See Alexandria Pet Of The Week, Pet Calendar Contest Details

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has plenty of adoptable pets in need of a new home. But if you already have a pet, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is launching its annual Calendar Pet Photo Contest.

The contest gives pets a chance to become Alexandria’s Animal of the Year and grace the cover of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria 2026 calendar. It is one of the animal shelter operator's largest fundraisers of the year, with funds supporting work to run the animal shelter and other services for animals and pet owners.

The contest starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 1 and runs through 8 p.m. on Monday, June 30. Pet owners can submit their pet photo and seek votes from family and friends. The cost is a $35 donation to enter, and votes cost $1 each. There will also be weekly bonus challenges to score more votes. Voting continues throughout June, and participants do not need to live in Alexandria or adopt from the shelter to participate.

The top winner as of 8 p.m. on June 30 will be on the front and back cover of the 2026 calendar, get a professional pet photoshoot and receive invitations to Animal Welfare League of Alexandria events for a year as the Alexandria's 2026 Animal of the Year. There will also be a city proclamation naming a day in the pet's honor, photos of the winning pet on buses, and a full page advertisement in The Zebra.

The next three top vote recipients will win a professional pet photo shoot and a full-page photo in the 2026 calendar, be featured in a full page advertisement, be a guest of honor at the Calendar Yappy Hour & Launch Paw-ty and more. The fifth to 13th top entries will get a quarter-page placement in the calendar. Entries raising $250 or more will be invited to the Calendar Yappy Hour & Launch Paw-ty, and entries raising $500 or more will get a curated swag bag at the event.

All pet photo entries will be featured in the calendar and receive a free calendar in the mail.

Here's more information about pet of the week Ren from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Ren is a sweet 4-year old, tan and white dog looking for her perfect family. If you are interested in a playful, smaller dog without the work of a puppy, weighing in at 38 pounds, Ren may be just right. She has lived with older children and her previous guardian attests that she is house trained. Ren enjoys playdates with other pups but may need to go slower when introduced for the first time. She loves playing with toys, tug of war, and is a champion at fetch. In fact, she’s pretty good at wearing herself out playing alone in the yard but would also be a great playmate for another active dog (We recommend Ren go to a cat-free home). She also is great at walking on a leash. If you are looking for an affectionate and lively companion, come by and meet Ren!