Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias to Host Inaugural Pet Lovers' Choice Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA – December 17, 2025 – The red carpet is being rolled out for a new class of celebrity: America's beloved dogs and cats. Comedian and actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias has been announced as the host for the inaugural Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, a pioneering event billed as the first nationally broadcast, fan-voted awards show dedicated entirely to household pets. The prime-time special aims to combine the glitz of a Hollywood awards ceremony with a powerful philanthropic mission, with proceeds benefiting the national animal welfare organization, Best Friends Animal Society.

The live event is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on February 24, 2026, with a national broadcast across multiple television and streaming platforms slated for early March. For countless pet owners, it represents a unique opportunity to see their furry family members celebrated on a national stage.

A New Breed of Awards Show

The Pet Lovers' Choice Awards promises to mirror the format of established fan-centric events like the People's Choice Awards, complete with celebrity presenters, emotional video packages, comedic segments, and surprise performances. The twist, of course, is that the nominees and winners are not actors or musicians, but everyday pets who have captured the hearts of their owners and, ultimately, the nation.

Gabriel Iglesias, a globally recognized comedian and vocal animal lover, will lead the ceremony, bringing his signature humor to the stage alongside his new puppy, Roka. His involvement lends significant star power to the debut event.

“Hosting the first Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards was a total no-brainer,” Iglesias stated in the announcement. “Fluffy and puppies? Come on—that’s the most adorable tag-team since snacks and naps.”

Pet owners across the country can submit their companions for consideration in a variety of categories designed to be inclusive of all types of pets and their unique qualities. The categories include Cutest Dog, Cutest Cat, Senior Sweetheart, Athletic Champion, Most Fashionable, Best Personality, and Best Rescue Pet. This structure democratizes the concept of animal stardom, shifting the focus from professionally trained animal actors to the charismatic companions who enrich daily life. Winners will receive a substantial prize package that includes a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the live show.

Beyond the Red Carpet: Philanthropy and Purpose

At the core of the glamour and celebration is a robust charitable component. The event is a major fundraising initiative for Best Friends Animal Society, a highly-regarded national organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. Founded in 1984, Best Friends has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, a testament to its financial health and commitment to transparency.

Proceeds from every paid vote cast during the competition will directly support the society's mission. The event's organizers have detailed a structure where 51% of net voting revenue, after processing fees, will be donated. While votes are not tax-deductible, the funds will have a tangible impact. Best Friends Animal Society plans to use the proceeds to distribute a minimum of $100,000 in grants to its network partners—local shelters and rescue groups working on the front lines of animal welfare.

“Best Friends is incredibly honored to be the beneficiary of the very first Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “It’s a true privilege to help people celebrate the pets that have made an impact on them, and we hope this event inspires many more people to get involved in helping dogs and cats find loving homes through adopting, fostering, volunteering, and more.”

The Business of Barks and Meows

While driven by a charitable mission, the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards also represents a savvy entry into the booming pet industry and the evolving landscape of entertainment. The claim of being the first-ever nationally broadcast, fan-voted awards show for pets appears to hold up against scrutiny. While other programs, such as Petco Love’s annual “Love Stories” campaign, award significant grants based on adoption stories, they do not feature the televised, multi-category, celebrity-hosted format of a traditional awards show.

The event is a joint venture between production companies Entertainment Gang LLC and Buzz Box IP Pty Ltd, with the technical voting platform managed by Launchpad6. This professional backing signals a serious effort to create a recurring, high-production-value television event that can capture a wide audience.

The fan-voting model is a powerful tool for audience engagement, creating a direct investment in the outcome and driving both participation and revenue. As the entertainment industry increasingly seeks interactive content, an awards show for pets—a universally beloved topic—taps into a massive and passionate market. However, a critical piece of the puzzle remains to be announced: the specific national television and streaming partners. Securing prominent broadcasters will be key to fulfilling the show's promise of a true prime-time, national platform.

How to Get Your Pet in the Spotlight

For pet owners eager to see their companion contend for a title, the process is straightforward. Submissions are now open at the official website, petloverschoiceawards.com. Owners can enter their cat or dog by creating a profile, sharing photos and videos, and telling the story of what makes their pet special.

Following the submission period, a nationwide voting window will open, allowing the public to cast their votes for their favorites in each category. The winners will be crowned during the live event in February before the show is broadcast to the nation.

The combination of a chance at fame for a beloved pet and the opportunity to contribute to a respected animal welfare cause creates a compelling proposition. By celebrating the human-animal bond on a grand scale, the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards aims to be more than just entertainment; it seeks to galvanize a nationwide community of animal lovers and make a lasting difference for homeless pets across the country.