FAQ

FAQ - Howling Heroes Calendar Contest

Do I have to live in Los Angeles to enter the contest? The contest is open to residents of Los Angeles and nearby regions, including surrounding counties like Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, etc. As long as you can travel to and from the KTLA studio easily (and at your own expense) the day after the competition ends, and are available for future photo shoots if selected, you’re welcome to enter! If you win and are not available, the next highest fundraiser will be moved into that spot.
Votes can come from anywhere in the world, however tax receipts are only applicable in the U.S.

Does my dog have to be a specific breed to enter the contest? Not at all. All domestic dogs are welcome. The contest celebrates the heroic spirit that all dogs possess, regardless of breed, size, or age.

What exactly happens if my dog wins? The winning dog becomes the official LAFD K9 mascot for 2025, gets the calendar cover, and they can appear with the owner on KTLA News. You'll also participate in a photo shoot with LAFD firefighters. We'll contact you within 24 hours to coordinate all logistics.

I made a mistake with my entry/donation. Who do I contact? Email us at the contact information provided on the contest website and we will fix it right up!

My images won't upload, what do I do? Contact us EMAIL!

How are votes counted? Donations made in support of a dog are valued at one vote for every $1.00 donated, excluding promotional votes which may be of higher value for a limited time.

How do I get the top spot? Fundraise! The Howling Heroes Calendar Contest is a fundraising activity to support the LAFD Foundation's essential programs and equipment.

Do I need to submit professional photos? Your entry photo should be in focus and clear, but it doesn't need to be professionally taken. However, the dog must not show any signs of animal distress or discomfort. Winners will participate in a photo shoot after the contest.

How do I change my entry photo? Email us with your new image, along with a link to your contest entry, and we'll update it for you.

If I win, what happens next? If you win, you will be contacted directly by the LAFD Foundation regarding the photo shoot logistics and promotional materials. You'll need to coordinate your schedule for the professional photo shoot with LAFD firefighters and KTLA News appearance.

What happens if I cannot participate in the required photo shoot? If you cannot participate in the required photoshoot and promotional activities, the next highest fundraiser will be offered the position.

What if my dog can't handle a photoshoot with firefighters? All dogs must be able to safely participate in a professional photo shoot environment with firefighters and camera crew. If you have concerns about your dog's temperament around strangers, loud environments, or new situations, please consider this before entering. For memorial entries, you can designate another dog to participate in the photo shoot.

Can I be disqualified? The LAFD Foundation reserves the right to disqualify an entry based on objectionable content or depiction of the dog or persons in a photo. Donations collected will be refunded if requested by the donor.

What will the LAFD Foundation do with my dog's entry once it has been uploaded? By agreeing to the waiver, you acknowledge and give permission to the LAFD Foundation to use the name, story and photo of the dog entered in future various fundraising activities and materials, including promotional content for the LAFD Foundation.

Will my donors receive a tax receipt? Yes! U.S. Tax receipts will be emailed to donors. 

Who can I contact for help? Email us with any questions, concerns, or photo updates at the contact information provided on the contest website.