Rockefeller & Sammy: America's Favorite Pet® Crowns 2026 Champions | Raises Millions for Charity

Colossals' online fundraising campaign raised $7.5 million this year to support DTCare, which grants funds to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

PHOENIX, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Favorite Pet®, the viral nationwide online competition and fundraiser powered by Colossal, has officially crowned its 2026 champions: Rockefeller ("Rocky"), a 9-year-old Morkie from New York City, and Sammy, a charismatic Flame Point Ragdoll cat from Detroit. Together, this year's winners captured the hearts of voters nationwide, while helping raise over $7.5 million to support DTCare, which grants funds to PAWS, a Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Hosted by Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, the campaign continues to celebrate the powerful bond between people and their pets while driving meaningful impact. For Wahlberg and McCarthy Wahlberg, homelife includes a pack of Shih Tzus who are very much part of the family. The couple, both devoted animal lovers, bring a genuine passion to the competition that resonates with pet parents across the country.

The Charity Beneficiary: PAWS

America's Favorite Pet has become one of the largest philanthropic pet campaigns in the United States. Since 2022, Colossal has raised more than $29 million through the competition to support PAWS, a charity that rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife, while also providing shelter, care, and adoption pathways for homeless cats and dogs, working toward a world where all animals thrive in healthy homes or natural habitats. Past grants have supported the construction of a 25-acre wildlife rehabilitation center, the care of thousands of animals annually, and programs reaching thousands of students.

Meet the 2026 Champions

Rockefeller, aka "Rocky," is a 9-year-old Morkie full of personality and charm. This New York City pup loves Central Park walks, endless games of fetch, cuddles, and dressing up in his stylish outfits. With playful antics and sweet kisses, Rockefeller is always ready for his next urban adventure.

Sammy is a stunning Ragdoll cat with a fluffy coat, striking eyes, and a larger-than-life purr-sonality. This laid-back king of the house loves sunbathing, tummy rubs, and turning everyday objects into "hockey" games. Sammy can typically be found exploring, climbing plants, or keeping his home delightfully under control.

As this year's top dog and top cat, Rockefeller and Sammy will each receive $10,000 and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog and Modern Cat magazines, respectively. Their human parents will also share their stories inside the magazines, offering readers a closer look at the love, care, and connection that define life with their pets.

A Competition with Purpose

Participants entered by submitting photos of their pets and rallying support from friends, family, and online communities. Each voter received one free vote per day, with additional votes by donation available — directly supporting PAWS' work.

While the prizes spark excitement, it's the purpose behind the competition that continues to drive participation year after year. Each vote, share, and story contributes to a nationwide effort to make animals' lives safer, healthier, and happier.

America's Favorite Pet Sponsors

The competition is sponsored by Crown & Paw and Love, Nala.

Crown & Paw: Turn your pet into royalty with a custom portrait from Crown & Paw! Each masterpiece captures your fur-baby's unique charm and personality, creating a timeless keepsake you'll treasure forever.

Love, Nala: Inspired by Nala Cat, every bite of Love, Nala's food, treats, and supplements is packed with a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and love—because that's what makes your kitty's world go round.

From playful moments to heartfelt memories, the campaign reflects a universal truth: behind every pet is a story that connects us all.

To learn more and see who rounded out the final 4, visit: www.AmericasFavPet.com.

About Colossal
Colossal is a professional fundraiser redefining modern philanthropy through purpose-driven online competitions that raise money for charity. With a mission to inspire people to advocate for themselves and those in need, Colossal empowers individuals to pursue their passions, rally their communities, and compete for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, all while driving meaningful charitable impact where giving wins. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Since 2022, Colossal has raised over $215 million to support charity. Annual competitions include Baby of the Year, America's Favorite Pet, America's Favorite Teacher, Youth Athlete of the Year, and more. Learn more at colossal.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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SOURCE Colossal