Justin Bieber

With his hit single “One Time” climbing the charts, R&B superstar Usher as his mentor, and thousands of screaming fans following his every move, Justin Bieber is anything but your average 15-year-old

. Thanks to his popular YouTube page, he went from posting homemade videos of himself covering the songs of his idols to making a decision most teens wouldn’t be able to handle—who to sign with … Justin Timberlake or Usher?

Between trips to the studio with Usher and preparing for the release of his debut album, My World, Justin reserved a little time for peta2 to talk about the other thing that means as much to him as singing —you guessed it: compassion for animals. Justin’s compassion started at home with his beloved pooch, Sam. Says Justin, “We moved to a city where we didn’t really know anybody, so I kinda wanted a friend around. And Sam was kinda like that friend.”

In addition to the fact that his dog is his closest companion, Justin also encourages his fans to adopt from animal shelters. According to Justin, “My Dad and I used to go and hang out … just go and visit the different animals and stuff. It’s really important that people adopt. I really encourage going out to an animal shelter or a place where you can get a dog that has been abandoned or doesn’t have a home.” Knowing that, it’s really no surprise that Justin and a furry friend named Bijoux can be seen in the newest PSA for peta2 posing next to the tagline “My World Includes Compassion for Animals. Yours Should Too.”

Justin’s right … everyone’s world should include compassion for animals. Whether it’s volunteering at your local animal shelter or spending more time with your furry companions at home, you can make a difference, just like Justin!