The Purple Paws Calendar was created by Kimberly, an Arizona-based dog photographer, rescue advocate, and domestic violence survivor who wanted to use her art to make a difference.
Every photo in this project represents healing, hope, and second chances. The calendar raises funds for the Sojourner Center Pet Companion Service, a program that helps survivors of domestic violence keep their beloved pets safe while they find safety themselves.
Through this annual calendar contest, Kimberly photographs pets on purple-themed backdrops— the color of domestic violence awareness — to spotlight both the joy animals bring and the strength it takes to start over.
The 2027 Purple Paws Calendar Contest invites pet owners to enter their dogs and vote, with all proceeds going directly to support Sojourner Center’s work with survivors and their pets.
💜 Because every survivor deserves safety — and every pet deserves to stay by their side.
Key Dates
- October 1, 2025: Announcement & awareness launch
- November 1–15, 2025: Dog entry period opens
- November 1- November 30th, 2025: Voting period ($1 = 1 vote, unlimited)
- December 5, 2025: Winners announced
- 2026: Photoshoots and calendar design
- Nov 15 2026: Calendar release
Prizes
GRAND PRIZE (Cover Star)
🏆 1 Nominated Survivor- Receives a full professional photo session with Kimberly (dog + survivor)
- Photo featured on the front cover of the 2027 Purple Paws Calendar
- Keepsake photo package, including 15 digital images
- Complimentary 2027 calendar
- Honored as the symbol of strength, healing, and hope
TOP 12 WINNERS (Calendar Dogs)
The 12 pets with the most votes will each:
- Receive a mini purple-themed professional photoshoot with Kimberly in Arizona
- Be featured on their own month in the 2027 Purple Paws Calendar
EVERY PARTICIPANT
Because every entry supports a survivor:
- Your pet’s entry photo will appear in the online Purple Paws Gallery of Hope
- Your entry directly helps Sojourner Center’s Pet Companion Service keep survivors and pets together
All entries must include a touch of purple — this can be anything from a purple bandana, bow, toy, collar, flower, blanket, or backdrop. Purple represents Domestic Violence Awareness, and every photo will help raise funds for the Sojourner Center Pet Companion Service, which supports survivors and their pets.
1️⃣ Submit one single photo of your dog (or other pet) that clearly includes something purple.
- No collages, multiple photos, or grids will be accepted.
- Only one animal per photo.
- Entry donation: $5 per photo.
- Photos must be clear, well-lit, and original (taken by you or with permission from the photographer).
- You may enter multiple pets or submit multiple entries — each requires a separate entry donation.
- Entrants must live in Arizona or be able to travel here for their photoshoot if selected as a winner.
- By entering, you grant permission for your photo to be used to promote the contest and fundraiser.
- Photos must be family-friendly (no text overlays, filters, or unsafe setups).
- Entries without visible purple elements will be disqualified.
By entering the Purple Paws Calendar Contest, participants agree to the following:
- Eligibility
- Entrants must be at least 18 years old.
- Entrants must live in Arizona or be able to travel there for their photoshoot if selected as a winner.
- Photo Submissions
- Each entry must be a single, original photo featuring a visible purple element.
- Collages, filtered images, or AI-generated photos are not accepted.
- By submitting a photo, you grant Kimberly Carrillo permission to use your image for promotional purposes related to the contest, calendar, and fundraising for Sojourner Center’s Pet Companion Service.
- Donations & Voting
- Entry fees and voting donations are non-refundable, as they are contributions toward the fundraiser.
- The contest organizers reserve the right to remove or disqualify entries that violate rules or do not align with the mission of the project.
- Photoshoots & Prizes
- Winners must be available for their photoshoot in Arizona on dates coordinated by the photographer.
- Photoshoots are non-transferable and have no cash value.
- The photographer retains copyright to all professional photos taken but may provide winners with digital and/or printed copies for personal use.
- Liability
- The contest organizers, photographer, and Sojourner Center are not responsible for lost entries, technical issues, or injuries sustained during participation or photoshoots.
- Fundraising Transparency
- Proceeds from this fundraiser will first cover direct production costs (backdrops, props, assistants, and printing).
- 100% of remaining proceeds will be donated to the Sojourner Center Pet Companion Service to support survivors and their pets.