Will your pet be the star of this year's Pets of the Year calendar?

Step aside other animal competitions (you know the ones). It’s time for New Zealand’s cats and dogs to shine!

The search is on to find the stars of SPCA’s 2026 annual Pets of the Year calendar.

Every pet owner knows their ‘baby’ is the best looking, funniest, and cutest – ask any furry friend parent for a photo of their beloved animal, and they’re very quick to whip out their phone!

“SPCA has FOMO – we also want to see the gallery of photos that every animal lover has to share, and find out who has the Pet of the Year!” says Todd Westwood, SPCA CEO.

We're inviting cat and dog owners across the country to submit their best pet pictures from Monday 9 June to 12pm, Tuesday 22 July.

The stars in these photos who raise $150 or more will be featured in one of SPCA’s 2026 calendars.

In addition to potential bragging rights, entrants are also contributing to feeding the sick, injured, and vulnerable animals of New Zealand’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity. Funds raised from this annual beauty and personality competition help support SPCA’s lifesaving work for animals in need, providing much-needed medication and surgery, and covering the cost of care while vulnerable animals recover before finding their loving home.

“Our core focus at SPCA is helping animals that haven't had the same chances in life as the campion animals bringing joy to many New Zealanders. Nothing brings more delight for our Centre staff than seeing how happy and loved animals are, by seeing the amazing Pets of the Year competition entries,” says Todd. “We get to see animals in their homes where they are loved, something we want for every cat, dog and companion animal in New Zealand.”

Pets of the Year is proudly supported by The Coffee Club.

“We’re brewing up something special with SPCA again this year, and supporting the Pets of the Year competition is a natural fit for us” says Andy Lucas, Director of The Coffee Club New Zealand. “Pets of the Year is a fun, feel-good way to shine a light on animal welfare and celebrate the furry friends who bring so much joy into our lives. We’re proud to help celebrate the bond between Kiwis and their pets, all while supporting a cause that’s close to so many hearts.”

There are also some fantastic prizes up for grabs from Harvey Norman and Purina, including six months' worth of pet food from Purina for first place.

To enter, owners simply need to create a profile online and upload their favourite photo of their pet. There are two categories which reflect the two 2026 calendars: cat and dog.

SPCA encourages owners to submit a photo that truly captures the essence of their pet, whether they're a sun-seeker, a water baby, a sock thief, a couch potato, or a loveable grouch.

Profiles are then shared with friends and family and the community encouraging donations to be made. Those wishing to support SPCA can browse profiles which will be publicly available on the website and make a donation on the profile of the animal they wish to see on the calendar cover.

The cat and dog with the most money raised will officially take the title, and the coveted spot on our calendar’s cover.

“Pets of the Year’ really puts the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’,” says Todd. “It gives every cat and dog owner the chance they dream of – to share their pet’s face for all to see. I’m looking forward to seeing what entries we get this year.”

Any cat or dog owner can submit their photo easily online here.