AHI Announces Winners of the 2025 Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest
(September 16, 2025) Congratulations to Bear the dog, Scosh the cat, and Chickpea the rabbit for winning the 2025 Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest. The winners were announced as a part of Pet Week on Capitol Hill.
“Each year, the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest is a testament to the power of the bond between people and their pets,” said Martha Scott Poindexter, President and CEO of the Animal Health Institute (AHI). “Congress plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of efforts to modernize the agencies that manage animal health product reviews. With needed improvements at FDA and USDA, the United States can be the most attractive place to discover, license, and manufacture animal health products, all while making animal protein products available and affordable.”
The Cutest Dog 2025 goes to Bear, an expert tail thumper who belongs to Tory Scordato of the office of Senator Chris Murphy (CT). Feisty little Scosh is the Cutest Cat, proudly owned by Sana Ajeena from the office of Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5). The Cutest Exotic is Chickpea, a cuddly rabbit owned by Ananda Bhatia, the House Chief Administrative Officer.
AHI thanks the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-8), and Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) who served as judges for the contest.
“I’m thrilled to join AHI for this event to bring together members and staff from both parties to celebrate our beloved pets,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Keeping our pets and animals healthy is our responsibility, and it has been an honor to lead bipartisan legislation, like ADUFA, to bring innovative veterinary medications to market.”
“Thank you to the Animal Health Institute for asking me to judge the 17th annual Cutest Pets Contest, one of Capitol Hill’s greatest traditions,” said Rep. Fischbach. “I am glad to be a part of this fun tradition that also raises awareness of the work being done by the companies that develop veterinary products used by farmers, ranchers, and pet owners to keep their animals healthy.”
