Local pets could get the chance to have a month dedicated to them in 2026 through BC SPCA Calendar Contest.
The contest, presented in conjunction with Hill's Pet Nutrition, runs from Jan. 27 to Feb. 15 and offers 37 opportunities for pets to star in the calendar. To enter, pet parents just upload their animal's photo and story to the calendar contest website under "dog" or "cats and other amazing pets," then get friends and family to donate in support at $1 a vote.
"We love seeing all the pictures of people's pets," Alina Wilson, SPCA senior officer of digital giving, said in a media release. "It's so fun watching the friendly competition between pet parents as they rally friends and family to help their pet win a place in the calendar. Not only are they bringing smiles to people's faces across B.C., but their dedicated efforts are also raising critical funds to help abused, homeless and under-served and injured animals."
The calendar will feature 12 pages cuteness 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ the cover and 11 months 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ with October reserved for the top supporter at the Offleashed gala fundraiser held at that time the previous year. There are, however, also 24 Star for a Day features where the 12 runners-up in both categories will get their photo in an available 'day' square.
Murphy the dog was one of last year's winners, and his parent Haley shared what a great experience it was.
"We entered Murphy into the BC SPCA Calendar Contest to honour his journey as a rescue, celebrate the joy he's brought into our lives, and support the BC SPCA's vital work to protect and care for animals," she said in the release. "This contest was such a fun way to connect with other animal lovers. Seeing Murphy win meant so much, knowing the donations from votes are helping more animals like him find their second chance."
The calendar contest raises funds for animal welfare, including protection, sheltering and adoption, and a wide range of outreach, advocacy and education. Hill's provides all the Science Diet pet food for cats and dogs in BC SPCA care, and is happy to return as the fundraiser sponsor.
"It's the perfect way to celebrate your beloved pet and help the BC SPCA give other animals a chance to find their own loving family," Hill's engagement specialist Frances Chelso said. "It was incredible to see kind animal lovers come together last year to raise over $190,000 for vulnerable animals."
There is only a two-week window to get votes in the contest, but there is an early-bird bonus where people who register their pet on Jan. 27 and 28 and provide a donation of $25 or more get 25 bonus votes from Hill's for a total of 50 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ enough votes for their pet to be eligible for Hill's Honourable Mention to an "outstanding" entry that raises 50 or more votes.
It also puts them in the running to be chosen for one of 36 greeting cards, which only requires five votes to qualify.
Voting closes at 8 p.m. on Feb. 15, with the winners 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ six dogs and six cats/other pets 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ announced by Feb. 18 on the website at . All rules and registration can be found there as well.