Kelly Ripa reveals health issue delaying her new puppy’s arrival

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos await their new rescue dog’s homecoming as he receives treatment for a parasite

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are delaying the arrival of their newly adopted rescue dog after discovering that the puppy has a parasite and needs treatment.

The Live with Kelly and Mark hosts shared the update exclusively with PEOPLE on Sunday, October 18, while attending the Broadway opening night of Other Desert Cities at the Hudson Theatre in New York City.

“We don’t have him yet because he had a little bit of health issue,” Ripa, 56, told the publication.

“A parasite,” Consuelos, 55, clarified, adding that the dog is receiving treatment before joining the family.

The couple hopes to bring their new pet home soon. “Any day now,” Consuelos said, expressing optimism about the puppy’s arrival.

The adoption was announced less than a week earlier during the hosts’ daytime talk show, Live with Kelly and Mark, as part of its Adopt a Dog Week. The puppy, initially named Lucas, was brought onto the set by rescue organisation Pet ResQ Inc. on October 12.

Consuelos quickly bonded with the dog, who fell asleep in his arms during the broadcast. The couple confirmed the adoption the following day, with Consuelos introducing the puppy as Javi.

However, the name remains undecided. While Consuelos suggested Javi, short for Javier, Ripa revealed that their family was also considering keeping the puppy’s original name, Lucas. Their three adult children, Michael, Lola and Joaquin, have offered suggestions, although the couple joked that their children do not get a vote.

The new puppy will join Lena, their Maltese-Shih Tzu mix adopted in 2020. Ripa previously said the dogs had begun playing together after an initially cautious introduction.

The adoption also comes after the couple lost their beloved dog Chewie in February 2025 at age 17. Ripa said she wondered whether Chewie had somehow led them to their new companion, who reminded her of their late pet.

For now, the couple is preparing to welcome their newest family member once his treatment is complete.