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After sorting through thousands of amazing entries, the PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® Brand has narrowed down that impressive pack of canine contestants to 10 furry finalists.
These adorable dogs with heartwarming rescue stories are now on to the voting phase of the annual competition. From Aug. 14 to Sept. 15, dog lovers can vote for their favorite rescue pup finalist at people.com/rescuedogcontest or in the voting box below to help determine a grand prize winner. Everyone can vote for their choice to win the cutest crown once a day throughout the voting period.
Voters will narrow down the pool of 10 finalists to three. After the voting period concludes, the three pooches with the most votes will move on to the judging round, where celebrity judges Kristin Davis, Shawn Johnson East, and the hosts of CBS Mornings — Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil — and judges from PEOPLE and the PEDIGREE® brand will pick the grand prize winner.
The grand prize winner will receive a PEOPLE magazine photo shoot and feature, a year’s supply of dog food from the PEDIGREE® brand, and a $1,000 donation to the animal rescue organization of their choice. CBS Mornings will announce the winner on Oct. 8.
Those ready to cast their first vote for the World’s Cutest Dog Contest winner can do so now in the voting box below. For more information about the PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® Brand and its 2025 finalists, keep reading and visit people.com/rescuedogcontest.
Get to know the precious pups working to with the title of “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog,” and what makes them perfect for the role.
Apollo, 6
Courtesy of Leah Holbrook
He is a “loud snorer,” but Apollo makes up for it by being “the best at cuddling.”
Bastian, 7
Courtesy of Joelle Andres
Rescued from Hurricane Florence, he uses talking buttons to chat with his family.
Grizzly Bear, 1
Courtesy of Mya Kagan
It “was love at first lick” for this freckled-tongued dog and his pet parents.
Harlan, 4
Courtesy of Vanessa Humphrey
His pet parents say they drove two days from L.A. to Texas to adopt this perfect pooch.
Mabel, 2
Courtesy of Sara Hoffman
After starting her life as a stray, Mabel now spends her time snacking and sunbathing.
Skye, 2
Courtesy of Annie Baghramian
Saved from the streets of California as a puppy, she is now “the sweetest girl in the world.”
Soup, 5
Courtesy of Amanda Shepherd
Her owner says the “beautiful” dog always gets compliments when she leaves the house.
Sugar, 5
She is looking forward to being a big sister, says Sugar’s dog mom, who is pregnant with twin boys.
Courtesy of Paige Calcagni
Tiki, 5
Courtesy of Aubrie D’Angelo
After his “incredible foster journey” went viral, the dog is thriving in a loving home.
Vito, 2
Courtesy of Jory Burgos
“He’s a comical, furry ball of sunshine,” Vito’s owner says about the playful pup.