'Barkbox' Will Legit Pay for People to Get Tattoos of Their Dogs

"Barkbox" wants to pay for you to get a tattoo of your dog, which means its annual National Dog Day Tattoo Contest is back, and it's bigger than ever.

On August 20, 2024, BARK announced the return of its National Dog Day Tattoo Contest. Here's what you need to know.

"Think you can sit as well as your dog? In honor of National Dog Day and a dozen years of BARK, we want to pay for you to get some sweet ink of your sweet pup," the contest on BARK's website explains.

Related: Tampa Tattoo Artist 'Turns Pets Into Fun Creations' & People Can't Get Enough

The National Dog Day Tattoo Contest runs until September 6 at 11:59 pm EST, where dog parents can win the cost of a tattoo.

To enter the contest, dog parents submit a photo of their pup and a "short essay" about why you should win "the coolest tattoo you'll ever have."

From there, BARK judges will review the submissions. In past years, they've awarded 100 dog parents a win, but they're doubling the love this year.

"Our judges will award 200 lucky dog people with a prepaid $150 gift card for an artist of your choice," the contest page shares.

“At BARK, we’re a team of dog people that want to do everything with dogs and for dogs, so we get it," Dave Stangle, VP of Brand Marketing at BARK, said, according to CW33 News. "We’ve received so many submissions over the years, we knew we had to help even more dog-obsessed people get their dream tattoo."

To be eligible to win, you need to live in the United States with your dog and be at least 18 years old. The submission page will ask for your name, address, dog's name, breed, and a photo. Then, you will be asked to answer: "Why do you love your dog and want a tattoo?"

This is the third year of the contest, and according to CW33 News, "Last year, BARK received over 24,000 submissions and determined that Chicago, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles were among the top cities." The news station also said that the top breeds that saw the most submissions were Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, and Mutts.

On social media, people seem to be really excited about the contest opening up again and the increased chances to win.

One person wrote, "Applied last time and got the tattoo anyway. Still love y’all."

Another added, "Woohoo!!! Entered again this year. Maybe my little Lulu will win!!"

Someone else shared, "Have never entered anything so fast."

Another joked, "This is my sign to get a tattoo."

There Are So Many Cute Tattoo Ideas That Honor Your Dog

For many pet parents, having a permanent reminder of your love for your dog is perfect for a tattoo, and so many look into this option.

In 2023, a study of 2,000 cat and dog parents found that 25% would consider getting a tattoo of their current pet, while another 25% said they plan to get one. Also another 16% of people polled in the survey, commissioned by ACANA Pet Food, said they already have a pet-themed tattoo on their body.

So if you're considering getting a tattoo for your beloved pet, you won't be alone. You can read more about the BARK National Dog Day Tattoo Contest on its website.