Meet America’s favourite pets: Buster the bulldog and Geno the cat

In a celebration of furry companionship, Buster the bulldog from Queens, New York, and Geno, a domestic shorthair cat from New Jersey, have been named winners of the 2025 “America’s Favorite Pet” competition.

This contest, hosted by professional fundraiser Colossal for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), drew over 400,000 hopeful pets nationwide, making this victory a special moment for these two charming animals and their families.

Each pet owner submits a photo and profile, and voters can cast one free vote every day or donate $1 per additional vote. This unique model encourages community participation and generosity, turning a simple vote into a powerful tool for animal welfare.

Buster the Bulldog

Buster is no ordinary bulldog. Known around his neighborhood for his playful "soccer-ball-spiking headbutts," his loud, endearing snores, and an unmatched love for roasted chicken, his personality shines through every picture and story shared by his owner.

His gentle and comedic nature has endeared him to thousands of voters.

Winning “America’s Favorite Dog” earned Buster a $10,000 prize and the honor of gracing the cover of Modern Dog magazine.

Geno the Cat

Geno, described by his family as an “inquisitive, brave, and treat-motivated feline,” captured hearts as America’s favorite cat. This domestic shorthair cat’s curiosity and courage make him stand out as a true survivor and beloved companion.

As the winner among thousands of cats, Geno also received a $10,000 prize and the spotlight as the cover star of Modern Cat magazine.

Now in its fifth year, the “America’s Favorite Pet” competition is much more than a friendly online vote. It’s a major fundraiser for PAWS, a leading animal welfare organization. This year, the contest raised an impressive $8.3 million, contributing to a five-year total exceeding $22 million in funds that provide life-saving support to thousands of animals, including rescued wildlife and pets waiting for adoption.

Adding a special touch this year, Emmy-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, who is known for Modern Family and as a passionate animal advocate, hosted the competition. With his rescue dog Roscoe by his side, Stonestreet helped spotlight the importance of pet adoption and rescue efforts.