Television hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have officially expanded their family by adopting a rescue puppy named Javi. The couple announced the exciting news on the October 13 broadcast of their morning talk show, Live with Kelly and Mark, just one day after introducing the adorable dog to viewers during an Adopt a Dog Week segment.
According to the show, the puppy was originally named Lucas and came to the program through Pet ResQ Inc., a New Jersey-based animal rescue organization. While Javi has not yet officially moved into the couple’s New York City home due to pending medical checks and clearance tests, Ripa joked that she and her husband are already acting like “expectant parents.”
How Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Met Javi
Viewers first met the 4-month-old Shih Tzu mix on the Monday, October 12 episode of the show when Consuelos walked onto the set holding the puppy in his arms. The sweet moment immediately captured the audience’s attention, and Ripa noted that seeing her husband with the dog brought out a “kinder, gentler” side of him.
By the time Tuesday’s episode rolled around, the couple confirmed that they could not part ways with the pup. “We have news. We adopted Javi yesterday,” Consuelos announced to the studio audience. Ripa added, “We have a new baby. Not living in the house yet. We’ve got to wait for a couple of medicals, a couple of tests, but we are like expectant parents. I started nesting last night. I couldn’t sleep.”
Introducing Javi to Family Dog Lena
Before making the adoption official, Ripa and Consuelos had to ensure their existing rescue dog, Lena, would get along with the newcomer. The couple brought Lena backstage during the Monday broadcast for a quick chemistry test.
While Ripa admitted that Lena was initially “terrified of Javi as she is every other dog,” Consuelos remained optimistic about their future dynamic. “She didn’t bark at Javi,” Consuelos noted, predicting that the two canines will eventually become “great buddies” once they adjust to each other.
Ripa and Consuelos share three adult children: Michael, 29, Lola, 25, and Joaquin, 23. Javi joins the household following the emotional loss of the couple’s beloved Shih Tzu, Chewie, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 17. Ripa shared that seeing Javi brought an unexpected and comforting parallel, noting she felt as though Chewie might have had a hand in sending the new rescue puppy their way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ New Puppy
What is the name of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ new puppy?
The couple adopted a rescue puppy named Javi (short for Javier), who was originally named Lucas by the rescue organization.
Where did Javi come from?
Javi was rescued by Pet ResQ Inc., a New Jersey-based animal rescue organization, and was featured during the “Adopt a Dog Week” segment on Live with Kelly and Mark.
What breed is Javi?
Javi is a 4-month-old Shih Tzu mix.
Do Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have other pets?
Yes, they have another dog named Lena, a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix whom they also adopted after she appeared on their morning show in 2021.
When did the couple announce the adoption?
The adoption was officially announced on the October 13, 2026, episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, one day after introducing the puppy on television.
