Does your dog stand out from the rest of the pack? Is your feline friend known for their amazing cat-itude? Perhaps your horse is ready to gallop into a new role!
Boo, a cockatoo from Smithfield, VA, raised more than $33,000 in support of Pet Partners during the competition, making history as the highest fundraising team ever and the first bird to be named Pet of the Year. Boo and his favorite human, Amy, have been a registered Pet Partners therapy animal team since 2025.
Boo loves visiting individuals on the autism spectrum, people with disabilities, and patients in occupational and hand therapy programs, as well as youth groups and community events. Boo hosted local fundraisers like “Brews with Boo,” connected with thousands at the Super Pet Expo, and rallied supporters through social media storytelling. The connections they built through visits and their shared story played a big part in Boo’s historic win as Pet of the Year.
This exciting six-week fundraising competition runs from early March through mid-April and gives us an opportunity to celebrate the animals we love, while also supporting a great cause. Funds raised by pet candidates (with help from their favorite humans) will support the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program. This amazing program brings unconditional love, happiness, and healing to millions of seniors, patients, veterans, and children in need all around the world each year.
The national title of “Pet Partners Pet of the Year” is awarded to the pet whose fundraising team raises the most funds during the six-week competition. You can follow the fundraising teams on social media by searching for #pppetoftheyear. The winner will be crowned at the close of the competition and awarded thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes* for their efforts!
*The IRS requires that we report the value of some prizes and may be considered taxable income. We encourage winners to consult with their tax advisor.
Please note: In adherence with Pet Partners’ high standards for animal welfare and client safety, if your pet is currently participating in volunteer therapy animal visits, you must be a registered Pet Partners team to compete.
