Dave Bautista has no problem admitting that his four dogs lead a much more comfortable traveling life than most people.
The 57-year-old actor opened up about everything he does to save his pit bulls while speaking with PEOPLE alongside his The demolition team with Jason Momoa.
When asked what the most luxurious thing he’s done for his pets was, Bautista didn’t hesitate to answer.
“So I split my time between California and Florida now. And I think the most luxurious thing I’ve done for them is get them a jet,” he said, referring to his dogs Ollie, Maggie, Penny and Talulah.
Bautista acknowledged how exaggerated that might seem, but explained that it came from worry, not excess.
“I know it sounds like…I feel so bougie saying that out loud, but I just love that thought,” he said.
He added that long land trips would take too long and that commercial flights are not an option for him when it comes to his pets.
“And there’s no way I’m leaving my dogs under a plane. I’d lose my mind from the stress, and that would make me sick.”
Momoa, 46, shared a much simpler indulgence for his own dog, saying the biggest luxury it affords is letting his pet sleep in bed every once in a while.
“He’s getting older and I’m getting mellower with age, so maybe I’ll let him sleep in bed a little more,” the actor said. Bautista jokingly responded, “I kind of feel like my dogs let me sleep in their bed.” »
Beyond comfort and travel, Bautista has long spoken out for animal welfare and rescue advocacy.
In 2021, after hearing about a neglected puppy found eating trash with a metal chain embedded in its skin, the actor stepped in to help.
Working with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, he publicly offered $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
“To me, there is nothing more innocent and pure than a puppy,” Bautista said at the time.
“Because someone who can mistreat a puppy must be the lowest form of human being, pure evil, for someone who can mistreat an animal like that. It makes me sick to my stomach.”
The story then had a happy ending.
Bautista revealed that the injured dog, originally named Sage, is now part of his family.
“The good news is that the puppy you know as Sage actually became Penny Bautista. So I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of my family… healing, sweet and recovered,” he shared in an Instagram video.
“She’s now a Bautista and she’ll never be mistreated a day in her life again. She’s about to live her best puppy life…and she has him forever at home.”
He continued to support the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, even sponsoring professional photoshoots to help shelter dogs stand out online and find homes faster.
Bautista currently stars in The demolition teamwhich is broadcast on Prime Video.
