With March Madness right around the corner, one of our favorite traditions is back!
Welcome to the 4th Annual Pooch Playoffs — a bracket-style competition to crown the Ulti-Mutt Cutest Pup in Kansas City.
Each year, Pooch Playoffs brings together dog lovers, local businesses, and the community to raise funds and awareness for Midwest Animal ResQ, and this year promises to be bigger (and cuter) than ever.
Here’s how it works:
- 16 dogs are selected and photographed during the month of February.
- Each pup’s owner donates $99 to Midwest Animal ResQ.
- In return, participants receive:
A professional mini portrait session
A photo gift from Case Studios Photography
A swag bag filled with treats and goodies from our amazing local sponsors
Each dog is entered into a March Madness–style bracket, where pups go head-to-head in weekly online voting. Winners advance each week, all leading up to the final matchup — where one pup will be crowned Kansas City’s Ulti-Mutt Cutie and take home exciting prizes from our generous sponsors.
ROUND 1 VOTING: MARCH 23-25
ROUND 2 VOTING (FINAL FOUR): MARCH 26-28
ROUND 3 VOTING (CHAMPIONSHIP): MARCH 29-31
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: APRIL 2-3
Why Sponsor?
Align your business with a trusted local animal rescue nonprofit
Gain visibility with engaged Kansas City pet lovers
Be featured across social media, email, and event promotions
Support a feel-good, community-driven event people love to share
Help make a real impact while having fun doing it
PAST WINNERS