Fressnapf names rescue dog Boom Austria's Pet of the Year 2026

The Austrian pet supply chain Fressnapf has named seven-year-old Malinois dog "Boom" its Pet of the Year 2026, honoring her exceptional rescue work. She received a year's supply of pet food worth 1,500 euros. Boom serves as a trained rescue dog with the Traun unit, fire brigade, and Austrian army. In 2023, she searched for survivors after the Turkey earthquake despite recovering from surgery, and in 2025 she located a missing 11-year-old girl in a forest unharmed. The award is part of Fressnapf Austria's 13th annual "Tierisch engagiert" initiative, announced on World Animal Day. A jury including "Krone" expert Maggie Entenfellner and managing director Mike Podobrin selected winners to support animal welfare projects across Austria.