FAQs for Virginia Living’s Cutest Pet Contest 2026

1. What is the Cutest Pet Contest?

Virginia Living’s Cutest Pet Photo Contest is a fun, spirited competition celebrating Virginia’s most lovable pets of all kinds. Pet owners submit photos of their pets, and the public votes to determine winners in four categories: Top Dog, Coolest Cat, Farm Friend, and Adorable Other.

2. Who can participate?

Anyone in Virginia who owns a pet is welcome—and encouraged!

3. What types of pets are allowed?

All kinds of pets are welcome—from furry to feathery to scaly. Entries must fit into one of our four categories:

  • Top Dog

  • Coolest Cat

  • Farm Friend

  • Adorable Other

Dogs, cats, horses, goats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, fish, and more are all eligible, as long as the photos comply with contest rules.

4. How do I enter the contest?

To enter:

  1. Submit a photo of your pet through our online entry form (it’s free!)

  2. Include your pet’s name and breed, if known

  3. Submit before the deadline

Submission period: February 2 – March 15, 2026
Voting period: March 16 – April 17, 2026

5. Is there an entry fee?

No—entry is completely free.

6. Is there a fee to vote?

Your first vote each day is free, then to help your favorite pet climb the ranks, you’re welcome to purchase additional votes! Even better? A portion of proceeds from paid votes benefits the Virginia Beach SPCA, supporting humane care, affordable veterinary services, and community programs for pets and families—so every extra vote does real good.

7. What is the Virginia Beach SPCA?

The Virginia Beach SPCA (VBSPCA) is the charitable beneficiary of the 2026 Cutest Pet Photo Contest.

VBSPCA provides humane care, affordable veterinary services, and community programs that prevent suffering through education and outreach. Donations help support local pets and families while creating lasting, positive change for animals across the region.

8. Can I submit more than one pet?

Yes! You may submit multiple pets, but each entry must be submitted separately.

9. How are winners selected?

Winners are determined by public voting. One winner will be selected in each category:
Top Dog, Coolest Cat, Farm Friend, and Adorable Other.

10. What are the prizes?

Prizes include:

Editorial & Recognition

  • A featured spotlight in the May/June issue of Virginia Living

  • Recognition on VirginiaLiving.com and across Virginia Living’s social media platforms

  • A custom faux Virginia Living magazine cover starring the winning pet

  • Official Cutest Pet 2026 Winner Badges for digital sharing and bragging rights

Merchandise & Swag

  • A curated Virginia Beach SPCA & Virginia Living merch bundle, which may include items such as totes, toys, treats, and other goodies (exact contents may vary)

Experience-Based Prizes

  • A professional pet portrait session with Beloved Pet & Equine Photography
    (Winners are responsible for travel.)

  • A pet-friendly one-night stay at Kimpton The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, including:

    • Food & beverage credit for two guests

    • Complimentary parking

    • In-room pet amenities and access to pet-friendly trails
      (Subject to hotel terms, availability, and pet policies.)

Physical Product

  • A handcrafted ceramic pet bowl from Emerson Creek Pottery

Prize components are designed to be equitable across categories, though not all items may apply to every pet type.

11. Are professional photos allowed?

Yes! Professional photos are welcome, as long as you own the rights to the image or have permission to use it.

12. Can I vote for my own pet?

Absolutely! You can vote for your own pet (we would too), and you’re encouraged to rally friends, family, coworkers, and followers to join in. The more votes, the more fun—and the more support for animals in need.

13. How do I vote for a pet?

Voting is easy—and you can search for your pet by name once voting opens.

  1. Visit the contest home page during the voting period

  2. Follow the instructions provided there (we’ll walk you through it!)

  3. Browse the gallery or use the search bar to find your favorite pet

  4. Cast your vote and celebrate accordingly

Be sure to come back every day to use your free daily vote—and if you decide to purchase additional votes, you’re not just cheering louder, you’re directly supporting the Virginia Beach SPCA’s lifesaving work. More votes = more impact = more good for pets across our community.

14. Can I update my submission after entering?

No. Once an entry is submitted, it cannot be updated, so please review carefully before submitting.

15. Are there any restrictions on the photos?

Yes. Photos must:

  • Be wholesome and appropriate

  • Be clear and high-quality

  • Not include watermarks, logos, or promotional material

  • Be submitted by someone who owns the rights to the image or has permission to use it

  • Not include people

16. How will I know if my pet wins?

Winners will be contacted directly via email or phone before the public announcement and will be announced on VirginiaLiving.com and our social media platforms.

17. What happens to the photos I submit?

By entering, you grant Virginia Living permission to use your submitted photos for promotional purposes related to the contest, including on the website, social media, and marketing materials.

18. Can I withdraw my entry?

Yes, at editorial discretion. You may request to withdraw your entry by contacting us before the submission deadline. Withdrawing an entry will not refund any votes. 

19. Who do I contact for more information?

For questions or assistance, email us at Editors@CapeFear.com.