- Any pet (domesticated animal) living full or part time in Idyllwild, Fern Valley, Mountain Center, Pine Cove, or Garner Valley 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 January 10, 2018, and all must be entered by midnight January 31, 2018.
 - Voting at $1 per vote will open on February 1, 2018. The voting will close promptly at 9 p.m. on February 28, 2018.
 - Anyone anywhere may vote. There are no geographical boundaries, or limitations imposed by these rules.
 - Winners will hold their titles until February 28, 2019.
 - Winners will be announced on the website on March 1, 2018.
 - Winners will be contacted regarding prizes, publicity, etc. the first week of March, 2018.
 
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.
 - The Uptown Bar, Café Aroma, will be inspired by and create a specialty cocktail in honor of each winning pet.
 - A set of etched wine glasses featuring contest title and pet's name, donated by Idyllwild Decal and Design
 - The winning pets' photos will be displayed in the ARF House throughout 2018.
 - The winning pets' names will be featured in the kids' zone at ARF's June 2, 2018 Paws for Rhythm and Brews beer festival.
 
2nd place winner in each category:
Dog: A portrait of the winner donated by local artist Robert Bush
Cat: An oil portrait of this cat donated by artist Cheryl Davis
Other: A personalized cartoon of the winner donated by local artist Lois Sheppard 
3rd place winner in each category:
Gift baskets with pet and human gifts. Gift basket provided by Renaissance Pet Resort.
Additional Prize
All contestants who receive at least 50 votes (1st-3rd place winners excluded) will be put into a drawing to win a pastel pet portrait by Lynn Ryan.