Kristin Davis and Shawn Johnson East: Lending Their Star Power to the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest
Two powerhouse personalities—Kristin Davis, beloved star of And Just Like That…, and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East—have joined forces as celebrity judges for the 2025 “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest,” presented by PEOPLE magazine in partnership with the PEDIGREE® brand People.com.
Why This Matters
This annual contest goes beyond a simple popularity vote—it unites communities, champions rescue culture, and celebrates the transformative love between humans and rescue dogs. With Davis and Johnson East on board, it’s gained a fresh wave of celebrity energy, drawing attention to the critical cause of pet adoption.
The Faces Behind the Cause: Celebrity Advocates for Rescue Animals
Kristin Davis
- Actress and animal advocate: Known for her role in Sex and the City and its spin-off And Just Like That…, Davis is also deeply committed to animal welfare. She adopted Chewy from Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City in late 2024, reflecting her belief that “my kids and I are the lucky ones to have Chewy in our lives.” She emphasized the urgency of adopting rescue pets, noting many face euthanasia without intervention People.com.
- Commitment beyond dogs: As a patron of The Orphans’ Project at The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, Davis supports rescuing orphaned elephants, rhinos, and other species—showing a broader dedication to saving vulnerable animals People.com.
Shawn Johnson East
- From Olympic podium to rescue champion: The 2008 Olympic gold medalist on balance beam, Shawn Johnson East has channeled her fame into advocacy for rescued pets. In March 2025, she and her husband adopted Oakley, a 9-month-old golden retriever from Wags & Walks in Nashville, expanding their family and embracing rescue culture.
- Personal testament to adoption: “We chose adoption because we knew our family wasn’t complete,” she shared, adding that Oakley’s arrival has filled their home with love and excitement—it “truly feels like he was meant to be here” People.com.
Together, Kristin Davis and Shawn Johnson East Lending Their Star Power to the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest serve as ideal ambassadors for the contest, embodying authenticity, compassion, and the meaningful bond between families and adopted pets.
How the Contest Works: From Adorable Photos to a Worthy Winner
Submission Phase (July 1–27, 2025)
- Open to all adopted dogs: Regardless of breed, size, or age, any adopted canine can enter. Owners are encouraged to submit a photo and share the heartfelt rescue story—including the rescue organization involved and how the dog has impacted their lives People.com.
- Why this matters: These individual stories foster awareness about the importance of rescue adoption, highlight shelters’ work, and humanize pets often overlooked.
Selection of Finalists
- People editors review entries: Out of thousands of submissions, a panel of editors narrows them down to ten finalists People.com.
Public Voting (Starts August 14 through September 15, 2025)
- Every vote counts: The public can cast one vote per day at people.com/rescuedogcontest. The three pups with the most votes proceed to the judging round People.com+1.
Final Judging Round
- Judging panel: Includes Kristin Davis, Shawn Johnson East, PEOPLE editors, and representatives from the PEDIGREE® brand.
- Grand Prize Perks:
- Feature in PEOPLE Magazine and on People.com
- Professional photo shoot for the winning pup
- Year’s supply of PEDIGREE® dog food
- $1,000 donation to the winner’s chosen rescue organization People.com+1.
Past Winners: Inspiring Stories of Rescue and Resilience
This contest is more than a cute pet competition—it’s a platform for rescue tales that uplift and educate.
- Margot (2024): A pit bull/American bulldog mix with heterochromia (different-colored eyes) won hearts with her charm and resilience. Her prizes included a donation to Cincinnati Animal CARE and widespread public recognition People.com.
- Previous Champions:
- Hobie (2023): A one-eyed terrier mix who not only won but began training in obedience and agility.
- Heaven (2021): A pup who overcame trauma to travel across all 48 contiguous U.S. states.
- Lamb Chop (2020): Survived a puppy mill and became an advocate before passing in 2022.
- Kasey (2019): Another puppy mill survivor who enjoyed her peaceful, famous life before passing in 2025 People.com.
Owners often use their platform to uplift rescue organizations—helping them gain donations, volunteers, and awareness.
Transformative Impact on Rescue Culture and Adoption Advocacy
Raising Awareness
Featuring celebrities and real rescue stories elevates adoption as an inspiring choice—not just a personal one, but a communal solution to overpopulation and shelter strain.
Empowering Rescue Organizations
The $1,000 donation and media exposure help small rescues expand their reach, fund programs, and find more loving homes.
Building Emotional Connections
From Chewy and Oakley to Margot, these stories help audiences develop empathy and see rescue pets as cherished family members—not just “orphans” or “shelter animals.”
Fostering Community Engagement
Daily voting encourages consistent interaction, turning the contest into a shared experience that brings together pet lovers globally.
Buzzwords and Engagement Hooks
- Rescue dog contest, celebrity judges, Kristin Davis, Shawn Johnson East, pet adoption, PEDIGREE, rescue stories, PEOPLE magazine
- Phrases: “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog,” “celebrity judges join,” “adopted dog stories,” “rescue pet advocacy”
- Engagement:
- Encourage users to submit stories and vote daily
- Highlight emotional arcs: from shelter struggle to public fame
- Include calls-to-action: “share your pup’s story,” “vote for your favorite,” “support rescue organizations”
A Heartfelt Appeal: Join the Movement
Imagine the ripple effect: one click, one vote, one story could transform the life of a pet and, in turn, enrich a human’s world. Whether you’re entering your rescue dog, voting, or spreading the word, you’re helping build a future where every pet has a chance at a loving home.
So, head over to vote for your favorite furry finalist, and celebrate the extraordinary bond between rescue dogs and their families. With Kristin Davis and Shawn Johnson East support, this year’s contest promises to be one of compassion, recognition, and tail-wagging joy.