Beth Stern: On Compassion, Community, and the Kindness That Defines the Hamptons
Interview by Vanessa Coppes
Photography by Steve Vaccariello
Hair and Makeup by Erin McNeill Soika
Styling: Beth’s closet
Every summer, the Hamptons become synonymous with beautiful beaches, elegant homes, unforgettable gatherings, and timeless style. Yet beyond the iconic landscapes lies something far more meaningful—a community rooted in generosity, philanthropy, and the belief that giving back is simply part of living well.
Few people embody that spirit more authentically than Beth Stern.
While many know Beth as a television personality, bestselling author, and passionate animal advocate, those who call the Hamptons home know another side of her: the woman whose house has quietly become a sanctuary for abandoned kittens, expectant mothers, senior cats, and animals with nowhere else to go. Behind the doors of her Hamptons home, nearly 3,000 animals have been given a second chance.
Through Beth's Furry Friends, her children's books, and the deeply personal stories she shares with millions online, Beth has transformed animal rescue into something people don't simply admire—they participate in. She has inspired countless families to foster, adopt, volunteer, and discover that changing the world doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with opening your heart to one life at a time.
It's this quiet generosity that defines both Beth and the Hamptons at their very best.
For BELLA's annual Hamptons Issue, we sat down with Beth Stern to discuss purpose, legacy, compassion, and why kindness remains the most beautiful thing we can leave behind.
You've transformed animal rescue from something people admire into something people can actually experience. Looking back at the thousands of animals you've fostered and helped place into loving homes, what has this journey taught you about love, patience, and purpose?
I've been rescuing innocent animals my entire life. My parents had rescued animals in our home before I was even born, so I've never known life without animals by my side. We were the family people called whenever an animal needed a home—dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chickens... you name it.
Now, at this stage of my life, being able to foster and provide medical care for so many animals is something I feel incredibly fortunate to do. I always knew this was my life's purpose, and I'm so proud of every animal that has come through my care.
The greatest gifts they've given me are love and patience. Animals have an extraordinary way of teaching us both.
Your home has become much more than a house—it's a sanctuary. Animals arrive frightened, abandoned, sick, senior, or with special needs, and somehow leave feeling safe enough to trust again. How do you create that sense of security for them, and in return, how have they become a source of comfort for you?
I have very specific rooms designated for each animal's individual needs.
Right now, I have two birthing suites for expectant mama cats. It's kitten season, so they're both full. These rooms are quiet and peaceful, with cozy tented areas where the mothers can safely give birth. I also have cameras set up so I know when labor begins. I like being there with them in case anything goes wrong.
My senior fosters enjoy warm, cozy spaces filled with natural sunlight. The kittens have dedicated playrooms filled with toys, climbing trees, and flooring that can be disinfected daily—because kittens are messy!
My special medical fosters usually stay in my bathroom, close to my bedroom, so I can easily check on them throughout the night and administer medications when needed.
My resident special-needs cats and every foster who comes through my home bring me incredible peace and comfort. I hope they feel the same from me.
Beth's Furry Friends was born from personal loss and grew into an extraordinary legacy of hope. What has that experience taught you about transforming grief into service?
When our beloved bulldog Bianca passed away, I suddenly had the time to begin volunteering and fostering the way I'd always wanted to. Bianca had become a full-time job during the last years of her life because of her medical needs.
After she passed, I visited an overcrowded municipal shelter where animals were at risk of euthanasia. I brought home a litter of five kittens. Once they found their forever families, I couldn't wait to rescue the next group.
As difficult as it is to say goodbye to every foster, I immediately open my heart to those who still need me.
Soon afterward, I returned to that same shelter and rescued a severely abused mama cat and her four kittens who had been found in a filthy junkyard. We named the mama Bella.
After all of her kittens were adopted, Howard and I knew she belonged with us forever. Bella was completely blind and had medical issues throughout the years we cared for her. She lived a beautiful life with us and passed away peacefully from old age just a few months ago.
When you asked me to be the cover of BELLA Magazine, my very first thought was of my beautiful Bella.
One thing that makes your rescue work so unique is how personally involved you remain throughout the adoption process. You review every application, interview families, and often hand-deliver your fosters yourself. What tells you someone has found the right forever home?
Every potential adopter completes a thorough ten-page application before anything else.
Even from the very first email I receive, I usually have a good sense of who they are and what their intentions may be.
Once the application is complete, my team and I review everything carefully. Then we schedule a phone interview, contact references, and speak directly with their veterinarian. If everything checks out beautifully, I'll ask for photos of their home because I truly like seeing where my fosters may live. After all those steps, I trust my instincts.
So far, nearly 3,000 animals have passed through my home and found wonderful forever families.
Anyone interested in adopting one of my fosters can contact me at bethsternfosters@gmail.com.
Your newest children's book, Coco and Stephen, Together Forever, introduces young readers to themes of friendship, compassion, and adoption. Why is it so important to begin these conversations with children?
I love starting conversations with children about rescue, caring for animals, and sharing the joy I experience every day.
It's never too early.
I hope my books help children understand the importance of adoption, that every life matters, and that innocent animals need our help.
My greatest hope is that children read my stories, talk about them with their parents and friends, and encourage others to visit a local shelter and adopt.
I also encourage children to ask an adult for help if they ever see or hear about an injured or neglected animal.
Through television, books, social media, and public appearances, you've helped change the narrative around animal rescue. Rather than leading with heartbreak, you choose to lead with hope. Why do you think that approach resonates so deeply?
I try to find a balance because the truth is that every foster begins with a heartbreaking story. I love sharing each animal's entire journey—from rescue day all the way to forever family day. When people visit my social media and witness the joy these animals bring into their new homes, I hope they're inspired to do the same. Pets give us so much.
I truly wish everyone in the world could experience the unconditional love of an animal.
The Hamptons have long been known for beautiful homes, breathtaking beaches, and extraordinary philanthropy. In many ways, you've become part of that legacy. What do you think truly defines the beauty of the Hamptons—and at this chapter of your life, what feels most beautiful to you?
My relationship with my husband. He makes everything in my life good.
He's my best friend, my rescue partner, and the biggest supporter of my life's mission to save animals.
In fact, I told him just this morning that I still get butterflies every time I see him.
