The pup parents of Hoboken and Jersey City really turned out this year, and let’s just say… it was next to impossible to choose this year’s Puppy Bowl finalists as we sorted through nominees. While all of the adorable contestants gave our hearts some much-needed warming, we have finally narrowed it down to nine show-stopping finalists, one of which will take the crown and some amazing prizes from local businesses. Read on for the dogs’ stories, how we're giving back to Wise Animal Rescue and Ace of Hearts Rescue (and how you can, too!), and then — VOTE!

Voting will take place from Monday, February 3rd to Thursday, February 6th at 11:59PM and the winner will be announced on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9th. You can vote as many times as you want within that time frame.

Thank you to all the dog parents who submitted photos of their fur babies AND who donated to Wise Animal Rescue and Ace of Hearts Rescue! Keep reading to cast your vote and crown one dog as the winner (of some amazing local prizes!). We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorship fees to Wise Animal Rescue and Ace of Hearts Rescue.

VOTING BELOW — first, a look at our top 9:

The Finalists

---

Luna

Luna's owners shared with us:

"Luna Balloona is a 4 year old English Bulldog who currently resides in Exchange Place, Jersey City. She’s as stubborn as she is cute. Fetch? Ha! Walks? Good luck. She’s the boss of the house and everyone knows it. She’s steals toys from her sister, only to drop them seconds later and move on. Her favorite spot is the kitchen, where her lightning fast reflexes catch any stray food particles before they hit the floor. Be warned: this smoosh-floof seductress may look like she only wants to be loved and held close but these are lies! Luna’s cuddles are not to be trusted as they’re often accompanied by 'unexpected rough air'."

---

David

David's owners shared with us:

"David is 100% American bully with a beautiful brindle coat. He’s 7 years old and we rescued him in June on a whim at an event at the Ale House. He’s the sweetest boy in the world, his favorite store is cornerstone and his favorite treats are greenies!"

---

Joey

Joey's owners shared with us:

"Meet Joey, the three-legged pittie with a heart as big as her smile! After being hit by a car living on the streets of Philly, she was given a second chance at life, and now she’s all about living it to the fullest. Joey may be missing a leg, but that doesn’t slow her down one bit—she’s a goofy, 50lb lap dog with endless love to give. Her sweet nature, fun-loving antics, and those irresistible wiggles when she’s excited make her the absolute best."

---

Meatball

Meatball's owners shared with us:

"Meatball, the 1.5-year-old Corgi, is a connoisseur of fine treats with a penchant for charming his dads into extra helpings of Stella & Chewy's Chicken Hearts and Pure Bites freeze-dried beef or salmon. This well-traveled pup has already explored Florida, Napa, CA, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, leaving a trail of admirers in his wake. A beloved "frequent flier" at Hoboken Bond Vet, Meatball is now setting his sights on a new challenge: winning Hoboken's Puppy Bowl 2025."

---

Riley

Rileys owners shared with us:

"Meet Riley, a 3-year-old booty shaking bundle of joy from Hoboken! Riley was adopted from Maryland and has been living her best city girl life ever since. She’s got a serious love for treats, especially the Mackie's treats that her mom and dad get at the Hoboken Farmers Market (she can spot them from a mile away!). When she’s not enjoying a snack, you can find Riley at Church Square Dog Park, where she’s the queen of chasing pigeons and squirrels, or down the shore on her Grandma and Grandpa's boat. Her favorite local hangout is Hoboken Pet, but she also loves tagging along with mom and dad to Mojo Coffee Shop, where they always have dog treats ready for her. Fun facts: Riley is  afraid of cats (even though she tries to act tough), she’s a pro napper while her mom works from home, and if you catch her in a good mood, she’ll wow you with the cutest butt wiggles you’ve ever seen!"

---

Cinnamon Puff

Cinnamon Puff's owners shared with us:

"Meet Cinnamon Puff! He’s a 10-week-old Yorkipoo who recently moved to Hoboken with his parents after being adopted from a friend whose dogs had puppies. Though he’s still settling into his new home, Cinnamon Puff is already loving exploring around Hoboken. We’ve been taking him for "walks" (aka carrying him in a bag) around town so he can take in all the sights and smells. He’s been loving the local pet stores and has already scored plenty of treats (shout out Cornerstone Pets and Bond Vet for the goody bag and treats). He’s soaking it all in and adjusting to his new life with endless curiosity. We are so thrilled to have him and can’t wait for the many adventures ahead with our little buddy!"

---

Zorba

Zorba's owners shared with us:

"Zorba is a 6.5 year old German shepherd whose first visit as a puppy after being adopted was to Stevens campus to visit his now Dad. He now lives a spoiled life in his favorite city with his parents (who are both Stevens Alumni) getting absolutely everything he wants. Zorba has osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, so his favorite new activity is going for therapy at Sage Veterinary in Jersey City to do the under water treadmill - where he gets lots of treats. One of Zorba’s best buddies was the stray cat who lived near our building! She used to follow him around and sit on his tail. The cat (Cleo - now Yardie) was untrusting of humans but when Zorba was outside, she would trust him and come close. Zorba likes to say he was instrumental in getting her rescued and adopted. Zorba’s favorite treats are beef lung from Hoboken Pet."

---

Metro

Metro's owners shared with us:

"Metro is a 1 year old cockapoo and is just the happiest guy. Originally from NYC, he moved across the Hudson to Hoboken with his pawrents in late 2024 and is loving his new city! He loves going anywhere with his mom, whether it’s picking up more chicken treats at LB Healthy Pet Markets or grabbing a drink at The Ale House. You can find him cruising down Washington with his head out the window every weekend. He also loves creating content for his TikTok account, @metrothecockapoo!"

---

Winni

Winni's owners shared with us:

"I’m Winni, a 1 year old silver brindle pug! I live in Hoboken, NJ with my mom and all my friends aka anyone who will pet me or let me sit on their laps! I am OBSESSED with Cornerstone Pets and will refuse my treats at home so my mom will take me there for their superior treats! My grandma calls me the parkour pug because I run so fast and love to go under things (people’s legs and park benches) and jump up on high surfaces like it’s no problem! I love to go shopping with my mom, get pup cups and sit on random strangers laps at the dog park!"

---

NOW, TIME TO VOTE:

Submit your name + email below* and then you’ll be able to VOTE for your favorite pup. (You can vote as many times as you want, now until 11:59PM on Thursday, 2/6)

 

*Submitting a ballot adds you to The Hoboken Girl's newsletter and information from our partners.

---

The Prizes

L+B Healthy Pet Markets | 155 4th Street, Hoboken

IG handle: @lbhealthypetmarkets

Giveaway + Gift Value: $100 gift card

---

Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street, Hoboken

IG Handle: @bondvetclinic

Giveaway + Gift Value: Appointment credit for the Hoboken location ($100 value)

---

Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken

IG Handle: @cornerstonepets

Giveaway + Gift Value: Gift basket valued at $150

---

Hound About Town | 17 McWilliams Place + 218 Montgomery Street, Jersey City 

IG Handle: @houndabouttown 

Giveaway + Gift Value: $50 gift card, Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser, Dandylion Lick Mat, and Muttluks Nosemagik Soothing Nose Balm ($100 value)

---

The Local Girl Media Group

IG Handle: @thelocalgirlhq

Giveaway Gift + Value: $50 gift card to New Jersey business of choice

---

Cast your votes starting today through Thursday, February 6th at 11:59PM.

Stay tuned for the crowned winner on Sunday, February 9th of our fourth annual Puppy Bowl Contest.