Get ready for “March Meowness” as San Diego Humane Society’s pet photo contest returns. Vote now for the most photogenic pet, with cash and prizes at stake.

SAN DIEGO — Get settled in your courtside seats for the cutest tournament of the year. 

San Diego Humane Society’s “March Meowness” is back. News 8 has partnered with the nonprofit once more for its seventh annual, bracket-style digital showdown to crown the region’s most photogenic pets. 

Owners were able to enter their beloved pet’s photos through March 12 into the contest. Now we get to watch the winner claw its way to the top. Starting March 17, eager voters will be able to start sifting through the compawtitors and building their brackets.

Each round, fans vote their favorite contenders through the brackets, narrowing the field to the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four and Championship Matchup. 

There’s more on the line than just bragging rights at the pet store. The Elite Eight will win cash prizes up to $250, the top two walking away with a custom-engraved ID tag. 

You might just win a prize if you vote for your favorite pet as well. 

Follow the link to vote here. 

It’s too late to enter a pet into this year’s contest, but it’s not too late to start training for next year. Find an animal to up for adoption with San 
Diego Humane Society here. 


2025 winner

In 2025, nearly 15,000 votes poured in, and 728 cuties battled it out to rule over the animal kingdom. 

The two heavy-hitters of the season were Oakley Roberto the dog with a donut around his head and Atari the cat, a professional biscuit maker. 

The official winner of 2025 was Atari with those cat-tivating eyes! 


In a ruff upset for Oakley fans, the 10-month-old pup came in second place.Â