Hey, you know how sometimes you scroll through your feed and spot a dog pic that just melts your heart? That’s the magic of the 2025 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog finalists Contest. This year, 2025, it’s all about celebrating those lucky pups who got a second chance at life. Run by PEOPLE magazine and sponsored by PEDIGREE, the contest pulled in thousands of entries from all over. Editors picked ten absolute fluffballs as finalists, and now it’s down to the wire with voting closed and the top three in the spotlight. The big announcement hits on October 8—right around now, actually. Let’s meet these stars and why they’re stealing hearts.
A Quick Scoop on the Contest:2025 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog finalists
This thing’s in its eighth year, and it’s simple: Rescue dog owners submit pics and stories of their adopted buddies. No fancy breeds needed—just pure adorableness from shelters. From July 1 to 27, folks sent in their faves. Editors sifted through the pile and crowned ten finalists on August 14. Public voting ran until September 15, narrowing it to three top vote-getters: Apollo, Bastian, and Tiki. Now, celeb judges like Kristin Davis from Sex and the City, Olympic champ Shawn Johnson East, and the CBS Mornings crew—Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil—are picking the winner.
The prize? A shiny PEOPLE feature, a pro photo shoot, a year’s worth of PEDIGREE chow, and $1,000 to the dog’s rescue org. It’s not just cute—it’s about shining light on adoption.
Spotlight on the Top Three: Apollo, Bastian, and Tiki
These pups racked up the most votes from animal lovers everywhere. They’re the ones heading to the final judge-off. Each has a story that tugs at you.
First up, Apollo. This little guy’s a total charmer with his big eyes and floppy ears. Rescued from a tough spot in the South, he was skin and bones when folks found him wandering. Now, he’s all zoomies and cuddles in his forever home in California. His owner says Apollo’s favorite trick is “helping” with laundry—by stealing socks. I mean, who wouldn’t vote for that face? He’s got that underdog vibe that makes you root for him hard.
Then there’s Bastian. Oh man, this one’s a fluff monster—a mix of shepherd and who-knows-what, with fur like a teddy bear. Pulled from a hoarding case in Texas, Bastian was scared of his own shadow at first. Fast-forward a year, and he’s strutting at dog parks like he owns the place. His pics show him mid-yawn, tongue out, looking equal parts goofy and gorgeous. My pick? Him for the personality alone. Owners share he loves car rides and belly rubs—classic rescue glow-up.
And don’t sleep on Tiki. This tiny terrier mix from Florida was found as a stray, heartworm-positive and underweight. After treatment, she’s a firecracker—chasing her tail and bossing bigger dogs around. Her entries are full of beach pics, with that sassy tilt to her head. Tiki’s story hits home because she reminds me of my aunt’s rescue, who went from timid to terror-of-the-yard. Voters loved her spunk; she’s got over 20,000 likes on the contest page.
The Other Finalists Who Almost Made the Top
Remember, these three came from a pack of ten superstars. The rest deserve shoutouts too—they’re all cuties who beat out thousands.
Take Mabel, the basset hound from Maryland. Found on Kentucky streets, this two-year-old was a top-10 pick for her soulful eyes and perpetual sad-face that screams “hug me.” Her owner, Sara Hoffman, says Mabel’s now a local celeb, waddling through Frederick like a pro. That low-to-the-ground charm? Irresistible.
There’s also Luna, a chiweenie from Oregon. Rescued from a high-kill shelter, she’s all big ears and tiny body, with a bio full of foster fails—folks kept wanting to keep her. Her contest shot has her in a sweater, looking like a stuffed animal come to life. I chuckled at her story: She “edits” family photos by photobombing every shot.
Or how about Rocco, the lab mix from New York? This guy’s a gentle giant, saved from a puppy mill. His tongue-out grins and play-bow poses got him votes galore. Owners note he’s therapy-dog material now, visiting kids in hospitals. Stories like his show why rescues rock—they give back big time.
Rounding out the group: Gigi the corgi from Colorado, with her nub tail and endless energy; Sparky the mutt from Georgia, blind in one eye but full of mischief; Bella the husky mix from Alaska, fluffy as fresh snow; and Milo the dachshund from Illinois, the ultimate wiener-dog wiggle king. Each one’s journey—from streets to sofas—is pure inspiration.
Why This Contest Matters More Than Just Cuteness
Look, it’s fun to ooh and aah over fluffy faces, but this thing packs a punch. Every year, it spotlights adoption—over 3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters annually, and contests like this push folks to choose rescue over pet stores. PEDIGREE’s involvement means donations and awareness for orgs like Best Friends Animal Society.
Take last year’s winner, Margot—a pit bull mix with mismatched eyes. She proved bully breeds deserve love too. Her story went viral on Reddit, sparking adoptions. This year? Same vibe. Voting brought in thousands, and even non-winners like Mabel are getting local buzz, filling shelter spots.
In my book, it’s a reminder: Cuteness isn’t about bloodlines; it’s about heart. These pups prove rescues can be the goofiest, cuddliest companions out there.
Meet the Judges: Celebs Who Get It
The star power here is next-level. Kristin Davis, who played Charlotte on Sex and the City, is a dog mom to two rescues herself. She gushed about judging, saying it’s “heartwarming to see these stories of transformation.” Shawn Johnson East, the gymnast with her own golden retriever crew, added that her pups Oakley and Nash inspired her—rescues make the best family members.
Then the CBS Mornings team: Gayle, Nate, and Tony bring fresh eyes, judging as a group. PEOPLE and PEDIGREE reps round it out, ensuring fair picks. They’re not just names; they’re advocates who’ve boosted adoption rates through their platforms.
How You Can Get Involved (Even Now)
Voting’s wrapped, but the fun’s not over. Head to people.com/rescuedogcontest to follow updates and donate to rescues. Share these stories on social—tag #CutestRescueDog to spread the love. Better yet, visit your local shelter. With tales like Apollo’s viral foster journey or Tiki’s comeback, you’ll see why adopting changes lives.
Pro tip: If you’re thinking entry next year, snap those candid shots—mid-snooze or full-play mode wins hearts. And warn your friends: Rescues aren’t just cute; they’re loyal chaos machines.
Wrapping Up: Who’s Your Pick?:2025 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Finalists
As we wait for October 8, these finalists remind us that every wag has a backstory worth celebrating. Whether it’s Apollo’s sock-stealing antics, Bastian’s teddy fluff, or Tiki’s sassy strut, they’re all winners in my eyes. This contest isn’t about one crown—it’s about giving rescues the spotlight they deserve. Tune in for the big reveal, and maybe grab a tissue. Who’s your fave? Drop a comment if you’re team Mabel or secret fan of Rocco. Either way, let’s keep adopting—these pups prove it’s the cutest choice ever.