Now this is a cause worth wagging about! America’s Favorite Pet 2025 wrapped, and the fifth annual campaign was bigger and furrier than ever. With Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet guest starring in the online competition, more than 400,000 adorable participants went paw-to-paw for the crown and helped raise over $8.3 million for PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society), a nonprofit that has been connecting pets with loving families and rehabilitating wildlife since 1967.
The online competition, run by national fundraising organization Colossal, invites pet parents to submit photos of their furry best friends and rally votes from fans and followers. While daily voting is free, supporters can also cast donation votes. And for anyone wondering if it’s legit, the numbers speak for themselves: Since launching, they’ve raised a whopping $22 million in support of PAWS.
The 2025 champions, Buster the Bulldog and Geno the Domestic Shorthair, stole the show with their standout personalities and loyal fan bases. Now crowned America’s Favorite Pets 2025, they each earned $10,000 and cover spots on Modern Dog and Modern Cat magazines (see them on the current S/S 2025 editions).
Buster is beloved for being the sweetest, funniest, most cuddly, and charismatic creature alive, according to Leah, his loving human mom. Known for his soccer skills and deep love for roasted chicken, Buster is described as the best roommate ever, always calm, loyal, and by Leah’s side.
“Buster lights up every room he enters,” she said. “He is just such a good boy, and my dad has been begging me to get him an agent since the day I brought him home. I think it’s time he gets the recognition he deserves.”
Geno, the feline champion, won fans over with his inquisitive and affectionate nature. He’s instantly recognizable by the slight bend at the tip of his tail—a quirky reminder of an early injury. His human dad, Al, says it adds a little swagger to his step and sets him apart with charm. Geno is described as brave, intellectual, and always eager to be part of the family’s day-to-day life.
“He’s so much more than a cool cat—he’s a healer, a best friend, and has filled our hearts with his love and a little bit of harmless mischief,” Al said. The all-around modern cat.
In addition to America’s Favorite Pet, Colossal is known for organizing popular competitions like America’s Favorite Teacher and Baby of the Year. Registrations are currently open for the Jr. Ranger competition and America’s Next Top Hitmaker.
