This past August, JHS proudly hosted our fifth annual Jacksonville’s Cutest Pet photo contest, made possible by Subaru of Jacksonville. Our mission? To discover the cutest pet in all of Duuuval! Every pet in the contest gathered votes through loving donations made to JHS by their biggest fans.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, we raised an impressive $54,000 for animals in need. Now that’s something to bark – and meow – about! Generosity truly does breed joy.
The pet who received the most votes earned the title of “Jacksonville’s Cutest Pet” for all of 2025, a feature on digital billboards across Jacksonville throughout January, a professional photo shoot, and spotlights on the JHS website and JHS social media.
The 11 runners-up earned the title of “JHS Spokespet of the Month” and will each receive a month-long feature on the main page of the JHS website in 2025.
Ready to meet this year’s winner and runners-up?
Pacer (Grand Prize Winner)
“Pacer is a 13-year-old pup, and he works every day as The Amazing Shop Dog at our local Comic Shop, Gotham City Limit!”
Aspen
“Aspen is not only the most adorable, sweet, and smiley kitten you’ll ever meet, but he’s also one of the first FIP survivors in Jacksonville! A once deadly disease with a 100% mortality rate, a new lifesaving medication is giving cat owners and kitties everywhere HOPE! Aspen is the poster kitty of that hope, love, and endurance, making him a true warrior for Feline Infectious Peritonitis! We are so proud of our adorable little boy, who continues to give hope to this once deadly coronavirus, with a continued sweetness in his personality, which hasn’t dulled, even through his 84 days of tough treatment! Aspen is the face of the future of ‘CURED’ and absolutely THE most adorable little boy in the world!”
Flynn
“Flynn was found as a stray and brought to the Jacksonville Humane Society, and he was heartworm positive. We adopted Flynn almost the same day he arrived at JHS in August 2021. Flynn’s heartworm treatment over the first few months went very well and he was officially heartworm negative August 2022. Flynn recovering from heartworms was in no way a limitation; Flynn is extremely healthy and very active. He has a special passion for swimming; long after everyone else is out of the water he will continue to throw his toys in by himself, let them float away a bit and jump in after them. He has a perfect line down his face which is unique and mysterious. I think it makes him Jacksonville’s cutest. We named him Flynn because it means ‘son of the red-haired one.'”
Ilean
“Hi! My name is Ilean (because I have 3 legs and I lean). I have been working hard at training with my mom for the past year, to pass the training to be a Pet Partner – I want to work with kids like me who are just ‘different.’ My parents rescued me last year, and I still don’t know exactly what happened. But I am very happy now, and getting ready to make a difference in other people’s lives. Doggie kisses and love to all of you for supporting the Jacksonville Humane Society and making it possible for doggies like me to have a future.”
Ranger
“Hi, my name is Ranger! I’m an Olde English Bulldog and Beagle mix. Don’t let my genes fool you – I love to run and get my paws wet at the beach! When I’m not playing, I love to nap and cuddle with my mommy or give my best puppy eyes for Mommy’s food. Eating is my absolute favorite! Oh, and I’m 2 years old, by the way!”
Indiana Bones
“Hi! This is Indiana Bones, Indy for short! He is a 7-month-old Havanese (as of August 2024). He is a very energetic pup who loves to play fetch and with his sister. Once he has gotten all of his energy out he enjoys cuddling with the family. He really is a man’s best friend.”
Scout
“Scout is a 9-year-old Russell Terrier mix. She loves long walks on the beach, car rides, Starbucks pup cups and keeping her 16-year-old dog brother on his toes. This photo was taken July 4, 2024 by her owner.”
Louie
“I’m Louie, a 4-year-old pup rescued from a stray litter. I got adopted when I was just 6 weeks old, and I think I’m the sweetest boy ever. I love chasing birds on the beach, enjoying pup cups and cleaning my teeth with bones at night.”
Noel
“Noel is a fluffy Cardigan Corgi. She will be 4 years old in October 2024. She loves to play fetch, tug of war, get belly rubs, and snuggle!”
Kyro
“Kyro was adopted as a kitten at JHS and though he had a few health concerns that had to be addressed in the beginning he blossomed into the sweetest, most affectionate little goofball once he got healthy. He’s always making someone smile with his mischievous antics.”
Cash
“My name is Cash. I was found outside a casino in the Turks & Caicos Islands. I jumped on these nice humans who bought me a $5 hot dog and then asked about me and found out I was a stray kitten. They came back the next day and took me to a shelter where they told them if there’s any way to take me back to the United States please do so. So they did! I’ve been a U.S. citizen now for 8 years and am so happy that my parents adopted me and brought me to Florida. I love shrimp and sushi and any seafood and being brushed. I love to jump all over the house and in the windows to look out. I have an amazing sister, Charlotte (a dog who was adopted from JHS) that plays with me all the time.”
Tinky May
“Tinky has literally been my best friend. We have been through hurricanes, loss of family and friends and happy days as well. I’ve had her since she was 4 weeks old. She was a gift from a friend because the rescue I had had passed away, but she’s been the most precious and expensive gift I’ve ever had. Now she’s 10 years old. She’s everybody’s friend – the happiest Chihuahua ever. She brings joy and love to everybody she meets. By the way, she doesn’t actually know she’s a dog I don’t think – she’s a princess! She’s been through a lot with her health but she never lets it get her down.”
Think YOU have the cutest pet in all of Jacksonville? Our sixth annual Cutest Pet Contest will kick off later this year in August – we hope you’ll consider entering!