CHARLOTTESVILLE (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — The CASPCA is seeking donations during its 2026 Calendar Contest, which ends Friday. The contest, which Director of Philanthropy Sara Stone told Cville Right Now “has been an annual community crowd-pleaser for us,” has not drawn he same level of support this year. According to the contest’s website, the event has drawn just under $5,000 in donation as of Tuesday afternoon, a far cry from the shelter’s goal of $50,000.

The annual contest lets pet owners submit a photo of their furry family member, with dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles all welcome, for the chance to be 0ne of 13 included in the shelter’s annual calendar either on the cover or as one of 12 monthly features. The first-place winner will get the coveted cover spot and also a private photography session with UVA Director of Athletic Photography Jamie Holt.

Those looking to participate in the contest just have to pay a $35 entry fee, and the 13 winners will be selected through a public vote with each vote costing one dollar. Pet owners who want to guarantee their pets get in the calendar can also pay $10 to put a picture on any day of their choice on a first come, first serve basis.

Voting for this year’s calendar opened on Sept. 18 but the contest has not been able to pick up its usual traction. But Stone said the $50,000 goal “is not even a fraction of what the shelter needs.”

“Like many nonprofits, we’re experiencing, expenses and revenues are not aligning, and it’s challenging” she added.

Stone said the shelter is doing what it can to ensure its animals receive the best care possible and spread awareness.

“For some people, the calendar contest might open the door for them just clicking on our website and learning how else they can support,” she said. “Whether it’s donating time by walking dogs, or cleaning out your closet and bringing that stuff to our rummage store or shopping at the rummage store. All of it is a direct pipeline back to the shelter, where our funds our pretty critical right now.”

The care the shelter provides can include everything from day-to-day care to major medical operations, like a leg amputation the shelter had to perform on a hound dog last week.

“Those are very, very expensive medical bills when you have amputations,” Stone said, “and we see animals like that all the time, so things just add up very quickly.”

Those looking to support the shelter during its Calendar Contest this year can do so through the contest’s website, and Stone said pet owners are encouraged to submit their own pets into the contest. Stone’s dog, Alvin, is currently in second place as of Tuesday after previously leading, but she said she would love to see more “friendly competition” in the contest.

“I want to see the animals. I want to vote for all of the cuties out in community,” she said. “They don’t need to be a rescued animal. As long as you’re loving your animal, that’s what we want to support and celebrate.”