Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

March Muttness – The Ultimate Showdown Where Compassion Meets Competition

Barking News March Muttness

Did you know that around 3 million dogs enter animal shelters across the US every year? Of those, around 25% find their way back to their owners, and approximately 13% are euthanized.1 Sadly, this number is going up each year. With the ever-increasing cost of living, more and more dog owners are finding themselves unable to care for their pets, resulting in many being surrendered or abandoned. Animal shelters are bursting at the seams and in desperate need of financial support.

Enter March Muttness

For the past few years, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona has hosted a unique program to incentivize shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations from across the U.S. to boost their fundraising efforts. In a single elimination-style tournament, 35 organizations from across the country are competing to see who can raise the most donations. The teams with the highest fundraising totals advance through each round, all leading up to the championship! Every dollar donated helps shelters continue their lifesaving work while making the tournament even more exciting for supporters.

March Muttness Tournament

Originally founded as a bold response to the cancellation of in-person fundraising events during the COVID-19 pandemic, March Muttness has transformed into an electrifying annual tradition, proving that team spirit and generosity can change lives.

Last year, 38 participating teams rallied together to raise over $430,000, showcasing the unstoppable power of community-driven fundraising.

How It Works: Every Dollar Counts!

For March Muttness 2025, donations determine the winners! Every dollar donated pushes your favorite shelter closer to victory, giving them the competitive edge they need to advance.

Who will make it to the Final Furry 4 and claim the ultimate title? That’s up to the public and sponsors! Whether you’re cheering for your local animal shelter or simply want to make a difference for animals in need, now is the time to get involved.

March Muttness Round Two

How You Can Join the Action

As March Muttness 2025 unfolds, you can be part of this movement of generosity and friendly competition. Round 1 champions have already been decided, and Round 2 is about to begin.

To follow the action, check the brackets, and support your favorite shelter, head to www.MarchMuttness.org.

Round 2 runs from March 13 @ 11 AM EST to March 15 @ 11 PM EST. Only the teams that raise the most donations during this period will advance to Round 3. There are still plenty of sponsorship opportunities as well, so if your company or organization would like to get involved, you can learn more about sponsorship packages at: https://www.donorcharm.org/march-muttness-sponsors/ or by emailing partners@nonprofitexchange.org.

March Muttness 2025 Calendar


Did You Know? 

  • Our breaking news articles are included in our weekly emails. Don’t miss out on the latest and sign up for our newsletter below!

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Do Pugs Have Curly Tails? 4 Possible Reasons

Pugs are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Their wrinkly faces, big eyes, and curly tails make them instantly...

What Foods Reduce Anxiety in Dogs? 10 Vet-Verified Nutrients & Methods to Help

It can be quite heartbreaking watching your dog deal with anxiety and stress. Your first call should be to your veterinarian, particularly if...

Gordon Setter: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

Choosing the right dog breed to adopt can be challenging, as there are just so many out there. But with so many to...

Top 13 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Manitoba to Visit in 2026

The beautiful province of Manitoba is home to more than 100,000 lakes—that means there are so many beaches and swimming areas to choose...

More related

How to Socialize an Adult Dog: 11 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks

Experts recommend socializing a dog when they are young. However, not all dogs are put in situations where they receive proper socialization when...

Are Dobermans More Protective than Other Dogs? Facts & FAQ

Dobermans were bred to guard humans and property, and they will protect their owners with whatever force is necessary. While owning a Doberman...

Catnip for Dogs: Vet-Verified Effects, Safety & Alternatives

There are few pleasures in life as satisfying as feeding catnip to a kitty. Watching their brains get overwhelmed by the pleasure and...

Does Getting a Second Dog Help with Separation Anxiety? Vet-Verified facts & Considerations

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues that plague pet owners and, unfortunately, a frequent reason dogs are surrendered to...

Keep reading

Nom Nom Dog Food Subscription Review 2026: Our Expert’s Breakdown

* Nom Nom now offers a free Storage Tub with any subscription purchase It used to be that if you wanted to feed your dog fresh, real food, you had to put the work in. You had to get the...

DOG_SAPR_Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

7 Dog Cupcake Recipes You Can Make At Home Today

Dog cupcakes may seem like fancy treats saved for special occasions. However, they can be healthy snacks that you can make for your dog at any time of the year. Homemade dog cupcakes use natural ingredients, and you can control...

Dog Cupcake Recipes You Can Make At Home Today

10 Best Dog Foods for Pomskies in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Pomsky is a mix of a Husky and a Pomeranian. They essentially look like miniature Huskies, and they put the “A” in adorable! These beautiful dogs have become a bit of a social media sensation due to their unique...

young pomsky outdoor

12 Best Dog Foods for Hunting Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Various dog breeds make excellent hunting dogs. Labrador Retrievers, Mountain Curs, Vizslas, and even Beagles are just a few examples of perfect hunting companions. Although these dogs look completely different in color, size, and structure, they share the same instinctual...

owner feeding two hungry dogs

How to Get My Dog to Chew Their Food: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips

Some dogs are simply fast eaters, and sometimes, they want to eat their food so quickly that they forget to chew! Instead, they basically inhale their food. While this doesn’t always cause problems, it can lead to some unsightly consequences....

labrador retriever dog eating its food from a bowl

Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Aldi Pure Being is made with meat as the main ingredient in their foods. The dog food is an excellent option for pet owners on a budget. You can rest assured that the food is balanced and nutritious...

Dogster_Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review

10 Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

You love giving your dog tasty treats every now and then, whether for a job well-done, as part of a puzzle toy, or just to spoil them. But not all dog treats are created equal. What might be excellent for...

dog eating appetizing treat

Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

According to the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), cauliflower is the 16th most popular vegetable based on 2022 retail sales.1 After all, you can enjoy it in so many ways, whether as a rice substitute, raw, or in the various...

Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower