Volkswagen of America, Inc., in collaboration with KONG® and VCA Charities, has launched a limited-edition VW KONG For a Cause dog toy inspired by the iconic Volkswagen ID. Buzz. For every toy purchased, Volkswagen, KONG, and VCA Charities will donate another to local shelters, while 100% of the net sales proceeds will benefit VCA Charities and its nationwide network of animal shelters.
A Heartwarming Collaboration
The limited-edition toy celebrates the unique connection between Volkswagen and KONG, rooted in a heartwarming origin story. In the 1970s, KONG founder Joe Markham discovered his German Shepherd, Fritz, playing with a rubber axle stop from a Volkswagen Type 2 Bus. This inspired the creation of the iconic KONG toy, forging a lasting bond between Volkswagen enthusiasts and pet lovers.
Nearly 50 years later, Volkswagen has reimagined the Type 2 Bus with the all-electric ID. Buzz, and this collaboration commemorates that legacy. The toy, designed in the ID. Buzz’s signature cabana blue color, is engineered for dogs of all sizes and celebrates National Puppy Day with a meaningful cause.
Giving Back to Dogs in Need
For every toy purchased, Volkswagen, KONG, and VCA Charities will donate an additional toy to local shelters, ensuring more dogs experience the joy of playtime. All net proceeds from sales will support VCA Charities, which helps pets in need across the country.
“At Volkswagen, we believe in the power of connection—between people and their pets. The ID. Buzz embodies that spirit, and this collaboration carries forward KONG’s wonderful origin story that began with a man, his best friend, and a VW bus,” said Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Customer Experience & Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America.
A Legacy of Play and Joy
“At KONG, we believe that Dogs Need to Play, and this collaboration with VW and VCA Charities allows us to spread the joys of playtime while supporting a worthy cause,” said Brian Decker, VP of Marketing at KONG. “There’s no better way to celebrate our history and National Puppy Day than by giving back to the pets who need it most.”
Supporting Shelter Pets
“VCA Charities is committed to the joy of pet ownership by helping pets find and remain in loving homes,” said Kim Van Sync, Executive Director of VCA Charities. “With the support of Volkswagen and KONG, we can provide much-needed enrichment and play to thousands of shelter dogs patiently waiting for a forever home.”
How to Get Involved
The limited-edition KONG toy inspired by the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is priced at $13.99 (plus applicable taxes and shipping costs) and is available for purchase while supplies last on vw.com and Volkswagen’s enthusiast gear site, drivergear.vw.com.
Pet lovers can join this initiative by purchasing a toy and spreading joy to dogs everywhere. Together, Volkswagen, KONG, and VCA Charities are making a difference—one toy at a time.