The PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE brand is back for 2024 and is looking for precious pup entrants!
Now in its seventh year, the contest is looking for a rescue dog to follow in the footsteps of Hobie, the 2023 winner. Adopted dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages are encouraged to enter the contest now at people.com/rescuedog contest.
Pet parents looking to submit their rescue pooches should include a photo of their dog and share their pet’s adoption story. PEOPLE wants to know how pets met their families and which animal rescues and shelters helped make the match. Dog moms and dads should also include how pet adoption has changed them and their pups.
Submissions are open from June 20 — July 31.
After submissions close, PEOPLE editors will select 10 furry finalists from all of the entries. Readers will then vote to narrow the pool of 10 down to the top three dogs. The hosts (and rescue dog owners) of The Talk — Natalie Morales, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Jerry O’Connell — and judges from PEOPLE and the PEDIGREE brand will pick the grand prize winner.
The dog crowned “cutest” will receive a photo shoot, a feature in PEOPLE Magazine and on People.com, a year’s supply of dog food from the PEDIGREE brand, and a $1,000 donation to the animal rescue organization of their choice.
Last year, Hobie, a one-eyed terrier mix, chose to donate to PUP Laguna Beach, the fundraising arm of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter — the shelter that helped Hobie find a family.
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Even before winning the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest in 2023, Hobie gave back to his former home. The dog makes monthly visits to the shelter to drop off supply donations, visit with staff members, and hang out with his animal friends. Hobie is best friends with the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter’s resident rabbit.
“Hobie’s in love with that rabbit,” says Christin Bernhardt, Hobie’s owner.
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Before Bernhardt adopted the pup in 2022, the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter rescued the dog from the streets of Tijuana, Mexico. The canine was living as a stray with a severe case of glaucoma. After careful consideration, shelter veterinarians decided that removing the affected eye was best for Hobie’s health and comfort.
Today, Hobie is sharing his life on Instagram, enjoying being “held like a baby” by his family members, and awaiting the next winner of the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest.
Enter your rescue dog now at people.com/rescucedogcontest.com.