We are beside ourselves and thrilled to announce that, together with competitors and their supporters, Colossal raised a total of $8,377,105.50 for PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) at the conclusion of the 2025 America’s Favorite Pet competition!

Check out the big reveal to PAWS earlier today on the Colossal YouTube channel here!

Andi Anderson, Director of Philanthropy & Events at PAWS, had this to say about this monumental donation:

“Thank you” really doesn’t feel like enough to express how much this donation means to PAWS! At a time when the number of stray and abandoned dogs and cats is on the rise and we are being called upon to step in to help with increasingly complex cases, this donation is literally a lifeline to animals in need.

Because of Colossal and America’s Favorite Pet, PAWS can say yes to the animals who need us most. Newborn kittens that need round-the-clock care, senior dogs with complex medical needs, animals rescued from hoarding situations or natural disasters – all of them can find safety and a second chance at PAWS thanks to you.

What inspires me most about America’s Favorite Pet is that it shows what is possible when people come together. One single vote might feel like a small act, but when we combine our efforts, the collective impact is huge! I can only imagine what we’ll be able to do for animals together when we get to 1 million participants next year!

Thank you so much for this awe-inspiring donation. We are honored, humbled, and ready to put these funds to work to save thousands of cats, dogs, and wild animals!

Thanks to this funding, PAWS can continue to offer critical care to animals in desperate need—everything from newborn kittens to senior dogs, as well as pets rescued from hoarding situations or natural disasters.”

Meet the 2025 Champions

America's Favorite Pet is NOT a scam — Buster

This year’s America’s Favorite Pet champions are just as amazing as their stories:

Buster the Bulldog – A soccer-obsessed, chicken-loving cuddle bug.
Geno the Cat – A strutting, affectionate ball of charm.

Learn more on the America’s Favorite Pet website.

Buster and Geno each won $10,000 and will appear on the covers of Modern Dog and Modern Cat—how’s that for a claim to fame?

Meet the 2025 Runners-Up: The Pets Who Almost Took It All!

While Buster and Geno claimed the top spots in this year’s America’s Favorite Pet competition, the competition was fierce! Our 2025 runners-up showed the same incredible charm, talent, and love for their families that made them unforgettable contenders. Let's give a big round of applause to these fantastic fur-babies who came so close to the crown:

Dogs: Leopoldo, Xander, Poseidon
Cats: Poppa, Felix, Captain

These pets may not have taken home the title, but they certainly captured our hearts and left their pawprints on the competition!

A Hollywood Touch

We couldn’t be more excited to have Eric Stonestreet, one of Hollywood’s funniest animal lovers, join us along with his sidekick Roscoe. Together, they celebrated the bond between pets and humans and shared heartwarming moments with all our participants. Plus, the internet’s own Nala Cat, a true “catfluencer,” brought her adorable personality to the competition.

Pawsitively Pawesome Sponsors

A huge thank you to our generous sponsors for making this all possible:

KONG – Pet toys that keep playtime fun and engaging.
Love, Nala – Nala Cat’s line of nutritious treats and supplements.
Furbaby Socks – Custom pet socks that give back to animals in need.
Crown & Paw – Custom pet portraits that turn your pet into royalty.

Hall of Fur: Past Heroes

Our 2024 winners, Destiny and Ysera, were true heroes, each overcoming adversity to claim their title. Destiny, a therapy dog, and Ysera, a special-needs cat, both graced the covers of Modern Dog and Modern Cat, spreading messages of hope and resilience for pets in need.

Testimonials From Our Pet Parents

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what participants had to say:

“Participating in America’s Favorite Pet has been life-changing for me… I’m so grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the bond we share.” – Colleen G, Pet Parent of Ozzie

“It was such a fun experience. Blessings to everyone who was on this path!” – Kerri W, Pet Parent of Kokoski

“This competition has been such an exciting experience for my family!” – Ronnie V, Pet Parent of Gizmo

Why America’s Favorite Pet Matters

At its core, America’s Favorite Pet isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of cover features and cash prizes. It's a competition that brings communities together, raising vital funds for PAWS and helping them fulfill their mission to provide a better life for animals everywhere.

With over $20 million raised to date, we’re proud of the difference this competition continues to make. It’s proof that when we all come together—whether it’s voting for our favorite pets or spreading the word about the cause—we can create real, lasting change for animals in need.

Is This Really Legit?

Is America’s Favorite Pet a scam?

A: America’s Favorite Pet is not a scam. It is a legitimate competition that raises funds for PAWS, a trusted nonprofit dedicated to animal welfare. We've raised over $20 million for this cause. We are proud of the transparency and the community that this competition fosters.

If you’ve ever wondered whether America’s Favorite Pet is just another “too-good-to-be-true” contest, rest assured—it’s the real deal. Next year, we hope you and your pet join in the fun, because together, we can make a world of difference for animals in need.