The San Diego Humane Society’s annual Photo Fundraiser is back. It not only raises funds for the nonprofit but highlights cute pet pictures, which is always a plus.
The fundraiser is now open and will run through the end of August. While donations are not required for entry into the photo competition, they are encouraged. However, donations are required to vote. Five dollars in donations equals five votes, and so on.
The Humane Society has already raised more than $47,000 in the fundraiser, with a stated goal of $125,000.
“We all think our pets are the cutest — and now we can turn that love into lifesaving support for animals in need,” Brian Daugherty, executive vice president at the San Diego Humane Society, said in a release. “It’s a fun way for the community to come together and make a real impact.”
The San Diego Humane Society is an open-admission shelter, meaning it will take in an animal for any reason, whether it’s owner-surrendered or found as a stray. The nonprofit has been in San Diego County since 1880. It serves 13 cities throughout the county, including El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. According to the Humane Society, it cares for more than 40,000 animals each year across its campuses.
The photo contest is just one way the nonprofit raises money. This year marks the Photo Fundraiser’s 33rd year. It raises money for critical services such as sheltering, adoptions, animal cruelty investigations and veterinary care.
Beyond raising funds for the Humane Society, the contest and fundraiser give pet owners the chance to show off their pets’ modeling skills. Any entry with at least five votes will be guaranteed a spot in the 2026 calendar or on its collage pages.
Owners can also win big time if their pet earns the most votes in its respective category. The number one vote earner for each category — dogs, cats or other pets — will earn a monthly feature in the 2027 calendar.
There are also other prizes available, outside of bragging rights. Owners have the chance to win a two-night stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort or tickets to the Fur Ball. The Fur Ball includes a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions and a meal.
Photo entries include the owner’s name and the pets’ names, as well as pets’ stories. Owners also have the optional choice to include their pets’ quirks. Submissions also include the pets’ quirks, giving posts a humorous and personal touch.
Each photo entry — donation or not — comes with a free 2026 calendar from the Humane Society. The calendars will ship later this year.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
