Pet Partners has honored Boo, a cockatoo, as their 2026 Pet of the Year, marking the first time a bird has won this award. This recognition is based on Boo’s remarkable fundraising efforts, during which his team raised over $33,000 to support Pet Partners’ mission of promoting animal-assisted interventions.
Get to Know Boo the Therapy Bird
Boo is a 41-year-old registered therapy bird who has overcome a challenging past, including blindness and abuse. He now thrives in Virginia, providing comfort to seniors and neurodivergent children. His owner, Amy Hurst, who found solace in Boo during her cancer treatment, became a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist and founded the PRISM Bird Program to help others as well.
A Surgery That Changed Boo’s Life
When Boo joined Amy’s family, he was in poor health, but with her care, he regained his well-being. Notably, a surgery at NC State University successfully restored his vision, which he had lost for 11 years. This turnaround has allowed him to excel as a therapy bird.
Boo’s fundraising achievement is historic, not only for being the first bird to win but also for raising the highest amount in the competition, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of pet birds.
