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A Chicago bulldog known online as Pancake has emerged among the winners of the inaugural Pet Lover’s Choice Awards, a new national poll that highlights pet creators and routes funds to animal welfare. The result, announced in April 2026, brings prize money and broader visibility to the pet and rescue communities behind the nominees.
More than 10 million votes were cast across categories in the first edition of the competition, organizers say, with paid votes supporting the Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit focused on animal rescue and shelter initiatives. Winners receive a cash award, a trophy and an invitation to the awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
How the contest worked
The awards combined public voting with fundraising: people could cast free votes or pay to support favorites, and proceeds were directed to charity. The live ceremony is scheduled for June in L.A., with comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias slated as host.
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- Total votes: Over 10 million across categories
- Charity beneficiary: Best Friends Animal Society
- Prize for winners: $10,000, a trophy and an invitation to the live event
- Event details: Live awards show in Los Angeles in June; celebrity host announced
Meet Pancake — Chicago’s winner
Posting under the handle @thebabypancake, Pancake is credited by fans for lively, often humorous clips that helped build a sizable following. Organizers placed the bulldog in the Mid-Tier Influencer category, where Pancake was ultimately crowned a winner.
The prize package—cash and visibility—gives the animal’s caretakers resources and a platform they can use for content or to support local pet causes. All named winners will also be offered a presence at the June ceremony, creating an opportunity for on-stage recognition and media attention.
Why this matters now
Beyond a feel-good headline, the awards intersect with two ongoing developments: the growing commercial visibility of pet influencers and a renewed fundraising push for animal welfare organizations. By linking voting to donations, the event channeled fan engagement into financial support for rescue work at a time many shelters report continued demand for resources.
For Chicago’s pet community, Pancake’s win is a local spotlight: it can draw new followers to shelters and creators who advocate for adoption and care. For followers and brands, the award signals which pet creators have meaningful audience reach—information that can shape partnerships and content strategies.
Organizers say this was the first edition of the Pet Lover’s Choice Awards; if the event returns, winners and charities could see recurring benefits from the attention it generates.
