The World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest has unveiled its top 10 finalists, and now the public has the chance to vote for the most adorable rescue pup. The contest, presented by the PEDIGREE® Brand, received thousands of entries, with the finalists selected for their heartwarming rescue stories and irresistible charm. From August 14 to September 15, dog lovers can cast their votes for their favourite canine contestant at people.com/rescuedogcontest, with the opportunity to vote once per day throughout the voting period.
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The voting process will determine the top three finalists, who will then move on to the judging round. Celebrity judges Kristin Davis, Shawn Johnson East, and the hosts of CBS Mornings – Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil – along with judges from PEOPLE and the PEDIGREE® brand, will select the grand prize winner. The lucky pup will receive a PEOPLE magazine photoshoot and feature, a year’s supply of PEDIGREE® dog food, and a $1,000 donation to the animal rescue organisation of their choice. The winner will be announced on October 8 by CBS Mornings.
Initial voting for the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest is now open, allowing the public to show their support for these deserving finalists. Each finalist has a unique story and endearing qualities that make them stand out. From Apollo, known for his loud snoring but excellent cuddling skills, to Bastian, who was rescued from Hurricane Florence and uses talking buttons to communicate with his family, each finalist has a special charm.
Other finalists include Grizzly Bear, Mabel, Skye, Soup, Sugar, Tiki, and Vito, each with their own touching rescue story and lovable characteristics. These dogs have found their forever homes and are now competing for the title of “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog”. They all bring joy and love to their families, showcasing the incredible bond between rescue animals and their adoptive parents.
The contest not only celebrates the cuteness of rescue dogs but also highlights the importance of adoption and providing loving forever homes to animals in need. By sharing their stories and images, these finalists are raising awareness about the rewards of rescuing a pet and the impact it can have on both the animal and the adoptive family. The contest serves as a reminder of the countless animals waiting for their second chance at a happy life.
To learn more about the 2025 PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest finalists and to cast your vote for the most adorable pup, visit people.com/rescuedogcontest. Don’t miss the opportunity to support these lovable dogs and help one of them secure the title of “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog”. Get involved in celebrating rescue animals and promoting adoption by participating in this heartwarming contest that highlights the beauty of giving shelter animals a forever home.