Photo contest fundraiser gives adopted pets a shot at calendar fame and a brew label
Updated: Jun 11
By Shelly Talsma Everson
Foothills Animal Rescue’s 2027 Photo Contest is now open, giving adopted and rescued cats and dogs a chance to take center stage in a community-powered fundraiser that turns beloved pets into calendar stars while helping save more homeless animals across the Valley.
Entries are open now, with public voting running June 1–30. Pet parents can enter a photo of their rescued or adopted dog or cat for a chance to win one of 14 featured spots in Foothills Animal Rescue’s 2027 calendar. This year, the contest comes with an added twist: the top vote-getting dog and top vote-getting cat will also be featured on a limited-edition brew label created in collaboration with Pinnacle Brewing Company.
“Every adopted pet has a story worth celebrating, and this contest is such a fun way for families to show off the animals who changed their lives,” said Lana Shapiro, chief advancement officer for Foothills Animal Rescue. “The best part is that every entry and every vote helps us care for more cats and dogs who are still waiting for their second chance.”
The $30 entry fee includes one 2027 Foothills Animal Rescue calendar, which will be shipped after the contest ends. All submitted images will be open to the public for voting, with each vote counting as a $1 donation. Entrants are encouraged to rally friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and fellow animal lovers to vote early and often, helping their pet climb the leaderboard while funding the rescue, care and adoption of homeless cats and dogs.
Last year’s photo contest raised $40,320 in donations with 105 participants, showing just how powerful a great pet photo and a loyal fan club can be. This year, Foothills Animal Rescue is inviting the community to build on that momentum and help create even more second chances for homeless cats and dogs.
The top seven dogs and top seven cats will secure featured Pet-of-the-Month spotlights in the 2027 calendar, with the top two vote-getters sharing the cover and earning the limited-edition Pinnacle Brewing Company brew label feature. Winning pets will also have their photos taken by Maren Sater Photography for use in the calendar.
Contest highlights include:
Calendar Fame. The top seven dogs and top seven cats will earn featured Pet-of-the-Month spots in the 2027 Foothills Animal Rescue calendar.
Cover Star Status. The top vote-getting dog and top vote-getting cat will share the calendar cover.
Brew Label Bragging Rights. The top dog and top cat will be featured on a limited-edition brew label in collaboration with Pinnacle Brewing Company.
Professional Pet Portraits. Winning pets will receive a photo session with Maren Sater Photography for their calendar image.
Mission-Driven Voting. Every vote is a $1 donation that helps Foothills Animal Rescue further its mission to save lives through the rescue, care and adoption of homeless cats and dogs.
Guaranteed Calendar Tributes. Supporters who want a special spot without entering the contest can reserve a calendar day to honor a pet’s birthday, adoption anniversary, memorial or other meaningful date.
For pet parents who want a guaranteed place in the calendar, Foothills Animal Rescue is also offering the option to Reserve a Day. Supporters can choose a meaningful date, upload a favorite pet photo and secure that spot on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a date is reserved, it will no longer be available.
“This fundraiser connects people to the pets they love while helping animals still waiting for a home,” Shapiro said. “People are not just submitting a cute photo. They are sharing the face of a pet who found safety, love and a family. When the community votes or reserves a special day, they are helping us create more of those happy endings.”
All entries and votes must be received by June 30, 2026. Winners will be selected by popular vote, so entrants are encouraged to share their pet’s contest page with friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and anyone with a soft spot for rescue animals and a weakness for cute photos.
To enter, vote, reserve a calendar day or learn more, visit gogophotocontest.com/foothillsanimalrescue.
Foothills Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and transforming the lives of homeless pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1995 as a small foster-based group in Cave Creek, Arizona, it has grown into one of the Valley’s most trusted animal welfare organizations. The rescue operates the Brynne Smith Memorial Campus & Adoption Center at 10197 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale, where it provides a safe haven, compassionate care and second chances for animals in need. Learn more at foothillsanimal.org.
Do you have something you'd like to submit that will help inform, inspire, or move someone toward helping end the pet crisis? Please email: Info@therescuedogproject.com
Your voice can help shift perspectives, encourage people to adopt successfully, volunteer confidently, advocate freely, inform rationally, and collaborate openly to help end the pet crisis in our own communities.
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