UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. "Chicago Fire" is holding a nationwide contest in search of the perfect firehouse pooch.

The winner, to be named "'Chicago Fire' Top Dog," will make an appearance on both "Today" and on the popular prime time drama series about the Windy City heroes.Firehouses should email submissions to

ChicagoFire.TopDog@nbcuni.com and include a photo and no more than 200 words on why their dog should be chosen. Also include the dog and owner's names, address, home phone number, firehouse number, firehouse phone number and email address, with "Chicago Fire Top Dog Contest" written in the subject line.Entries can be sent starting today and will be considered through Sept. 8. Official rules are posted at

www.today.com/topdog."Chicago Fire" executive producers will review the applicants and choose the top three candidates. Those finalists will appear on "Today" on Sept. 24 and a public vote will be held on Today.com to pick the winner. The winner will be announced on "Today" or Today.com on Oct. 1.The second season of "Chicago Fire" begins Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). The series, which garnered growing ratings success and acclaim as its freshman season progressed, is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films.For the latest "Chicago Fire" news, videos, and photos, like on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube and follow on Twitter, Instagram and Google+.