Photo courtesy of Alexandria Living Magazine
Mabel is ready for her closeup!
Alexandria residents love their pets and one way to show that is by entering them in an annual calendar contest that helps support the adoption of local animals that need forever homes.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's annual calendar pet photo contest is one of their biggest and most popular fundraisers of the year — and it runs from June 1 through June 30 at 8 p.m. This year's contest celebrates 80 years of serving pets and people in Alexandria.
Throughout June, you can upload your pets’ photos ($35 donation per photo entry) and ask your friends and family to cast votes ($1 per vote) online. All submitted pictures will be in the 2027 calendar, but the animals with the most votes will win some super stellar prizes! There will be weekly challenges to help you win bonus votes, too.
All kinds of animals (dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, guinea pigs, etc.) can be submitted, and do not have to have been adopted from the AWLA or live in Alexandria.
The GRAND PRIZE winner will be named Alexandria’s 2027 Animal of the Year, grace the front and back calendar cover, receive a professional photo session, receive year-round invitations to AWLA events as “Alexandria’s Animal of the Year,” including the 80th Anniversary Gala, have their photo featured on transport buses throughout Northern Virginia, receive a city proclamation from the mayor, and be featured in a local magazine and more.
The next three winners will receive professional photo sessions, receive a full-page photo on the month of their choice in the 2027 calendar and be featured in a local magazine.
There are also prizes for pets who place fifth – seventh and who raise $250 or more.
There are two ways you can participate
Enter the contest! Submit your favorite picture of your pet(s) for a chance to win amazing prizes (including the opportunity to be named Alexandria’s Animal of 2027). Each entry is $35.
Vote for your favorite pets! Each vote = $1 and the proceeds fund the AWLA’s critical work to help animals and people in our community.
Through your support and participation in events like our annual photo calendar contest, we can continue to go above and beyond, not only for animals at the shelter, but for pets – and the people who love them – across the community, providing food, guidance, medical support and peace of mind.
Find more information, including full rules, contest challenges, and prizes, here.
