St. Paul Seeks Canine King and Queen for Winter Carnival

St. Paul is calling on local dog owners to nominate pups for the Winter Carnival’s Canine King & Queen contest, a community-focused spotlight on pets that supports rescue and adoption efforts. Nominations are open through January 11, 2026. Voting will take place January 12 through January 25, and winners will be revealed and crowned at Doggie Depot on February 1, 2026.

Doggie Depot is free to attend and is designed as a community gathering for families and pet lovers. The event will feature adoptable rescue dogs alongside local pet vendors, creating opportunities for residents to meet animals in need of homes and to connect with small businesses that serve the area’s pet community. A Doga session, a dog-friendly yoga practice listed in the morning lineup, is highlighted as a family-friendly activity intended to encourage gentle bonding and low-stress interaction between owners and their dogs.

The contest and Doggie Depot combine celebration and animal welfare. By pairing the pageant-style Canine King & Queen contest with on-site rescue and adoption resources, organizers aim to raise awareness about pet adoption while driving foot traffic to local vendors and nonprofit partners. For owners, the timeline is straightforward: nominate by January 11, encourage friends and neighbors to vote during the January 12–25 window, and plan to attend Doggie Depot on February 1 to see winners crowned and to participate in community activities.

Practical value for participants includes direct access to adoptable animals and vendor booths at no cost, plus an accessible Doga offering that is suitable for families and dogs of varying temperaments. For volunteers and rescue groups, the event creates a concentrated opportunity to showcase animals available for adoption and to connect with potential adopters in a relaxed setting.

Community members who want to take part should note the dates and make nominations before the January 11 deadline. Voting begins January 12, and the culmination at Doggie Depot on February 1 offers both a celebratory reveal and hands-on avenues to support local rescues and pet-related small businesses. The Canine King & Queen contest and Doggie Depot together reinforce a simple message: celebrate pets, support adoption, and bring the community together around animals.