Rescue dog adoption near me”	163%
“Adopt a puppy”	31%
“Adopt a schnauzer”	299%

Animal Shelters See Uptick in Foot Traffic

While Google trends don’t always translate to action, several animal rescue groups across the U.S. are already seeing more foot traffic and adoption inquiries.

“We had families coming in saying they wanted to meet a ‘Krypto,’” said Tanya Ruiz, operations manager at the Paws & Claws Rescue Center in Austin, Texas. “Some asked specifically for white schnauzers or terriers. We even had a few kids show up in Superman capes.”

Shelters in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York reported similar patterns.

While it’s too early to confirm long-term adoption numbers, early signals suggest a modest but noticeable post-movie adoption lift. And for rescue workers, even a handful of new forever homes is worth celebrating.

Social Media’s Kryptonite? Cute Dogs in Capes

Naturally, TikTok and Instagram weren’t far behind.

Clips tagged with #KryptoTheSuperdog and #AdoptLikeSuperman have racked up millions of views. Some show shelter dogs donning red capes. Others feature DIY reenactments of scenes from the film — starring everything from golden retrievers to chihuahuas.

One viral post from an Oklahoma City shelter showed a scruffy terrier leaping off a couch while Superman’s theme blared in the background. Caption: “He hasn’t flown yet. But he’s definitely faster than a speeding bullet… when dinner’s ready.”

A Reminder With Responsibility

While the buzz is welcome, animal welfare groups are also urging caution.

“Impulse adoptions aren’t always sustainable,” said Anjali Patel, director at the Humane Society of Greater Atlanta. “We love that people are inspired. But dogs, even the super ones, need time, training, and lifelong commitment.”

Still, there’s optimism in the air. If Krypto’s onscreen charm gets even a few dogs out of cages and into warm homes, the film may have done more than entertain.