Rules

• The entry period is from July 3, 2025 through July 31, 2025.
• The top 5 dogs, top 5 cats, and top 2 in the "other pet" category will comprise our 12 winners, who will each win one of our prize packages. Of these 12, placement will be based on the number of votes. 
• Entries not among the twelve winners will still be featured in a photo collage on our website and/or on a large banner on Marin Humane's campus.

Please see the image specifications in the following section to ensure your photo will meet the requirements.

All proceeds from entry fees and votes directly benefit the animals at Marin Humane. 

• Entries can only be made online and must be received by 6:00 pm on July 31, 2025. To submit photos, click on the Participate tab above and follow the directions to upload a photograph of your pet. 
• There is a $25 fee for submitting a photo, which includes 25 free votes for your pet.
• You may make additional votes during the entry process or at any time during the contest period. Every dollar counts as one vote.
• All eligible photos submitted by July 31, 2025, will be included in a photo collage on our website and/or on a large banner on Marin Humane's campus.
• Votes are considered donations and are fully tax-deductible as permitted by law. Marin Humane is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 
• Marin Humane reserves the right to disqualify an entry based on objectionable content or depiction of an animal. The registration fee is non-refundable. Votes will be refunded upon request by the donor.
• All photos become the property of Marin Humane, and by submitting a photo, you acknowledge and give permission to Marin Humane to use the name, story, and photo of the animal in future publications.

• Photos should ideally be high-resolution (having a height or width of at least 1836 pixels) and in a standard file format such as .jpg or .png.
• Some phone photos may not meet these standards. Please check your phone’s camera settings for the default image file size or pixels. The larger the file size (at least 1 MB) or pixel dimensions, the better.
• If your pet wins a window wrap but the photo submitted is of unacceptable quality, we may request a new image, which must be provided by August 8, 2025.
• Photos should preferably be in portrait (vertical) orientation.
• Photos can show more than one pet.
• Photos cannot contain people.
• Photos must be in color.
• Photos must feature pets owned by the photographer OR the entrant must have permission to submit the photo. (Images with photographer’s watermarks are NOT eligible.)
• To be considered for the window wrap or as Pet of the Month, all cats and dogs shown outdoors MUST be wearing collars and tags. If we love your photo but your pet does not have a collar or tag, we may ask you for a replacement photo or request your permission to Photoshop one in.

Utilize Daylight and Shade
For indoor shots, position your pet near a window during the day, where soft light can filter in. If outdoors, find a shaded spot and be mindful of the sun's position. Avoid using flash whenever possible for the best results.

Minimize Static and Blur
Utilize your phone or camera's features and settings to capture several images quickly. This will give you more photos to choose from—ideal for action shots. Burst or live photo work great for this technique.

Focus on Their Best Angles
Tap on the screen or click your auto-focus to bring your pet into crystal clear view. Level up further by adjusting the exposure and brightness to avoid wash-out or deep shadows. After a bit of practice, you'll be a pro!

• To vote online, click on the Participate tab above. The online voting period will end at 6:00:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Thursday, July 31, 2025. 
• Each $1 donation counts as one vote. You can place all votes on one entry or divide them among multiple entries. 
• All votes for photo submissions will be tabulated and displayed online.
• Marin Humane is a 501(c)(3) organization. Votes are tax-deductible. The email acknowledgment reply to your online votes serves as your tax receipt.
• Voting by mail is accepted and must be received by Marin Humane no later than Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 5 pm PDT. Mail-in votes should be sent to: Marin Humane, Attn: Photo Contest, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Novato, CA 94949. Please include your phone number, email, donation, the pet and entrant names, and your written request to apply your enclosed donation towards votes for them in the 2025 Photo Contest.
• To vote by phone with a credit card, please call 415.506.6231 during regular office hours, before 3 pm PDT on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.