While you will pick the five finalists in each category, our judges will pick the overall winner of each category. The Best in Show dog and cat will then be determined by you as well, so make sure to check back in after November 15 and cast your votes!
Cesar Millan, Dog Behavior Specialist
Dog behavior expert and author Cesar Millan stars in the Emmy-nominated show Dog Whisperer on The National Geographic Channel. He is the founder of the unique Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, where his clientele includes a veritable “who’s who” of Hollywood celebrities. From timid Great Danes to bullying Chihuahuas to "last chance" mixed-breeds, this "Dr. Phil for dogs" is renowned for his uncanny ability to communicate with canines and see the world through their eyes.
Definitely check out their brand new doggie site, I Has a Hot Dog.
Gina Spadafori, Writer
Gina has served on the boards of directors of both the Cat Writers' Association and the Dog Writers Association of America. She is a three-time recipient of the DWAA's Maxwell Medallion for the best newspaper column, and her pet column has also been honored with a certificate of excellence by the Cat Writers' Association. You can read her weekly pet-care sydicated features at Pet Connection and in papers all over the U.S. and Canada.
Dr. Marty Becker, DVM
For over eight years, Dr. Becker has been the popular veterinary contributor to ABC-TV's Good Morning America. Additionally, he has appeared on Animal Planet and is a frequent guest on many national network and cable TV and radio shows. Dr. Becker is a contributing editor for Cat Fancy and has written for Reader's Digest. You can read his weekly pet-care sydicated features at Pet Connection and in papers all over the U.S. and Canada.
Julia Szabo, Pet Reporter
Julia is the pet columnist for Country Living and the Sunday New York Post and a contributor to House Beautiful and The New York Times Magazine. She is author of the new book The Underdog: A Celebration of Mutts (Workman Publishing) and has appeared on VH1, Animal Planet and NY1. She shares her home in New York City with 12 rescued dogs and cats.
Eric is a practicing veterinarian who lives and works in San Francisco. His emphasis is on small animal medicine, surgery and wellness. He is the Dogster and Catster resident veterinarian. An avid traveler, he has studied lions in Botswana and salmon in southern Chile. He writes a regular column, Ask Dr. Barchas, for Dogster.
Justin Rudd, Dog Parade and Event Organizer
Justin Rudd is the founder/organizer of HauteDogs.org in Long Beach, California. His dog events include some of the world's largest and most celebrated—including the Haute Dog Easter Parade and Howl'oween Parade, the Bulldog Beauty Contest, the Haute Dog Poetry Contest, pet adoption fairs and Operation Santa Paws. Justin also led the effort to establish the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County and is a professional dog photographer.
Celebrity Dog Watcher, Famous Dog Chronicler
Celebrity Dog Watcher reports daily on all the celebrity dog news and canine gossip. Live since April 2005, Celebrity Dog Watcher has covered photos and stories of hundreds of celebrity dogs and their owners. They can also be found in print in Paw Print, a pet magazine published by celebrity pet photographer, Christopher Ameruoso.
Mark Rogers, Pet Photographer
While volunteering for Give a Dog a Bone, a quality of life program for long-term shelter dogs at the San Francisco Animal Shelter, Mark met amazing and resilient animals and rekindled his passion for photography, eventually making Mark Rogers Photography his full-time day job. A portion of all Mark’s profits goes to GADAB. Mark now shares his home with the tireless Bizzy, his recently adopted pooch.
Dogster Dog, Official Mascot
Last but never least, here is the beloved Dogster Dog! His hobbies include playing chase, sniffing everything when he's out for a walk, digging in the yard, chomping on peanut butter treats and playing with squeaky chew toys. He also guest stars at Dogster member meet-and-greets and other special events. He appeared in the acclaimed film Dogster in the Park.
The 3rd Annual World’s Coolest Dog & Cat Show Where the people — not the pedigree — decide!