Dolores Catania, known for her roles in “The Traitors” and “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” is set to lend her expertise as a judge for the upcoming 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, which is proudly presented by the PEDIGREE® brand. Joining her in the judging panel will be editors from PEOPLE, various animal enthusiasts, and other notable figures who share a passion for animal welfare.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dolores-Catania-81026-de58931c7c0b4c2986dcce414c397cd3.jpg)
The contest has gained recognition over the past nine years for its dedication to showcasing the remarkable stories of rescue dogs. As a devoted owner of several rescue pets and a strong advocate for animal adoption, Catania is particularly well-suited for this role. Through her active presence on social media, she regularly highlights adoptable animals in need of loving homes, reinforcing her commitment to the cause.
In expressing her enthusiasm for the contest, Catania stated, “Rescue animals have an incredible way of reminding us that love, resilience, and second chances can change a life. Every pet deserves a safe, loving home, and I’m honoured to support an initiative that shines a light on the importance of adoption.” She emphasised her excitement about participating as a guest judge and supporting rescue organisations while celebrating these wonderful dogs.
The contest will commence public voting for the top ten finalists starting on August 17, allowing the public to weigh in on who they believe should clinch the title of the cutest rescue dog. Voting will remain open until September 28, enabling supporters to cast their votes once a day at people.com/rescuedogcontest.
At the conclusion of the voting period, the three dogs that garner the most votes will advance to the judging phase. The final decision will be made by Catania, alongside The Dogist’s Elias Weiss Friedman, PEOPLE editors, and members of the PEDIGREE® brand, who will ultimately select the grand prize winner.
The prize for this year’s contest is substantial, with the winning dog receiving a feature in PEOPLE magazine and on People.com, accompanied by a professional photo shoot. Additionally, the champion will be awarded a year’s supply of dog food from PEDIGREE® and a generous donation of $1,000 will be made to the rescue organisation of the winner’s choice.
Last year, the title was claimed by Bastian, a rat terrier mix who had been rescued from the devastating floodwaters of Hurricane Florence in 2018. Adopted from the Burlington County Animal Alliance in New Jersey, Bastian now leads an adventurous life, enjoying experiences like boat rides and communicating with his family through a collection of over 100 talking buttons.
The 2026 contest not only aims to celebrate the charm and antics of these furry contestants but also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and the incredible journeys of rescue dogs. Catania’s involvement brings both glamour and genuine compassion to the event, ensuring that the spotlight remains on the vital mission of fostering love and connection between animals and their future families.
To participate in this delightful competition and support the cause, individuals can visit www.people.com/rescuedogcontest from August 17 to September 28. By voting, the public contributes to a heartwarming initiative that highlights the joys and rewards of adopting a rescue dog.
For those keen to stay informed about the contest and other uplifting stories, PEOPLE offers a free daily newsletter, keeping readers updated on everything from celebrity news to heartwarming human-interest features. With the excitement building for this year’s contest, both Catania and the animal-loving community eagerly anticipate celebrating the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine companions.