Welcome to Kathy Cafazzo Photography serving North Central Florida
Our 2025 Champion!
What's Next?
As the Ulti-MUTT Cutie” of North Central Florida, Pinot will represent our area in the international competition on Sunday, April 6.
It’s ONE DAY. ONE ROUND. ONE VOTE!
The charity behind the overall top pooch wins a sizeable donation! Let’s get that for Faithful Friends Pet Rescue and Rehoming.
Online voting begins April 6 at 1 a.m. ET and ends at 12:59 a.m. ET on April 7. The online link will be active only during that time span.
Voting Overview
How it Works
How it Works
How it Works
- Vote for your favorite dog in each match.
- 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
How it Works
How it Works
- 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!
- International - 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
How it Works
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.
What is The Pooch Playoffs?
March Madness - Pup Style
To coincide with March Madness (the NCAA Basketball Tournament), "The Ulti-Mutt Cutie" is a bracket-style contest to raise money for Shakespeare Animal Fund.
- Anyone can vote in the paw-to-paw match-up on social media.
- Our tournament field was open to 16 pups, so spots were limited.
- Our winner advances to the national championship!
- Voting for Pooch Playoffs begins March 24.
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.
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.
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!
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 funding for three pups currently residing in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care to compete in the Pooch Playoffs!