Pooches at the polls: 8 dogs bringing joy to the US election

These dogs are putting their best paws forward to encourage Americans to vote

A dog wearing a "vote" costume is pictured in front of the White House, in Washington D.C on October 30. Reuters

A service dog does a trick for its owner outside at a polling location for the 2020 Presidential election in Houston, Texas. Bloomberg

Larry the Conservative Dog and his owner, investment advisor Tom Bode, are seen outside the Racine County Republican Party Office in Racine, Wisconsin. Reuters

A dog wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat is pictured during a campaign rally from Donald Trump Jr for U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of Election Day in Scottsdale, Arizona. Reuters

A dog is seen at a polling station in Huntington Park on Election Day, California. REUTERS

A woman pushes her dog in a pram as she takes part in an event to promote the importance of the Latino vote on October 31. Reuters

A person carrying a dog prepares to vote at an early voting station at the Nationals Park in Washington. Reuters

U.S. Senator Martha McSally attends a campaign event with her dog Boomer . Reuters

A Trump supporter holds a flag as she arrives with her dog to a rally in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in October. Reuters

A supporter of Joe Biden and vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris carries her dog, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in October.

William Heuseler, second from left, waits in line to vote with his dog Ziggy, outside of an early voting site, Tuesday, October 20. AP

A dog is seen in a car window as John Eddy, 52, collects absentee ballots from voters as they drive past the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections in Cleveland, Ohio on October 16. AFP

Aaryn Dupske waits in line, accompanied by her service dog, to vote in St. Charles, Missouri. AP

Dogs may not have the vote, but that doesn’t stop their owners dressing them up in election regalia, taking them to vote and asking them nicely to cheer up other voters in polling queues.

Here are our favourite dogs from US election day and the campaign trail.

1. These non-partisan dogs

These golden retrievers just want the electorate to exercise their democratic rights.

Don’t worry, their owner said they got extra snacks as a reward for being such good dogs.

2. Labradonald

Veteran BBC North America Editor Jon Sopel shared a Labrador modelling a stunning blonde wig and tie in Scranton.

3. Poll watchers

These charming animals are helping voters get the information they need to vote.

4. Famous dog

This good boy or girl was spotted helping to get the first votes counted in the tiny town of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire. It has been the first to return results every year for 60 years, and this year all five votes went to Joe Biden.

5. Partisan pups

Unlike our first canine friends, the owners of these dogs want you to know their allegiances.

This Trump-supporting dog has really got it going on – Make America Great Again cap, US flag bandana and all.

His opponent? This very pampered dog as its buggy decorated with Biden merchandise.

6. Tired of election day already

This dog has already been out to vote and returned to nap.

7. Getting out the vote

These two adorable dogs want you to get out and vote!

8. Hungry for democracy

This little guy loved his voting sticker so much he wanted to eat it!

And it wasn’t just the canines getting involved...

These cats also have a message for voters.