Contestant Scoring

*Note* - The Midwest Pet and Handler Contest welcomes pets and handlers from all walks of life and does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of real or perceived race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran's status or national origin. If any accommodations need to be made due to a barrier meeting any expectations below, we encourage our contestants to notify us so we can ensure an equitable chance for each contestant. As such, we expect our judges to not take this into account when scoring contestants.

Interview: (100 points available per judge)

Each individual contestant will meet with the judging panel offstage (approx 15 minutes) prior to the stage portion of the contest to answer judge's questions about the contestant’s interest in being a pet/handler, knowledge on human-animal roleplay, the interaction with their community, willingness/ability to represent the title. Hoods are not to be worn during the interview. If available, the pet or handler is encouraged to either bring or wear their pet and handler gear to show the judges (Mitts, knee pads, collars, leashes and Pet tails can be worn. Arm bands, wrist bands, hankies, etc may also be worn.) Clothing should be pet and handler casual but should not be the same outfit they wear during any other category. 

Each judge will ask at least one question of their choosing of the contestant. It can be about the Pet and Handler community, the contestant’s community involvement, or any other relevant subject of their choosing.  (Asking about protected statuses is prohibited unless previously divulged by the contestant.) Each judge should give an overall score based on all contestant’s answers to all the judge’s questions to a maximum of 100 points.

Speech: (50 points available per judge)

The contestants will prepare beforehand and deliver a formal address during the event. This can be on any topic the contestant wishes. The judges will award points on both content as well as delivery. The formal address should be between 90 seconds and 120 seconds in length. Each speech will be timed and the judges will be informed of the recorded length after each speech. Points will be deducted for formal addresses going under as well as over time.

Onstage Introduction & Question Category:(25 points available per judge)

Each individual contestant will appear onstage and is encouraged to dress to impress. It can be their favorite fetish gear, leather, rubber or whatever they enjoy (keep it legal please) and will introduce themselves to the audience and briefly describe their background or interest in the Pet and Handler community. They will be asked two questions drawn randomly from two pools (one serious and one light). Contestants may choose the order of these questions. It is not encouraged to expound on a political “platform.”

Pet Talent Category: (25 points available per judge)

Each individual contestant shall appear onstage in wearing the attire that best represents their pet/handler image. The contestants will each perform a (short) talent or scene for the audience. This portion is intended to be a fun, entertaining experience for the audience. Get creative! Use props! Criteria will include uniqueness of talent, entertainment quality, and audience reaction. Pets/handlers are encouraged to wear their full gear to impress (hoods, mitts, tail, harness, chaps, bodysuits, etc). They have the choice of showing off their pet/handler side on stage solo, with interaction from the MC, with a handler, or other stage participants of their choice.  The onstage talent/scene presentation shall be no longer than five (5) minutes.