The network, which reaches roughly 75% of U.S. households, plans to highlight the winners in a televised special featuring a panel of industry experts and celebrity judges. The jury includes Rudy V. and Anthony Rey Vollero of Grooming by Rudy, Dr. Lindsay Butzer, entrepreneurs Sue Delegan and Jamie Smith, and animal advocate Renee DiNino.

This year’s competition expands the field with new categories like Working Dog of the Year, honoring service and farm animals, and Best Reunion, a nod to viral clips of pets greeting returning service members. Returning favorites, such as the Celebrity Lookalike category, aim to surpass last year’s viral success, which notably featured a Dachshund bearing a striking resemblance to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Frank Golding, Chief Barketing Officer of Bark TV, views the event as a central pillar of the network's strategy to deepen viewer engagement. Owners looking to participate can submit their entries at watchbarktv.com.