She may be a big Hollywood star with a hit show and a slew of successful movies under her belt, but Katherine Heigl is really just an animal lover at heart.

And yesterday (November 9) the “Grey’s Anatomy” babe was spotted visiting the Villalobos Rescue Center, the largest Pit Bull rescue center in the country, with her mother.

Katherine enjoyed frolicking with a few of the over-200 Pit Bulls at the shelter, and even spent some time getting up-close and personal with a Bengal tiger and a black panther.

The “Knocked Up” hottie and her mother are both dog lovers, and are reportedly passionate about raising the plight of the animals at the Villalobos Rescue Center.

Gossip Girls

Enjoy the pictures of Katherine Heigl at the Villalobos Rescue Center (November 9).