2025 Cutest Dog Contest

Submissions open 04-08-25 at 12:00 am.

How cute is your pooch? Enter Washingtonian’s Cutest Dog Photo Contest and show us! Submit a high-resolution photo of your fur baby by April 30 for a chance to receive a full-page feature of your dog in the print issue of Washingtonian and an amazing prize package!

A panel of judges from Washingtonian and the contest’s beneficiary, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, will select one dog as the “Judges’ Pick” titleholder. Reader votes will determine a “People’s Choice” winner. Both dogs will receive their winning page in the magazine’ July print issue, and receive a dog lovers prize package that includes a $100 gift certificate to DC’s Dog Daze Social Club and a personalized portrait of your pet illustrated by Sophie Furman.

All entrants will be on display in a photo gallery on our website and will receive a personalized, digital faux Washingtonian “Cutest Dog” cover with the dog’s image and name. Voting will happen from May 13 and will close at 11:59 PM EST on May 15. Winners will be announced on our Instagram feed on May 16.

Each submission is $35, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. The fee also includes a one-year subscription to Washingtonian (If you are already a subscriber, entering this contest will add an additional year to your pre-existing account). Multiple entries of the same dog are permitted, but only one subject per photo (i.e. no multiple dogs or humans in the same photo). Visit the rules tab for full details.