We can’t think of a better reprieve from the frigid dog days of winter (pun intended) than kicking off The Hoboken Girl’s 5th Annual Puppy Bowl Contest. If you live in Hudson County, you know there is no shortage of photogenic pups around town, and that our area is one of the best places for dog owners and lovers alike. This makes nominating and voting on adorable four-legged friends all the sweeter — especially when it helps non-profit rescues and when prizes are involved. This year, HG has chosen two organizations that contestants can donate to. This includes Wise Animal Rescue, local to New Jersey, and Ace of Hearts Rescue, based in Los Angeles. While Ace of Hearts Rescue is not connected to the Hudson County area, we want to show our support while the Los Angeles area recovers from the devastating wildfires. We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorships we receive to these selected non-profits. The contest will begin on Friday, January 24th, and end on Sunday, February 9th. On that final day one lucky dog will be crowned the winner of some amazing local prizes.

The Contest

Our version of Puppy Bowl is a Puppy Bowl Photo Contest.

Starting Friday, January 24th, locals can submit their pet’s cutest photo via the form below or by emailing [email protected].

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PUP

Those submitting should screenshot a receipt of their donations of $5 or more to Wise Animal Rescue and/or Ace of Hearts Rescue and upload it to your Google Form submission, along with the photo of your pup. Only one donation is required to enter, but donating to both is always encouraged (and may even get contestants bonus points with the judges!)

• Donate to Wise Animal Rescue via this link or through Venmo @wise-animalrescue.
• Donate to Ace of Hearts via this link or through Venmo @Ace-OfHearts.

Nominations will be accepted until 11:59PM on Friday, January 31st.

The nine finalists will be announced on Monday, February 3rd, at which time the entire community will vote on which pup is the cutest canine.

Voting will end on Thursday, February 6th at 11:59PM, and the winner of The Hoboken Girl’s Puppy Bowl Contest 2025 will be announced on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9th.

Contest Entry Requirements

• Follow @TheHobokenGirl + follow the contests’ sponsors — @lbhealthypetmarkets, @bondvetclinic, @cornerstonepets, + @houndabouttown — on Instagram.
• Submit a photo, description, + screenshot of the donation of the pup via the form HERE
  • or email the pup’s photo, a screenshot of the donation, and a blurb about the dog
    • name, age, city, story, favorite treats + activities, and favorite local pet business
    • email to [email protected]

Other info you may need:

• The dog does not have to be a puppy — we just call them all puppies.
• A picture in their cutest attire or birthday suit is perfect — just make sure it’s 1200×1200px minimum sizing, large photos, or original size.

About the Rescues

Wise Animal Rescue

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wise Animal Rescue (@wiseanimalrescue)

Wise Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization "dedicated to the well-being of dogs of all breeds," according to its website. This rescue takes in neglected, abused, and homeless dogs and restores them to health. WISE provides adoption, foster, and volunteer opportunities. Donate to Wise Animal Rescue via this link or through Venmo @wise-animalrescue.

Ace of Hearts Rescue

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue (@aceofheartsdogrescue)

This dog rescue foundation based in Los Angeles rescues furry friends from shelters all over the LA area. Because Ace of Hearts Rescue is working hard to aid in the current wildfire disaster, it is in desperate need of donations — and since our readers reside in New Jersey, donations can come in monetary forms. Donate to Ace of Hearts via this link or through Venmo @Ace-OfHearts.

The Contest Sponsors

L+B Healthy Pet Markets | 155 4th Street, Hoboken

IG handle: @lbhealthypetmarkets 

Giveaway + Gift Value: $100 gift card

L+B Health Pet Markets is a family owned and operated pet supply store serving the animal-loving communities of Hoboken and Montclair. L+B’s values are rooted in health, which reflects the store’s carefully selected supply of high-quality foods. The store carries everything from single-ingredient treats, natural supplements, and healthy toppers to frozen food, dry food, and more. The team at L+B takes the time to work closely with each customer to hone in on the individual needs of their pets.

Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street, Hoboken

IG Handle: @bondvetclinic

Giveaway + Gift Value: Appointment credit for the Hoboken location ($100 value)

Bond Vet is a veterinarian-founded company that is redefining pet care. The innovative clinics elevate the veterinary experience for pets and their humans through elegant design, seamless technology, and a collaborative approach. Bond Vet has warm, welcoming spaces with thoughtful amenities, state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools, and a user-friendly mobile app for booking and treatment plans — all supported by extended evening and weekend hours for ultimate convenience.

Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken

IG Handle: @cornerstonepets

Giveaway + Gift Value: Gift basket valued at $150

Cornerstone has been a trusted pet supply shop in Hoboken since 2003. The pet store provides a curated selection of pet food, treats, supplements, toys, decorated cookies, and other specialty items like pet birthday cakes. Local customers can shop in-store or order online for same-day delivery or pickup.

Hound About Town | 17 McWilliams Place + 218 Montgomery Street, Jersey City 

IG Handle: @houndabouttown 

Giveaway + Gift Value: $50 gift card, Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser, Dandylion Lick Mat, and Muttluks Nosemagik Soothing Nose Balm ($100 value)

Hound About Town is a Jersey City staple run by a husband and wife duo who’s pup Wiley inspired the idea for the business. The store has two locations in town and encourages customers and their pets to “come in and sniff about.” Aside from treats, toys, and gifts, Hound About Town sells a variety of healthy pet food options for both dogs and cats.

The Local Girl Media Group

IG Handle: @thelocalgirlhq

Giveaway Gift + Value: $50 gift card

The Local Girl is the parent brand of The Hoboken Girl — and is the home our other brands The Montclair Girl, The Jersey City Girl, The Jersey Shore Girl, The Bergen County Girl, and The Catskills Girl. The owner of the winning pup will receive a gift card to the New Jersey business of their choice, so they can indulge in some local fun along with their pup.

Don’t forget to nominate + submit a photo of an adorable pup between Friday, January 24th through Friday, January 31st via the form HERE or email [email protected] and donate to Wise Animal Rescue or Ace of Hearts Rescue. Happy nominating!