Rescued from a shelter as a pup by a little girl named Penny, Bolt grows up to be the star of a television series in which he plays a super-powered pooch foiling the schemes of the nefarious Dr. Calico. According to the impresario director, the show only works because Bolt is living his role, and so long as he believes it, the audience will. Unfortunately, a ratings-motivated change in plans accidentally leaves Bolt in New York City, convinced that he's been robbed of his powers, and that Penny is in mortal danger in Hollywood. With two companions--a reluctant alley cat and a rotund, overeager fanboy hamster--Bolt sets out on an "Incredible Journey"--Style trip to save the day. Along the way, Bolt realizes that you don't have to be a Superhero to be a hero