America’s Favorite Pet Takes Home $10K. Who Will Win?

In the contest for America's Favorite Pet, thousands compete for major prize money and a two-page feature. It's hard not to love all of the contestants.

Does your pet have what it takes to win the title of America’s Favorite Pet? The contest was originally open to only dogs and cats, but the newest ideation, America’s Favorite Pet: Animal Kingdom, opened registration to all animals. The winner will get $10,000 in prize money, plus a two-page feature in InTouch Magazine.

There are thousands of animals in the running, and the competition is both fluffy and fierce. Check out 10 of our favorite contestants and cast your vote below.

Merida

America’s Favorite Pet

Merida’s favorite treat: Carrots and pumpkin

Why we’d vote for Merida: Merida might be big on the outside, but her heart is even bigger. First, she helped her owner overcome a fear of riding after a serious riding accident.

Now, she serves as an ambassador for bitless riding and clicker training, two practices that offer a gentler approach to traditional riding practices. Merida also has a fabulous sense of humor, spitting water on her favorite humans to make them laugh.

Vote for Merida

Remington

America’s Favorite Pet

Remington’s favorite treat: Rawhide bones and frozen whipped cream

Why we’d vote for Remington: If Remington’s big baby blues don’t melt your heart, his personality will. He loves babies and kids, and he’ll happily learn new tricks.

If he’s tired of training, don’t worry. He’ll let you know. True to his husky heritage, Remington is not shy about voicing his opinion.

If you see him sticking his head out of the sunroof during a car ride, don’t forget to wave.

Vote for Remington

Lola

America’s Favorite Pet

Lola’s favorite treat: Bananas and carrots

Why we’d vote for Lola: People often assume bunnies are like fluffy, living stuffed animals. Lola is here to prove them wrong.

She serves up nonstop laughs to her owners, particularly when she performs her favorite sneak attack. While her mom is eating dinner, Lola sneaks up and nabs the napkin right out of her hand.

Let’s see a hamster pull that off.

Vote for Lola

Obsidian

America’s Favorite Pet

Obsidian’s favorite treat: Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp

Why we’d vote for Obsidian: Not only is Obsidian the most unconventional pet on this list, but he comes with an incredibly touching backstory. The little otter was only given a 50 percent chance of survival, and we’re happy to say he came out on top. The humans who rescued him also rescue other wildlife, along with dogs and cats.

Obsidian is welcoming to all of them, even the ones who aren’t so sure about him yet. If he wins the title of America’s Favorite Pet, the prize money will go toward helping him and his adopted siblings get the vet care they need, plus plenty of treats on top.

Vote for Obsidian

Kona

America’s Favorite Pet

Kona’s favorite treat: Bully sticks and ice

Why we’d vote for Kona: The stigma surrounding bully breeds has led to so much heartache for sweet dogs like Kona. She’s hoping to help put rumors to rest. Kona is a love bug if ever we’ve seen one.

She loves everyone, and proves it by showering them in slobbery kisses. She also once plopped down in the middle of an 11-mile hike and refused to move, and if that’s not relatable, we don’t know what is.

Vote for Kona

Charlie

Cute dog wearing sunglasses and rolling over

America’s Favorite Pet

Charlie’s favorite treat: Literally anything that tastes like bacon

Why we’d vote for Charlie: Dachshunds are one of America’s favorite dog breeds, and we can see why. These hot dog-shaped canines look like tiny, four-legged seals with their big round eyes and sleek fur.

Their short fur also means they’re prone to getting cold, but Charlie refuses to go to bed unless he’s completely covered up by a cozy blanket. This one’s a snuggler, and we’re here for it.

Vote for Charlie

Crush

America’s Favorite Pet

Crush’s favorite treat: Chicken

Why we’d vote for Crush: Crush is a Leo, and it shows. This little fire sign is tiny, but fierce, bouncing off the walls like a chaotic fur ball of affection. He brought joy back into his owner’s life with his nonstop antics, and pushes her to get outside and get moving.

Without his daily walkies, his episodes of the zoomies might wreck the entire house. So worth it.

Vote for Crush

Louie

America’s Favorite Pet

Louie’s favorite treat: Anything he can fit in his mouth

Why we’d vote for Louie: Louie is good at many things, but listening is not one of them. He will eat anything and everything, including doggie ice cream, ice cubes and broccoli, plus many other things that could earn him a trip to the emergency vet.

Funny, because he’s practically a medical professional himself. He serves as patient moral support at the dental office his owner works at, cheering up even the most fearful of patients. With other dogs, however, he’s a big chicken. He likes to lay down on the sidewalk during walks and wait for them to approach, before panicking and running away.

It’s OK, Louie. We still love you.

Vote for Louie

Chicka

America’s Favorite Pet

Chicka’s favorite treat: Hot potatoes and lemonade

Why we’d vote for Chicka: To start, Chicka looks like a work of art. She has a stately black beak set in an elegant white face framed by striking shades of bright green, gold and blue. Her pale eyes look like they were lined by a professional makeup artist.

Chicka is more than just a pretty face, though. She was raised with children who were extremely rough with her and faced a lengthy retraining process to help her trust people again.

Now, she’s a bundle of laughs, swinging upside down from her perch and posing for photos to amuse passersby.

Vote for Chicka

Loki

America’s Favorite Pet

Loki’s favorite treat: Cherry tomatoes

Why we’d vote for Loki: Black labs are timeless. They’re practically the model all other big dogs are made from, with a gentle, playful nature and a puppy-like spirit for life. Loki’s a big bundle of love, sleeping under the covers with his parents every night and waking them up with happy butt wiggles in the morning.

This big goofball is nothing if not an enthusiast. He goes nuts over cherry tomatoes at any hour of the day or night, and once jumped out of a moving vehicle to chase after a deer. Neither he nor the deer were physically harmed, but the deer might need therapy.

Sadly, Loki was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Voting for him will help him get the treatment he needs, so what are you waiting for?

Vote for Loki

Want to Do More to Help Wildlife?

MaZiKab / Getty Images

Animal Kingdom is a new branch of America’s Favorite Pet, which has partnered with the PAWS Foundation to expand their wildlife rehab programs.

PAWS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping dogs, cats and wildlife return home safely — whether home is a loving human family or a flourishing forest.

To help them further their mission, consider donating, or explore career options in animal rehabilitation and rescue.

For more about furry and feathery friends, check out these Always Pets stories.