Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow have launched the next round of their nationwide "Chief Snuggle Officer" contest, seeking one puppy and one kitten to serve as brand ambassadors.
The selected winners will each receive a $25,000 "salary," and a local animal shelter in each winner's city will receive a $10,000 donation.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The 2026 Chief Snuggle Officers will follow Pudim, a Cavapoo puppy from Overland, Kansas, and Ika, an American shorthair kitten from Queens, New York, who previously held the roles. The brands said the winners will help promote good nutrition, growth and play, with no prior experience required.
Candidates will be evaluated on comfort delivery, cooperation with other pets and performance in stressful situations, according to Purina.
How to enter
Applications are open from July 1 to July 17 at purina.com/chiefsnuggleofficer. Owners can apply by submitting photos, a video and a short resume explaining why their pet is qualified for the role. Pets featured must be under 12 months old — or up to 24 months for large-breed puppies — at the time of submission.
- Three puppies and three kittens will be selected as finalists.
- Beginning Aug. 17, the public will vote for their favorite puppy and kitten.
- Winners will be announced in early October.
Proper nutrition
The first year of a puppy's or kitten's life lays the foundation for lifelong health and development, Purina said.
"Most puppy and kitten growth takes place in their first 12 months, making this one of the most important periods of their lives," said Dr. Callie Harris, a Purina veterinarian. "Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow are formulated to support their overall development during this critical window. They provide protein, DHA and antioxidants to support growth, help with brain and vision development, and support a healthy immune system. And beyond nutrition, playtime, training and snuggles are just as important — they help build confidence, improve social skills and strengthen the bond between pet and owner."
