Chicago Bulldog Wins Pet Lover's Choice Award

Meet Pancake, the social media star who captured the hearts of over 10 million pet enthusiasts.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A minimalist, graphic illustration featuring bold black silhouettes and high-contrast solid colors, conceptually representing an energetic, playful bulldog.A whimsical illustration captures the spirited essence of Pancake, the Chicago bulldog who won over millions of pet lovers.Chicago Today

A Chicago bulldog named Pancake was named the winner of the Mid-Tier Influencer category at the first-ever Pet Lover's Choice Awards. Pancake, known for her bold personality and sassy chaos on social media, has built a loyal following across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. As a winner, Pancake will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a trophy, and a chance to attend the awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The Pet Lover's Choice Awards serve as a way to celebrate the nation's favorite pets while also raising money for the Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization. Pancake's win highlights the growing influence of pet influencers and the power of social media in shaping popular culture.

The details

More than 10 million pet enthusiasts voted for their favorite pet influencers as part of the first-ever Pet Lover's Choice Awards. Pancake, a Chicago bulldog with a large social media following, was crowned the winner in the Mid-Tier Influencer category. Pancake is known for her energetic 'zoomies', questionable life choices, and her refusal to move unless there's food involved. Her owners say she has built a loyal fan base through her antics shared on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

  • The Pet Lover's Choice Awards live ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles in June 2026.
  • Pancake was crowned the Mid-Tier Influencer winner in April 2026.

The players

Pancake

A Chicago bulldog known for her bold personality and sassy chaos on social media, with a large following across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Best Friends Animal Society

A leading animal welfare organization that is the beneficiary of funds raised through the Pet Lover's Choice Awards.

Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias

A comedian who will be hosting the Pet Lover's Choice Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“Known for her elite zoomies, questionable life choices and her refusal to move unless there's food involved, she's built a loyal fan base.”

— Pancake's owners

The takeaway

Pancake's win at the Pet Lover's Choice Awards highlights the growing influence of pet influencers and the power of social media in shaping popular culture. The awards event also serves as a way to celebrate the nation's favorite pets while raising money for animal welfare causes.