The anticipation is building as the PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, sponsored by PEDIGREE®, prepares to embark on its ninth annual event. Beginning on 1 July 2026 and running until 24 July, the contest invites pet owners to submit their own rescue dogs for a chance to win the title of “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog”.
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The reigning champion, Bastian – a clever rat terrier mix known for his heartwarming hurricane rescue story and his unique ability to communicate using over 100 buttons – will soon pass the baton to a new winner. Prospective competitors can enter dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, provided they have been adopted from a rescue or shelter.
Pet owners eager to showcase their furry friends will need to share both an endearing photograph and the adoption story behind their pup. Judges are particularly interested in the impact these dogs have had on their families, as well as the shelters and rescues that facilitated their happy outcomes. Submissions can be made through the official contest portal at people.com/rescuedogcontest.
Following the submission phase, which concludes on 24 July, the editorial team at PEOPLE will meticulously select ten finalists from what are expected to be thousands of entries, highlighting the diverse and inspiring stories of adopted dogs across the country. The public will then have an opportunity to participate in the contest during the voting phase, which commences on 17 August and concludes on 28 September.
Once the voting period concludes, three top dogs will emerge from the finalists chosen by readers. A panel of judges from PEOPLE and representatives from the PEDIGREE® brand will then deliberate to determine the grand prize winner. The victorious pup will be revealed in October, allowing a heartwarming story to unfold for the audience.
In terms of rewards, the grand prize winner will be pampered with a photoshoot and featured both in PEOPLE Magazine and on the website. Additionally, the winning dog will receive a year’s supply of PEDIGREE® dog food, complementing the donated prize of $1,000 to an animal rescue organisation of the winner’s choosing.
“It’s a joy to witness the incredible stories of these rescue dogs and the bonds they create with their families,” said a spokesperson for PEOPLE. This competition not only celebrates the cuteness factor of our canine companions, but also raises awareness of the importance of adopting pets in need.
To remain informed about the contest and other exciting developments, dog enthusiasts can sign up for PEOPLE’s complimentary daily newsletter, which covers a range of topics from celebrity news to engaging human interest pieces.
Notably, the contest is open exclusively to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington, D.C., who are 18 years of age or older. Anyone interested in entering their beloved rescue dog should make sure to submit their entries within the designated timeframe to ensure participation.
For further details on entry requirements and the competition timeline, pet owners can visit people.com/rescuedogcontest. As excitement builds, both participants and animal lovers alike can look forward to discovering which lucky canine will claim the title of World’s Cutest Rescue Dog for 2026.