The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County invites community members to participate in their inaugural Paint the Paws Photo Contest. This unique opportunity allows pet owners to have their pets showcased in a mural on the exterior of the Yakima Adoption Center. The contest is open to all, inviting participants to submit photos of their dogs, cats, or domesticated small animals. With a minimum donation of $25.
Submissions are accepted until 8:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Following submission, participants are encouraged to rally support from friends and family for votes.
The first-place winner will not only have their pet featured as the centerpiece of the mural by local artist, Sylvia Merczel (Sparkle by Sylvia), but will also receive a prize basket of pet supplies.
The pets of the second and third place winners will be honored with secondary positions on the mural and will receive their own prize baskets.
Every entry and vote supports the thousands of animals who enter the Yakima Humane Society’s care each year. Donations also support the organization’s programs and services for pets in need in the community including their $99 Spay and Neuter Program, Vaccine and Wellness Clinics, My Last Litter and Fresh Start Fix Programs.
Prizes & Recognition:
Winner:
The winning photo will be transformed into a mural painted by artist Sparkle by Sylvia on the exterior wall of the Yakima Adoption Center.
Second and Third Place:
The pets of the second and third place winners will be honored with secondary positions on the mural.
Rules
- The contest is open to all, inviting participants to submit photos of their domesticated pet.
- All domesticated pets are eligible, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds, reptiles, aquarium fish, and domestic farm animals.
- Each person may submit as many entries as they like. Each photo requires a separate entry fee.
- Each entry must include a photo of one pet.
- All entries must be submitted online through GoGoPhotoContest.com. We cannot accept mailed or emailed submissions.
- Photos may not include humans.
- Minimum donation/entry fee: $25.
- Submissions are accepted from 11:00 AM (Pacific Time) on Friday, May 1, 2026 until 8:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
- Minimum voting donation: $5.00
- Once submitted, all photos become the property of Yakima Humane Society and may be used, edited, or modified for marketing and promotional purposes.
- Photos deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with our mission may be removed at the discretion of Yakima Humane Society staff.
- Pets do not need to be adopted from Yakima Humane Society to participate.
- Photos must feature pets owned by the entrant or submitted with the pet owner’s permission.
- Acceptable formats: JPEG or PNG.
- Photos should be high-resolution, and clearly show the pet’s face.
- Images must depict animals in a humane and respectful manner.
- Each dollar donated to a pet’s campaign equals one vote.
- All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and are final.
- Votes must be cast through the GoGoPhotoContest platform and applied before the contest closes to be counted.
- An email address is required to vote so that a donation receipt can be sent.
The
Yakima Humane Society was founded in 1904. We are a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization proud to be serving the people and animals of Yakima County for over 100 years. We practice and promote the humane treatment of animals through our adoption, spay/neuter services, and outreach programs.
Mission Statement
The Yakima Humane Society is committed to ending animal suffering and cruelty, reducing animal overpopulation, and educating the public regarding responsible pet ownership while promoting community kindness and commitment to their welfare.