1st place in each of the three categories:
- A case of Baily Wine, donated by Baily Winery, Temecula, with each bottle's label featuring a photo of the winning pet.
- A set of etched wine glasses featuring contest title and year.
- A gift basket of valuable donations from local merchants and/or artists.
- The winning pets and their guardians will be invited to ride on the ARF float (or a photo of the pet) in the July 4 parade.
- The winning pets' photos will be displayed in the ARF House throughout 2026.
- Estimated value: $500.00, winner in each category
2nd & 3rd places in each of the three categories:
A gift basket stuffed with valuable gifts from local merchants and artists.
Estimated value: $300+/-, winner 2nd and 3rd places in each category
Please take a look at our long list of sponsors (below), all of whom have donated many gifts for the nine winners.
Rules
- Any pet (domesticated animal) living full or part time in Idyllwild, Fern Valley, Mountain Center, Pine Cove, Garner Valley, or Poppet Flats may enter.
- All entries are free of charge.
- Each pet will be entered in one of three categories: Dog, Cat, Other
- Any family qualified under rule #1 may enter as many pets as it would like, but is limited to ONLY one photo per pet.
- Photos may not be altered to add text, costumes, etc. (i.e. Photoshop).
- Photos may be entered beginning at 12:00 AM (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 and all must be entered by midnight (11:59:59 PM Pacific Time) on Monday, March 23, 2026.
- Voting at $1 per vote will open at 12:00 AM (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The voting will close promptly at 9:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
- Anyone anywhere may vote. There are no geographical boundaries or limitations imposed by these rules.
- Winners will hold their titles until next year's contest.
- Winners will be announced on the website on April 5, 2026.
- Winners will be contacted regarding prizes, publicity, etc. the first week of April, 2026.
Prizes
1st place in each of the three categories:
- A case of Baily Wine, donated by Baily Winery, Temecula, with each bottle's label featuring a photo of the winning pet.
- A set of etched wine glasses featuring contest title and year.
- A gift basket of valuable prizes donated by local merchants and/or artists.
- The winning pets and their guardians will be invited to ride on the ARF float (or a photo of the pet) in the July 4 parade.
- The winning pets' photos will be displayed in the ARF House throughout 2026.
2nd and 3rd place winners in each category:
Winners will receive gift baskets stuffed with valuable prizes from local merchants and artists.
Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) is the small rescue with the big heart, home of love and second chances. ARF is located in the mountain village of Idyllwild, CA where it has been serving the community since 1994. An all-volunteer, grassroots, non-profit organization, ARF's mission is to rescue animals that have been abandoned, lost, or whose owners are no longer able to care for them. ARF provides foster care for its dogs and a beautiful cattery for its felines until forever homes are located. All ARF animals are spay/neutered, receive necessary vaccinations, and other veterinary care as needed.
All funds raised through the "ARF's Pets of the Year" competition will be used to fund two programs: 1) medical assistance for dogs and cats of low-income families, and 2) extended medical care for senior pets coming into ARF's program.