Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Dogs that receive the most votes, in addition to a title and bragging rights.
First Place: Dream Dog
The dog with the most votes will be crowned the "Dream Dog of SLO" for 2026.
The winning dog will be prominently featured on the front label of a beer brewed by THERE DOES NOT EXIST. (Um, rad?!) The dog owner will have the opportunity to collaborate on the label name (subject to approval).
In addition, the winning dog will be featured on the Dream Makers SLO website and other partner websites. The top dog winner may be asked to attend promotional events and be available for interviews by the news media.
Second Place: Daydreamer
The dog with the second highest number of votes will be deemed the "Daydreamer" for 2026 – dreaming of their triumph in 2027!
The second place dog will be featured on the back label of the special brew.
In the event that the first place dog is unable or unwilling to fulfill all of the roles and responsibilities of being the Dream Dog of SLO, the Daydreamer will assume that top title and receive all of the benefits described as Dream Dog.
Third Place: Dream Fetcher
The dog with the third highest number of votes will be deemed the Dream Fetcher for 2026. The third place dog will be featured on the back label of the special brew and plan to fetch the winning title next year!
The third place dog will be featured on the back label of the special brew.
ELIGIBILITY
The Dream Dog of SLO Contest is open to anyone in the known universe (21-years-old or older) who would like to enter their dog to compete for the coveted title of "Dream Dog of SLO" for 2026.
HOW TO ENTER AND HOW TO VOTE
Everything happens online at the official contest page: entries, voting, and payments are all handled through a secure platform. Here’s how it works:
Entering Your Dog: Upload a sharp, digital photo of your dog (no humans in the shot, please). Include a few sentences about why your pup is the dreamiest and deserves the crown. There’s a $20 donation to enter, and that automatically gives your dog 20 votes right out of the gate. Entering multiple dogs? Each one needs its own photo and its own $20 entry.
Voting: Each vote costs $1, and there’s no cap - buy as many as you like, as often as you like. Dog owners can absolutely vote for their own pups too. Spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, your mail carrier, that neighbor who always stops to pet your dog… everyone’s vote counts!
Important: All entry fees and vote purchases are non-refundable and are not tax-deductible (since votes are received in exchange for the donation). Only entries and votes submitted through the official online contest page will count. Anything received by mail, in person, or through other channels will be gratefully accepted as a general donation to Dream Makers San Luis Obispo, but will not be applied to the contest. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be awarded to Dream Makers San Luis Obispo, a community led non-profit making lifelong dreams come true for terminally ill adults in SLO County. 100% of proceeds will go straight into Dreams and straight to the hearts of the Dreamer and their family & friends. Together we can show them that the world is a good place even in the midst of their challenges.
CONTEST PERIOD
The Dream Dog of SLO 2026 Contest will officially launch at 8:00 AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 and ends at 8:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Winners will be announced after the contest ends.
PRIZE AWARDING
Dream Makers SLO will reach out to the top three vote-getters by phone or email once the contest wraps up. If a winner can’t be reached within seven (7) days, despite our best and most persistent efforts, Dream Makers SLO may move on to the next highest vote-getter. By entering the contest, all participants agree to these Official Rules and accept that the decisions of Dream Makers SLO are final. Prizes are contingent on compliance with these rules.
LEGAL FINE PRINT
This is the required "fine print." All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply to this contest. If something beyond our control disrupts the operation of the contest, Dream Makers SLO reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to either (a) pause things, fix the issue, and resume in a way that stays true to the spirit of these rules, or (b) end the contest early and award prizes based on the eligible, legitimate entries received up to that point.
Dream Makers SLO also reserves the right to disqualify anyone found to be tampering with the entry or voting process, violating these rules, or generally being unsportsmanlike or disruptive.
By participating, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Dream Makers SLO, all contest sponsors, and each of their respective officers, directors, volunteers, employees, representatives, and agents from any claim or cause of action arising from participation in the contest or receipt or use of any prizes.