The 2025 " America's Favourite Pet " contest recently closed, and the top two winners this year, Queens, New York bulldog Buster and New Jersey domestic shorthair cat Geno, have definitely captured America's heart. This high-end contest, run by professional fundraiser Colossal for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), saw over 400,000 pets across the nation participate, so this victory for both animals and families is all the more exceptional.
The competition is special for the special method of voting that it follows. Pet owners provide a picture and description of their pets, while voters are entitled to one free vote per day. To also raise the passion and zeal for the cause, people can donate $1 per extra vote that they cast. This practice not only raises community participation but also makes people donate, so that every vote becomes a significant force towards animal welfare.
Buster's winning personality claims as ‘ America’s favourite dog ’
Buster, the beloved bulldog of Queens, New York, is no ordinary pup. A clever mischief-maker with a history of spiking soccer balls with headbutts, Buster is a fan favourite. His terrific personality comes through in all he does, from the raucous, side-splitting snores to his bull-headed love of roasted chicken. No surprise that his terrific personality won over the hearts of thousands of residents nationwide.
By claiming the title of "America's Favourite Dog," Buster not only won himself a $10,000 award but also the prestigious honor of appearing on the cover of Modern Dog magazine. His win speaks to how much love there is for pets and how much companionship and joy animals bring to our lives.
The winning charm of Geno, ‘ America's favourite cat ‘
At the same time, Geno, a domestic shorthair from New Jersey, was named America's Favorite Cat. "He is inquisitive, brave, and treat-motivated," his family says, and that bold and curious personality served him well in the extremely competitive contest. As a faithful survivor and friend, Geno's win meant a great deal to his devoted fans.
Similar to Buster, Geno also won a $10,000 award and will be the cover model of Modern Cat magazine. Geno's win helps to bring to light the way in which cats, with their own set of personalities and idiosyncrasies, also hold a special position in the hearts of pet owners across the country.
How "America's favourite pet" is transforming animal welfare support
Now in its fifth year, the "America's Favorite Pet" contest has grown into so much more than an online popularity contest. It is a massive fundraiser for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a progressive animal welfare organization. The contest generated a whopping $8.3 million this year alone and a total of well over $22 million in its first five years.
Proceeds from the competition go to fund life-saving care for thousands of animals, including wildlife and adoptable pets. Success of the competition demonstrates increased national interest in promoting animal welfare through both direct donation and grass-roots participation.
Eric Stonestreet joins the mission to give pets a second chance
This year's event was even more memorable as it was visited by Emmy-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, from the hit TV show Modern Family. Stonestreet, who is an avid animal enthusiast and cause supporter, co-hosted the event with his rescue dog, Roscoe. Thanks to Stonestreet's initiative, the competition not only honored cuteness and individuality but also fostered pet adoption and rescue campaigns.
Stonestreet's presence added to the face of the cause, reminding everyone who watched and participated of the thousands of animals that waited for their own hearts' homes. His support validated the overall theme of the competition: that all pets deserve a second chance at a good life.
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The competition is special for the special method of voting that it follows. Pet owners provide a picture and description of their pets, while voters are entitled to one free vote per day. To also raise the passion and zeal for the cause, people can donate $1 per extra vote that they cast. This practice not only raises community participation but also makes people donate, so that every vote becomes a significant force towards animal welfare.
Buster's winning personality claims as ‘ America’s favourite dog ’
Buster, the beloved bulldog of Queens, New York, is no ordinary pup. A clever mischief-maker with a history of spiking soccer balls with headbutts, Buster is a fan favourite. His terrific personality comes through in all he does, from the raucous, side-splitting snores to his bull-headed love of roasted chicken. No surprise that his terrific personality won over the hearts of thousands of residents nationwide.
By claiming the title of "America's Favourite Dog," Buster not only won himself a $10,000 award but also the prestigious honor of appearing on the cover of Modern Dog magazine. His win speaks to how much love there is for pets and how much companionship and joy animals bring to our lives.
The winning charm of Geno, ‘ America's favourite cat ‘
At the same time, Geno, a domestic shorthair from New Jersey, was named America's Favorite Cat. "He is inquisitive, brave, and treat-motivated," his family says, and that bold and curious personality served him well in the extremely competitive contest. As a faithful survivor and friend, Geno's win meant a great deal to his devoted fans.
Similar to Buster, Geno also won a $10,000 award and will be the cover model of Modern Cat magazine. Geno's win helps to bring to light the way in which cats, with their own set of personalities and idiosyncrasies, also hold a special position in the hearts of pet owners across the country.
How "America's favourite pet" is transforming animal welfare support
Now in its fifth year, the "America's Favorite Pet" contest has grown into so much more than an online popularity contest. It is a massive fundraiser for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a progressive animal welfare organization. The contest generated a whopping $8.3 million this year alone and a total of well over $22 million in its first five years.
Proceeds from the competition go to fund life-saving care for thousands of animals, including wildlife and adoptable pets. Success of the competition demonstrates increased national interest in promoting animal welfare through both direct donation and grass-roots participation.
Eric Stonestreet joins the mission to give pets a second chance
This year's event was even more memorable as it was visited by Emmy-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, from the hit TV show Modern Family. Stonestreet, who is an avid animal enthusiast and cause supporter, co-hosted the event with his rescue dog, Roscoe. Thanks to Stonestreet's initiative, the competition not only honored cuteness and individuality but also fostered pet adoption and rescue campaigns.
Stonestreet's presence added to the face of the cause, reminding everyone who watched and participated of the thousands of animals that waited for their own hearts' homes. His support validated the overall theme of the competition: that all pets deserve a second chance at a good life.
Also Read | Black Marlin: Discover the fastest fish in the world’s physical characteristics, diet, habitat and more
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