Pet owners across the Wheaton area can put their dogs, cats, reptiles or even farm animals in the spotlight by entering the first-ever DuPage Animal Friends photo calendar contest, open through Aug. 31, 2026.

The fundraiser, organized by the volunteer-run nonprofit DuPage Animal Friends in partnership with DuPage County Animal Services, asks pet parents to submit a color landscape photo of their companion animal along with a $25 entry fee. Each entry includes a copy of the finished 2027 DuPage Animal Friends Calendar, according to the official contest page.

Any species qualifies.

There's no limit on how many photos one person can submit. The first 125 entries are guaranteed a spot in a special collage printed in the calendar.

How voting works

Starting Aug. 15, entrants can share their pet's page online to collect votes. Every $1 donated to a pet's entry counts as one vote, with a $5 minimum per transaction. Voting runs through Sept. 30.

The top three vote-getters earn a featured month in the calendar. Three more featured months go to winners chosen by internal judges in special categories: Judge's Choice, DCAS Alumni (pets adopted from the shelter) and Best Senior Photo.

Who can enter

Any non-wildlife companion animal qualifies. Dogs, cats, small pets, aquatics and reptiles are all welcome. Pets do not need to be adopted from DCAS or even live in Illinois.

Photos must be in color, landscape (horizontal) format and at least 300 dpi resolution. The entry deadline is Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. Central time.

Pet owners can also reserve a "Pet of the Day" slot in the calendar to mark a birthday, adoption anniversary or holiday. Regular days cost $10; major holidays cost $20.

Where the money goes

DuPage Animal Friends said in a Facebook post that the contest helps pet lovers celebrate their animals while raising funds for the thousands of homeless animals that come through DCAS each year. The nonprofit, a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3), partners with the county shelter to provide financial resources and advocacy for animals in its care.

Entries can be submitted at gogophotocontest.com/daf2027.