NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Somewhere in America right now, a dog is mid-adventure and it likely involves a whole lot of mud. Dogs weren’t exactly built to stay clean. They are meant to chase, dig, splash, roll, run and, inevitably, come home covered in whatever they found along the way. This summer, Wondercide, the plant-powered pest protection brand that empowers people and pets to explore and play outside fearlessly, is celebrating that spirit with the search for America’s Dirtiest Dog – a nationwide contest for the dogs who are living their absolute best lives, one muddy adventure at a time.

Wondercide is inviting pet parents across the country to submit pictures of their dog’s filthiest, most joy-filled moments for a shot at the title of America’s Dirtiest Dog. From mud-caked paws and creek-soaked fur to sandy faces and grass-stained bellies, the contest is all about celebrating what happens when dogs get to do what they do best: be dogs.

Getting dirty is part of the fun. It’s the evidence of a good walk that turned into an adventure, a backyard zoomie session that got out of hand or a swim that was absolutely worth the bath waiting at home. America’s Dirtiest Dog is a celebration of the idea that the best dog days aren’t always the cleanest ones.

And the fun goes beyond the dogs already living their best lives. Wondercide has partnered with Animal Haven, a New York City-based animal shelter, to support even more dogs get their own shot at a life well-lived. Because every dog deserves the chance to chase, roll, splash and explore with a home and someone waiting to towel them off at the end of the day.

The product that empowers dogs to make a mess? Wondercide’s Flea & Tick Shampoo, plant-powered, gentle enough for regular use, and built to help protect high-energy, outdoor-obsessed dogs from fleas and ticks without putting a leash on the adventure. Get dirty. Get clean. Do it again tomorrow.

HOW IT WORKS
Starting today through September 4, pet parents can post a photo or video of their dog at their absolute dirtiest on Instagram, tagging @Wondercide and using #AmericasDirtiestDog.

After entries close, Wondercide will select three finalists. From September 5–9, the public votes to crown the winner through Instagram engagement, with the champion announced September 10.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE
The winning dog takes home a year’s supply of Wondercide Flea & Tick Shampoo plus bragging rights and a starring spot on AmericasDirtiestDog.com, with the winning photo enshrined.

And here’s the part that makes this bigger than one winner: Through the partnership with Animal Haven, Wondercide will provide a monetary and product donation, with adopted dogs heading home with a bottle of shampoo to help keep them clean and protected from fleas and ticks as they embark on all the muddy adventures that come with their new lives.

“A dirty dog isn’t a problem. It’s proof of a life well-lived. Every dirty dog submission is really just a photo of a dog who got to be a dog,” said a Wondercide spokesperson. “That’s what we’re celebrating with this contest. And since we know not every dog gets that chance yet, we wanted to send shelter dogs home with something to help keep them protected from fleas and ticks as they start their next chapter – muddy adventures and all.”

“At Animal Haven, we see every day what it means for a dog to finally get a place to just be a dog – to run, play, and yes, get a little messy without anyone worrying about it. Partnering with Wondercide on America’s Dirtiest Dog means more of our New York City shelter dogs get exactly that: the resources and support to start their next chapter feeling loved, protected, and ready for whatever adventure comes next.” — Tiffany Lacey, Executive Director, Animal Haven

Full contest rules, eligibility, and entry terms @Wondercide. Follow along to watch the finalists, cast a vote, and see who takes home the title.

About Wondercide

Wondercide is an Austin-based, woman-founded company on a mission to help you Protect Your Pack® with plant-powered protection from bugs for pets, family, and home. Since 2009, the company has redefined what effective pest control means for families seeking plant-powered alternatives—delivering lab-proven, independently tested solutions that harness the power of nature and are designed to deliver reliable performance with ingredients you can feel good about.

Featured on Shark Tank and trusted by over 22 million people and pets, Wondercide provides science-backed protection that works indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between, safe around the whole pack when used as directed.

Wondercide products are available at Wondercide.com, Amazon, Chewy, and select national and independent retailers across the U.S., including PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, and Tractor Supply.

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SOURCE Wondercide