Welcome to Kathy Cafazzo Photography serving North Central Florida
Back for a third consecutive year!
2026 Pooch Playoffs
Does your pup (or kitten or other animal friend) have what it takes to claim the title of the "Ulti-Mutt Cutie" of North Central Florida?
We are going to find the cutest pup in North Central Florida and raise money for the Shakespeare Animal Fund at the same time.
What is Pooch Playoffs?
March Madness - Pup Style
- Pooch Playoffs is a pet portrait competition.
- To coincide with March Madness (the NCAA Basketball Tournament), your fur baby will be entered in "The Ulti-Mutt Cutie" bracket-style contest where you will be able to invite your family and friends (and complete strangers) to vote for your pooch online in a paw-to-paw match-up.
- Our tournament field is open to 16 pups, so spots are limited.
- Our winner then advances to the international competition!
- Voting for Pooch Playoffs begins in March. Details for voting will be announced closer to the contest.
How Does It Work?
Your $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 upcoming, online bracket-style competition in March.
How to Participate
1. Sign up using the link above to apply. Because we only have 16 spots, we want to make sure your pup is a perfect fit for the competition!
2. After you apply, we'll set up a 15-minute quicky phone call where we can chat about your pup, finalize your session date and plan your image goals.
3. Bring your pup to our boutique pop-up studio for their high-energy, fun-filled portrait session. We’ll capture that specific "look" that makes them a contender for the "Ulti-Mutt Cutie" title!
4. After the session, we’ll meet for your ordering appointment. This is the best part! You’ll see your pup's portraits in a beautiful presentation, choose your favorite for the March Madness bracket/keychain and we can design custom art or book features for your home.
They are Family
Our fur babies need to be proudly displayed in our homes!
I have heard too many stories of pets unexpectedly passing away and the owners had insufficient photos to remember them by. These animals are a treasure and they are in our lives for such a short amount of time.
After you have applied, we will call and talk you through the process - from an in-person consultation to your pet portrait session, and finally an ordering appointment where we will narrow down to your best image for the competition and decide on any wall art that you would like for your home.
We had a fantastic experience with Kathy Cafazzo Photography during the Pooch Playoffs! She was incredibly patient—not just with our pup but also with incorporating our kids into the shoot. Kathy was professional yet so friendly, making the entire session enjoyable for everyone.
Jen L.
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.
Interested in supporting?
I want to support as a comPETitor!
If you have a super cute fur baby, we want to see them!
100% of the $99 session fees goes to the Shakespeare Animal Fund.
Booking for the 16 spots begins February 1 and will fill up quickly.
Call or text Kathy at 352.316.4575
Only 16 total spots available!
I want to be a Sponsor!
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 spots available until March 20.
Reach out to Kathy@kathycafazzophotography.com or call 352.316.4575 for more details.
Become a Pooch Playoffs ULTI-MUTT SPONSOR
Champion Sponsor (3 spots)
Best in Show Supporter (5 spots)
Best in Show Supporter (5 spots)
$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 Supporter (5 spots)
Best in Show Supporter (5 spots)
Best in Show Supporter (5 spots)
$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 (10 spots)
Best in Show Supporter (5 spots)
Pet Pacer (10 spots)
$100 + item donation
All Paw-tner in Kind perks plus a medium linked logo on the event webpage, your logo on event t-shirts, flyers, & posters, and a shoutout in the recap email.
Paw-tner in Kind
Best in Show Supporter (5 spots)
Pet Pacer (10 spots)
item donation only
A small linked logo on the event webpage,
recognition in a social media thank-you post.