2026 Cutest Dog Contest

We're looking for your furry friends that you’re eager to show off in our Cutest Dog Contest, sponsored by CareCredit.

Submit a high-resolution photo of your dog or puppy for a chance at stardom in Washingtonian.

Submissions will be accepted starting Tuesday, October 6, and the deadline to enter is 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, October 30.

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 Tuesday, November 3 and will close at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, November 5. All entrants will also receive an annual subscription to Washingtonian (if you are already a subscriber, 12 months will be added on to your current term).

A “People’s Choice” favorite will be determined by most votes received during that time period.

Jonathan Wainberg, SVP and GM of Synchrony’s Pet Business, and a panel of judges at Washingtonian, will also select a “Judges’ Pick” titleholder.

The two winners will be announced on our Instagram feed on @washingtonianmag, and both will be awarded a full-page feature in a future Washingtonian issue.

Each submission is $35, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Multiple entries of the same dog are permitted, but only one subject per photo (i.e. no multiple dogs or any humans in the same photo). Visit the rules tab for full details.