Rules

Enter your pet for a chance to become the face of the official 2026 BARCStoberfest beer from Checkerspot Brewing while helping raise lifesaving funds for the animals at BARCS!

• The contest is open to pets of all species. Your pet does not have to be a BARCS alum to participate.
• Participants must be 21 years of age or older to enter and participate in voting.
• Only one pet may be entered per contest entry. Multiple pets may be entered by submitting separate entries.
  
  

• The contest begins at noon (12:00 PM Eastern Time) on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
• The contest ends at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. 
  
  

• Each entry requires a $10 donation to participate.
• Friends, family, and supporters can vote by making donations through the contest website. Each $1 donated equals one vote.
• The pet that raises the most money by the end of the contest will be declared the winner.
  
  

• The winner will be announced on the contest website within three (3) business days after the contest closes.
• BARCS will contact the winner directly with instructions for submitting additional photos for the can artwork.
  
  

• The winning entrant must provide 3–4 additional high-resolution photos of their pet by the deadline provided by BARCS.
• These photos will give the artist multiple reference options when creating the final can artwork.
• If suitable photos are not received by the deadline, BARCS reserves the right to award the prize to the next highest fundraising contestant.
  
  

• Be high resolution and in focus.
• Feature only the pet being entered (no people or other animals).
• Show the pet clearly with minimal visual obstructions.
• Have a clean, uncluttered background whenever possible.
• Be owned by the entrant. Photos taken by a professional photographer may only be used with the photographer's written permission. 
  
  

• Contains offensive, inappropriate, or objectionable content.
• Includes images that depict unsafe, abusive, or inhumane treatment of an animal.
• Includes a pet with a name that references weapons, illegal drugs, violence, or slurs.
• Violates copyright or intellectual property rights.
• Violates these contest rules.
  
  

• By entering the contest, participants grant BARCS permission to use submitted photos and the winning pet's likeness for promotional materials related to the contest, BARCStoberfest, Checkerspot Brewing, and future BARCS marketing.
• The winning pet will be featured on the official 2026 BARCStoberfest beer can artwork. The final label design is at the discretion of BARCS, Checkerspot Brewing, and the commissioned artist.
• BARCS reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the contest if circumstances beyond its control make it necessary.