Hilary Swank and Jane Lynch co-hosted the inaugural Cause For Paws telethon which aired on Thanksgiving night (27Nov14).

The actresses fronted a two-hour show full of celebrity games and appearances, and handed out prizes to talented pets while urging viewers to adopt from animal shelters.

Pink, Scarlett Johansson and Miranda Lambert were among the stars who appeared in videos introducing dogs up for adoption across America.

Miley Cyrus also took the stage at the Santa Monica, California telethon to stand up for pit bull terriers. The singer explained many pit bulls are discriminated against because potential owners fear they are too violent, and therefore few find a home for life.

Cyrus herself adopted a pit bull, called Mary-Jane.

Other stars who appeared at the telethon included Channing Tatum and his wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Josh Duhamel, Betty White and Rosalyn Sanchez.

The show was taped on 22 November (14).