Announcing the Top 10 Love Stories of 2026

Last fall, pet families across the U.S. shared heartfelt stories about how the love of their adopted pets has changed their lives for the better. Today, we're proud to announce the top 10 Love Stories that moved hearts and helped earn lifesaving grant funding for the adoption organization that made the match possible.

Petco Love Stories celebrate the unconditional love we share with our pets and the lifesaving act of pet adoption made possible by animal welfare organizations. Over the years, we’ve received more than 25,000 incredible Love Stories. Each one showcasing the powerful, sometimes unexpected ways the love of an adopted pet transforms our lives for the better—from everyday joy to profound healing. This year was no different.

Preview the Love Stories we'll be celebrating all year!

Anna + Yuki

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation

“Yuki may have started as a “shelter dog,” but now she’s our family, our laughter, our constant reminder that love isn’t just something you feel— it’s something you live.” ~ Anna

Jenna + Leo

Animal Care Centers of NYC (Manhattan)

“He is my sober companion, my daily reason to find joy, and proof that life becomes worth living when you love others.” ~ Jenna

Andy + April

Summit County Animal Control & Shelter

“April reminds me every day that hope is never lost, love can conquer fear, and that we have no idea how beautiful life can be until we walk into the unknown with a heart full of love and courage.” ~ Andy

Sam + Scout

San Antonio Animal Care Services

“In my loneliest years, when I felt I had no one, Scout reminded me I was never truly alone. In moments when I doubted myself, his eyes told me I was enough.” ~ Sam

Melissa + Cleo

Ohlone Humane Society

“My daughter had never been the leader or teacher in her friend groups, but being a big sister to her kitten had changed that. Even after all my research, that was a benefit I would never have guessed.” ~ Melissa

Francis + Jack

Angel Ridge Animal Rescue

“Jack has taught me profound lessons about resilience, perseverance, and healing. She showed me that it is not the hardships we endure that define us, but how we choose to respond. When I was depressed, I could easily spend an entire day in bed, but once Jack came into my life, that was no longer an option. She needed me to provide her with safety, love, and care—and in doing so, she gave me purpose.” ~ Francis a.k.a. Frank

Matt + Joey

East Bay Rabbit Rescue

“When I adopted Joey, I was looking for a best friend, but he turned out to be the best wingman ever. If it wasn’t for Joey, I would not have found the love of my life.” ~ Matt

Robert + Puck

San Francisco SPCA

“He’s taught me to slow down and savor the simple joys: a sunny walk, a warm cuddle, a quiet moment together. He’s shown me that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful, sometimes it’s a soft sigh beside you on the couch, or the weight of a small paw resting on your leg. And he’s reminded me, over and over, that living in the moment is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and each other.” ~ Robert

Ronald + Jax

The Sato Project

“Before Jax, I did not know many of my neighbors. Once we developed our walking protocol and routine, I was out and about much more on the block for Jax’s daily walks. As a result, a whole new world of neighbors and friends opened to me. My neighbors would approach us, inquiring and petting Jax, and we’d chat. I developed relationships with people in my community, and it has been wonderful… Jax brought me these new connections and sense of belonging.” ~ Ronald

Whitney + Quentin

Angel of Hope Rescue

“The laughter and smiles the kitten brought chased the clouds away. The boy shared aloud his dreams as they played together with endless glee. Whispered secrets into whiskered ears. Climbing to the top of his loft bed, snuggles so tight, Quentin the kitty scared the monsters away at night.” ~ Whitney

When love leads, lives are saved.

Thank you to every adopter who shared their Love Story and every Petco Love donor. Your support made it possible to award Petco Love Stories grants to the shelters and rescues that made these life-changing adoption matches possible.

This is just the beginning. We’ll be spotlighting each Love Story across our social channels and in our email newsletter—sharing more about the pets, people, and organizations behind these incredible matches. Sign up to get our emails with the full stories and see what happens when love finds its way home.

Inspired by these stories?

Start a Love Story of your own by finding an adoptable pet near you at petcolove.org/adopt.