Every Dog Has Its Day (or Month?) Enter Your Pup Now in Napa Humane’s Photo Contest

Dog photo contests bring out the paparazzi. photo: AdobeStock

Dogs make us laugh, get us outside, and curl up beside us when we need comfort most. For many of us, they’re family, confidants, and the warmest part of home.

Napa Humane’s annual Pet Photo Contest is a joyful way to honor that bond - a community tradition that celebrates canine charm while raising vital funds for programs that keep local pets healthy and families together. What began as a fun idea to showcase beloved companions has grown into one of Napa Humane’s most cherished events, bringing dog lovers across the valley together in support of four-legged friends.

How It Works

The premise is simple, but the impact is big. For $40, dog lovers submit their favorite photo of their pup. Then the real fun begins: friends, family, and coworkers rally behind their chosen dog with votes ($1 each) that double as donations. The contest often takes on a playful edge, with social media campaigns, neighborhood competitions, and even offices sparking friendly rivalries over whose dog can gather the most support.

At the end of September, the pets with the most votes earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Napa Humane Calendar with the overall top dog claiming the cover. But every participant has the chance to shine. For just $15, owners can reserve a calendar date square to mark a birthday, “gotcha day,” or just-because moment. The finished calendars sell for $35 each, but each contest entry receives one complimentary copy. They quickly become holiday staples in local homes, offices, and vet clinics - joyful reminders that community spirit can be as wag-worthy as a belly rub.

Beyond Cute Photos

While the contest brings out Napa’s competitive streak, the true winners are the pets who benefit from Napa Humane’s programs. Every entry, every vote, and every calendar sold provides funds for services like low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, and humane education. These resources are crucial in preventing pet overpopulation, keeping animals healthy, and ensuring more dogs stay with the families who love them.

“People sometimes think of the contest as just a fun way to show off their pets -  and it absolutely is - but it’s also a lifeline,” says Wendi Piscia, Napa Humane’s Executive Director. “Every dollar raised translates directly into care for local animals. Behind every cute photo is real community impact.”

Through the Lens: Sally Seymour’s Tips

Capturing the perfect dog photo isn’t always easy. Anyone who’s tried to get a pup to sit still knows it takes patience and maybe a pocket full of treats. That’s where longtime Napa Humane volunteer photographer Sally Seymour of Seymour & McIntosh Photography comes in. Having photographed countless animals for the organization, Sally has an eye for highlighting what makes each dog special.

“Dogs don’t fake it - what you see is what you get,” Seymour says. “That’s why I love photographing them. You’re not just capturing a face; you’re capturing their whole personality.”

Here are her go-to tricks for anyone snapping shots at home:

• Go landscape. Horizontal orientation fits the calendar best.

• Think big. Always send the largest/original file your phone allows. Small images just won’t hold up in print.

• Use portrait mode. It softens the background and puts the focus where it belongs - on the dog. If not, use 1x zoom for the most natural look.

• Get their eyes. Center your subject and aim for eye contact. Hold a treat, toy, or squeaky just above your phone. Those soulful eyes will do the rest.

Seymour insists contest entrants shouldn’t worry about not being a professional photographer. “The best photos aren’t always technically perfect,” she adds. “They’re the ones that show the personality of the pup.”

A Community Tradition

Over the years, Napa Humane’s photo contest has become more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community. Last year’s calendar featured everything from floppy-eared seniors to bounding puppies, each telling a story of love and companionship. Families proudly hang their dog’s “winning month” on the wall, while others gift calendars to grandparents, neighbors, or fellow dog park regulars.

Past winners have included therapy dogs who spend their days comforting hospital patients, rescues who overcame tough beginnings, and couch potatoes whose best trick is snoring loudly. Each page is more than a pretty picture; it’s a glimpse into the deep connections people share with their dogs.

It’s this sense of shared joy that makes the contest so special. Each vote isn’t just a dollar; it’s a message that dogs matter, that their wellbeing matters, and that together, we can make a difference.

Join the Fun

The 2025 Dog Photo Contest runs through September 30t, and the competition is already heating up. Whether you’re entering your own pup, voting for a friend’s, or simply planning to hang the finished calendar on your wall, you’ll be part of a tradition that turns wagging tails into real change for animals in need.

After all, every dog deserves their day — and in Napa, that day might just come with a spot on the calendar.

Enter your pup at gogophotocontest.com.