San Diego pet owners are invited to put their favorite animal companions in the spotlight while supporting local animal care through San Diego Humane Society’s 34th annual Photo Fundraiser.
The contest gives pet owners the opportunity to submit photos of their animals for a chance to be featured in the organization’s 2027 calendar while helping raise funds for programs that assist animals throughout the region.
The contest is open to non-wildlife companion animals, including dogs, cats, small pets, reptiles, farm animals, aquatic pets and more. Pets do not have to be adopted from San Diego Humane Society to participate.
Participants can upload a favorite photo of their pet and encourage friends, family and others to vote. Each vote costs $1, and every dollar raised through voting supports San Diego Humane Society programs and services.
In the past decade, the Photo Fundraiser has raised more than $1 million to support the organization’s lifesaving work.
“This annual fundraiser is critical to our ability to care for more than 40,000 pets and wildlife each year, allowing us to be there for animals and people when they need us most,” said Jordan Frey, marketing manager and spokesperson for San Diego Humane Society.
Funds raised through the contest help support services including shelter care, medical treatment, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, support services for pet owners, behavioral training and humane law enforcement.
Over the years, the contest has featured a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, horses, pigs, chickens, goats and other furry, feathered and scaled family members.
“We know people love their pets of all shapes and sizes, and it’s been remarkable to see the range of species entered in our Photo Fundraiser over the years,” Frey said. “What connects all of these animals is the love you can feel from their owners’ submissions.”
Pet owners hoping to capture a winning photo should focus on showing their animal’s personality, Frey said. Successful entries are generally well lit, in focus and show the entire pet facing the camera. High-resolution photos in landscape format have the best chance of being selected for a month spread in the calendar.
Previous calendar pets have also had memorable stories. One example is Stilton, the August 2026 calendar star, who was rescued after being found in a backpack in Mexico and later adopted by his family in 2022.
According to his owners, Stilton — whose siblings all had cheese-themed names — became a beloved family member after bonding with them and is now known for his playful personality and love of Solana Dog Beach.
This year’s top vote-getter will receive the Grand Prize, which includes two tickets to San Diego Humane Society’s 2026 Fur Ball Gala, a featured month spread in the 2028 calendar and a two-night stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
Additional prizes include category awards, featured placement in the 2027 calendar, gift baskets and other prizes. All entrants will receive a 2027 calendar by mail in fall 2026.The contest is open for entries and voting through Aug. 31. Pet owners can participate by uploading their photos at sdhumane.org/photofundraiser.
“We know you have hundreds of photos of your pet already — now you can share that joy with our community while making a difference for animals in need,” Frey said.
San Diego Humane Society, which has served San Diego County since 1880, provides programs focused on animal care, preventing cruelty and neglect, medical services, education and support for pet families.
For more information about the contest, rules and voting, visit sdhumane.org/photofundraiser.
