Meet the winners and runners-up of the 2026 Cutest Pet Photo Contest
We received over 500 submissions and 1,800 votes in our 18th annual Cutest Pet photo contest. Our readers had the unenviable task (and/or the best job in the world) of picking their favorites from these adorable finalists. Winners in each category took home fabulous prizes courtesy of Purina and had their photo featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Don’t miss the Better Together Adoption event on Nov. 1!
Cat | First Place 🏆 Sasha
Jennifer W., 62025
Dog | First Place 🏆 Houston the Tri-Pug
Houston is living life to the fullest, one hop at a time. Houston is a two-year-old rescue pug who is learning how to be a dog again. Rescued by Mac’s Mission in Jackson, MO, he has become best friends with a Papillon named Cami and a basset named Oscar.
Nick W., 63131
Other Critters | First Place 🏆 Schrumpf the Little Leopard Gecko
This little guy is about 4 months old, and he can’t wait for his debut in the Seckman High School yearbook. He was purchased on a whim by our friend group, but he is absolutely getting all the love and affection he could dream of.
Sabrina F., 63010
Runners-up
Buccaneer
He’s always a happy camper!
Linda C., 63038
Dressed to impress
Leon came dressed for the occasion.
Lauren R., 63122
Freya
Puurr-ty grandkitty!
Ursula G., 62298
Archie the Aussie
Archie the Aussie loves exploring the parks in St. Louis to get his walks, runs and pets in!
Berry the Ferret
I love my doll babies!
Anne R., 63366
Blue the Aussie
Blue at the beach.
Richard S., 63376
Crème Brûlée
Crème enjoying a beautiful day at Laumeier Sculpture Park!
Melanie Y., 63139
Fred & Luna
My babies.
Susan J., 63021
Gidget the macaw
Gidget, who is about to turn 4, loves to perch above us while we shower. Perhaps the rising steam reminds her of the tropics.
Elaine R., 63049
Go Cards!
Livvi is rooting on her favorite team!
Stephanie R., 63122
Macarena
I see you...
Kimberly B., 63098
Mega
My baby boy, Mega, after his spa day.
Crystal O., 28590
Milo Oliver
The flower child.
Karen G., 63052
Murray Bogda
Everything is a bed if you’re sleepy enough!
Amy B., 63146
My beautiful boy, Cardi
My Cardi getting some rest.
Marie P., 36207
Phoebe Gatto
Enjoying grandma’s house.
Giulianna T., 63105
Pretty little lady
Celebrating our 250th year.
Robert F., 63023
Queen of the house
Taliya is a beautiful orange tabby who is very loving and full of character.
Sandra F., 63129
Reggie
Smiles for miles.
Jennifer W., 63026
Riley
Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Karen M., 62001
Rio
Rio is giving all smiles!
Rebecca C., 62298
Rosie Posie
Rosie enjoys lounging in her yard!
Christine G., 63129
Rourshach
Spoiled! I do what I want.
Lisa G., 63390
Roxanne
Getting dressed up for Christmas!
Robert K., 63128
Rue hikes Hawn
Rue’s favorite things:
- cheese
- a hike
- hiking snacks
Liz M., 63109
Run, Ruby, run!
A whole lot of zoomies!
Carol E., 63026
Sleepy time derp
Ariana derping in her sleep.
Christine R., 63366
Spa day for Curly
Love your bacon, and it will love you back!
Heather S., 63026
Sprinkles loves brunch
Sprinkles loves having his weekly brunch in Soulard at Protagonist Cafe. His friends at Baked & Boiled typically provide the carrots.
Shanna G., 63104
The Golden Boy
A handsome face, a gentle heart and just enough personality to keep life interesting — that’s Oakley.
Katherine H., 63040
