HAVERHILL — Every dog has its day, but one local pooch has once again been named the city’s “Top Dog.”
Three lucky pups have been crowned as winners in the fifth annual Haverhill Top Dog Contest — a contest that encourages residents to license their dogs while taking part in a friendly competition.
City Clerk Kaitlin Wright announced the trio of top canines on Friday as the winners were selected based on the most-liked photos posted online.
A golden-furred Dante has claimed the title of the city’s top dog after fetching the most votes in this year’s contest. Dante is a 1-year-old male golden retriever, who retrieved 185 votes, and owned by Nancy Cassidy. He is now the proud owner of Haverhill’s 2026 dog license #1 and a first-place trophy to store beside his toy collection.
Second place was awarded to Watson, a 5-year-old male terrier mix owned by David and Allison Kazarian. Watson took home dog license #2 with an impressive 167 likes.
In third, Monty, a 2-year-old male Bernese mountain dog owned by Brittany Scarelli and Matthew Wrenn, earned 91 likes and was awarded dog license #3.
Apart from bragging rights, the pups on the podium will also have their photos displayed in the City Clerk’s Office and posted on the city’s website.
Photos of all of the contestants were previously posted online where the public could cast their votes, allowing residents to scroll through dozens of furry faces and pick their favorites.
Residents who licensed or renewed their dogs had the opportunity to enter their four-legged companions for a chance to win.
City Clerk Kaitlin Wright said this year’s contest drew a record number of four-legged participants.
“A huge thank you to everyone who entered the contest, and congratulations to our winners. This year we saw our highest turnout yet, with 183 entries, more than 100 additional contestants compared to last year!” Wright wrote. “Be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s contest. We can’t wait to see which dogs will rise to the top of the pack!”
The contest also serves as a reminder that resident dog-owners must obtain a dog license before the May 31 deadline to avoid a late fee. New dogs may be licensed at any time.
Licensing can be done at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, Room 118, 4 Summer St., or online at haverhill.ma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1074/record-type/6335. A copy of a valid rabies certificate is required.
For more information, call 978-374-2312.