I’ve been a Hillary Swank fan for years, ever since she broke my heart and made me sob uncontrollably in Boys Don’t Cry. Ever since then, she’s been bold—in films like Million Dollar Baby—and adorable—such as her role in P.S. I Love You. It turns out that Swank isn’t only a talented actress; she’s also an animal lover.

The two-time Academy Award winner is now working with Iams to help homeless pets get into new, loving homes. The Iams Home 4 the Holidays Campaign has helped millions of pets get adopted within the last decade, and they’re hoping that with Swank as this year’s ambassador, they’ll be able to help even more animals.

Founded by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the campaign is one of the biggest and successful pet adoption efforts on earth. Over 3 million families have found new furry friends from the program.

Drawing on her own experience with rescued animals—including her rescued dogs Karoo and Rumi—Swank will be educating the public on caring for homeless pets. The 3,500 animal organizations participating in the program worldwide hope to find homes for 1.5 million animals during the campaign, which will run from October 1 through January 4, 2010.

Swank saved Karoo from a homeless life in Africa, where she found him on the side of a road, and Rumi was a shelter pup.

Swank is very excited about her role in these efforts. “I’m so proud to be working with Iams Home 4 the Holidays to help raise awareness of pet adoption. Last year, the program’s adoption goal was to get 1 million pets adopted in just three months, but this year the goal is even bigger. We’re on a mission to find loving homes for 1.5 million orphaned pets,” she says.

With almost 8 million pets in America alone, homeless animals are in need of love and care more than ever. Last year, the program reached its goal and then some, finding homes for 1.2 million pets.

Are you considering an animal friend for a birthday or holiday gift this year? If prepared and well cared for, a new dog or cat can be a great family edition, and possibly the most memorable gift a person receives. Plus, you’re not only making a friend or family member happy—you’re also giving a new life to an animal.

To learn more about the program, volunteering, donating and about adopting a new pet for the holidays, click here.