Best in Show 2025
Who will have what it takes to be the top dog?
The 22nd Annual Best in Show
May 4, 2025 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV
Every year, Best in Show puts 20+ of The Animal Foundation’s most adoptable dogs in the spotlight—not just to find them loving homes, but to showcase the incredible diversity of breeds that come through our doors. While many assume we only have a few breeds at the shelter, the reality is that thousands of dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities come through our doors each year.
But this event is about more than just the dogs walking the teal carpet. As our biggest fundraiser, Best in Show helps us care for the other 20,000+ animals who need us—providing lifesaving medical treatment for sick and injured pets, extra time for long-stay dogs, and second chances for those who need them most. Only 0.001% of our dogs are selected to compete, but 100% of the proceeds make a difference.
Join us for a day of heartwarming adoptions, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the incredible dogs waiting for their forever homes. Only one dog will be crowned Best in Show, but all the participants will be available for adoption during the event. Because when you support Best in Show, you’re helping shelter pets get their second chance.
This year, Best in Show GA is free! Just show up and enjoy the event -- no ticket needed.
If you want to stay up-to-date about everything Best in Show, sign up for our email list below! When you sign up, we'll also send out a link to the live stream the day of the event.
How to Adopt a Best in Show Dog
This year’s Best in Show features amazing shelter dogs from The Animal Foundation. For
the safety and well-being of our animals and guests, bidding for the dogs will take place
through the GiveSmart site. No patrons will be permitted on the runway.
ADOPTION BIDDING RULES
- Bidding closes once the Best in Show winner is announced.
- If a bid is placed within 30 seconds prior to the auction closing, the auction will extend by this amount of time until bids are no longer placed. For example, if a bid is placed within the last 30 seconds of the auction, the auction will extend by 30 seconds, and will continue to extend, until there are no more bids placed for a full 30 seconds.
- All adoptions are final. No refunds.
Please note: those who win the bid to adopt a Best in Show dog are still required to go through our standard adoption process, which includes ensuring the dog will be place in a safe and loving home.
You must register a credit card on your GiveSmart account to place a bid!
DON’T HAVE A GIVESMART ACCOUNT?
1. Go to https://bestinshow.givesmart.
2. Click the “Sign In or Register” button in the upper right hand corner of your screen
3. Click “Register Now” at the bottom of the pop-up window
4. Fill in all of the information and hit “Create”