Welcome to Kathy Cafazzo Photography serving North Central Florida
What is Pooch Playoffs?
March Madness - Pup Style
- Pooch Playoffs is a pet portrait competition in search of cutest pup in North Central Florida and raise money for the Shakespeare Animal Fund at the same time.
- To coincide with March Madness (the NCAA Basketball Tournament), 16 fur babies entered in "The Ulti-Mutt Cutie" bracket-style contest. Family and friends (and complete strangers) are encouraged to vote for their pooch online in a paw-to-paw match-up.
- The $99 session fee is donated to Shakespeare Animal Fund.
- Our tournament field was open to 16 pups, so spots were limited.
- Our winner advances to the national competition!
- Voting for Pooch Playoffs begins in March 24.
- CHECK BACK HERE SOON FOR THE VOTING LINK!
Meet the 2026 ComPETitors: Coming Soon!
Meet the Pups
Get to know a little about the pup behind the cuteness.
How Does It Work?
The $99 Session Fee Includes
- a $99 donation to Shakespeare Animal Fund,
- a pet portrait session,
- an acrylic keychain with your favorite image selected during your Ordering Appointment,
- a sWag bag from local businesses, and
- a spot in the online bracket-style competition in March.
Voting Overview
The Voting Process
The Voting Process
The Voting Process
- Vote for your favorite dog in each match (VOTING LINK TO BE POSTED HERE SOON!)
- Enter your name, email and "Submit Vote".
- Return and vote daily beginning Tuesday, March 24.
- Share with your friends and family to join in the fun!
- Cheer as the North Central Florida champion is revealed at noon on Monday, March 30 .
Voting Dates
The Voting Process
The Voting Process
- Sweet 16 - March 24
- Elite Eight - March 25
- Regional Semifinal - March 26
- Regional Final - March 27
Other Important Dates
- March 30 - Our champion is announced!
- National Championship - April 5 (one day, winner take all!)
*Voting opens at 12:01 a.m. ET on the day listed and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET.
What's Next
The Voting Process
What's Next
- Our local winner advances to the NATIONAL bracket where local champions from around the entire country will compete in a one-day, one-vote winner-take-all event held on Sunday, April 5 for the National Championship.
- The 2026 Pooch Playoffs national champion will be announced on Monday, April 6 - the same day as the NCAA Championship Men's Basketball game.
Shakespeare Animal Fund
100% of the session fees will be donated to the Shakespeare Animal Fund.
The Shakespeare Animal Fund is a 501c3 non-profit organization and was officially founded in January 2004 by Jennifer Webb in Reno, Nevada. It was established in memory of her cocker spaniel, Shakespeare, who passed away in November 2003, to help low-income individuals, seniors and veterans afford emergency veterinary care.
Key details regarding its founding:
- Origin: The fund was inspired by the high costs of emergency, end-of-life care for the founder's own dog, Shakespeare.
- Establishment: While inspired by her beloved Shakespeare, the non-profit was officially started in January 2004.
- Mission: To pay emergency veterinary bills for pets whose owners cannot afford treatment.
- Growth: Initially supported by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, the organization grew to provide extensive aid to those in need.
2026 Pet Pacer Sponsors
The family-owned and personally operated 12,000+ sq. ft. pet resort features multiple secure outdoor play yards, a climate-controlled boarding room, enrichment spaces and a modern grooming spa. Every area is intentionally designed for comfort, safety, and fun — creating an inviting environment where pets thrive.
Not only did Jazz's Wonderland provide a financial donation, they've added some goodies to every participant's sWag bag!
Located at 4122 NW 128th Ter., Gainesville
Fiber internet uses ultra-thin glass cables to deliver internet using light — not copper wires — making it stronger, more reliable, and ready for anything your home needs. Pavlov Media believes great internet should come with meaningful extras. From smart tools for families to partnerships that support local schools and hospitals, we're committed to making life better — online and off.
Not only did Pavlov provide a financial donation, they've added some goodies to every participant's sWag bag!
2026 Paw-tner in Kind Sponsors
All 16 participants receive 25% off their first order, while the two finalists each get a $100 gift certificate!
[Located at 1005 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, in Newberry Crossing]
The top 2 pups compete for either a $50 gift certificate or a first-aid kit valued at $70!
[4 locations throughout Gainesville and Newberry]
The champion receives a free 3" 3D statue of their pup!
[Located at 1132 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, in Newberry Square]
All 16 participants receive goodies in their sWag Bag from Fifth Third bank!
[Located at 2605 SW 91st St, Gainesville, in Haile Market Square]
Each of the Final Four competitors receives a voucher for one free class!
[Located at 2625 SW 91st St, Gainesville, in Haile Market Square]
Gainesville's best craft store closes their VIP room every Monday when we can photograph each Pooch Playoffs competitor in a spacious, air-conditioned area!
[Located at 1132 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, in Newberry Square]
All 16 participants receive several items from the box full of goodies provided by PetSmart on Archer Road!
[Located at 3736 SW Archer Rd.,
Gainesville]
Florida injury lawyers for 50+ years, Meldon Law joined the fun and provided the funding for three pups currently residing in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care to compete in the Pooch Playoffs!
Pooch Playoffs ULTI-MUTT SPONSORSHIP
Champion Sponsor
Champion Sponsor
Champion Sponsor
$500 + item donation
All Best in Show Supporter perks plus your logo on all client handouts, and a featured story on social media.
Best in Show
Champion Sponsor
Champion Sponsor
$250 + item donation
All Pet Pacer perks plus a large linked logo on the event webpage, your logo on all promo materials, a featured social media post and a shoutout in all announcements and results.
Pet Pacer
Champion Sponsor
Paw-tner in Kind
$100 + item donation
All Paw-tner in Kind perks plus a medium linked logo on the event webpage, your logo on event flyers, & posters and a shoutout in the recap email.
Paw-tner in Kind
Champion Sponsor
Paw-tner in Kind
item donation only
A small linked logo on the event webpage,
recognition in a social media thank-you post.
Interested in supporting?
If you have a business and would like to support the Shakespeare Animal Fund through the Pooch Playoffs ...
Why Sponsor?
- Brand Exposure. Feature your business in event marketing materials, social media and more.
- Community Impact. Contribute to a meaningful cause and connect with local pet lovers.
- Exclusive Engagement. Feature your products in participant sWag Bags, providing a unique opportunity to reach new potential customers.
Sponsorship opportunities available until March 22.
Reach out to Kathy@kathycafazzophotography.com or call 352.316.4575 for more details.