The Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards has officially unveiled its new ‘Best in State’ Awards — a competition spanning all 50 states, with over $250,000 in total prizes. One standout pet from each state will be selected, and the California winner will then compete against champions from every other state for the ‘Best Pet in the Nation’ Award, sponsored by USA TODAY Pets. These 50 state winners will appear live on stage during the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards ceremony, hosted by Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, on Tuesday, June 23 in Los Angeles. Iglesias, a Long Beach native, recently packed SoFi Stadium with more than 70,000 fans for a sold-out show.
Following its first year — which drew over 14,000 entries, 10 million votes, and raised more than $700,000 for shelter pets — the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards is broadening its reach through the ‘Best in State’ Awards, creating a localized competition. Pet owners across California and the rest of the country can now enter their cat or dog for the chance to be crowned their state’s top pet and move on to the national competition.
The awards will be conducted in two phases:
- Best in State’ Awards: recognizing one winning pet from each state
- ‘Best Pet in the Nation’ Award (presented by USA TODAY Pets): the 50 state champions vying for the national title
Best in State, 1st Place Prize Package:
- A $3,500 cash prize, two tickets (plus the pet) to the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles, a Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards trophy, and a spot in the Best Pet in the Nation final round
Best Pet in the Nation, The Full Star Treatment:
- The national champion receives $10,000 cash, round-trip travel and hotel accommodations in Los Angeles, a spot on the nationally broadcast red carpet, an on-stage announcement at the awards ceremony, a professional photography session, a feature in USA TODAY Pets, and a Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards trophy.
To submit your California pet for the ‘Best in State’ Awards and see the full competition rules, go to petloverschoiceawards.com.
Public voting determines the winners. Every paid vote directly benefits Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit working to save the lives of dogs and cats in shelters.
ABOUT THE PET LOVERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
The Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards is the first fan-driven, nationally broadcast awards show that celebrates America’s dogs and cats. This event honors the animals who improve our lives while supporting pet lifesaving through Best Friends Animal Society. Follow us on social: Instagram @petloversawards, Facebook @thepetloverschoiceawards, TikTok @officialpetloversawards.
ABOUT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization committed to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and achieving a no-kill nation. Founded in 1984, Best Friends operates lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide, partnering with more than 6,000 shelters and rescue groups. From our headquarters in Kanab, Utah, we also manage the country’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings our mission to life for thousands of visitors each year. We maintain the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the nation and make it available to the public — giving communities critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. We believe every dog and cat deserves a home. And we believe that, by working together, we can Save Them All®.
ABOUT USA TODAY PETS
USA TODAY Pets is a platform for people who deeply care about their animals, offering trusted advice, inspiration, and community for pet owners nationwide. As part of the USA TODAY Network, USA TODAY Pets reaches millions of readers each month with audience-first coverage focused on the human–animal bond, responsible pet ownership, and the joy pets bring to everyday life. Visit us at: https://www.usatoday.com/pets-animals.
