Vote for your favorite pets to be featured in RAL’s 2026 calendar
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- An ongoing calendar contest at Richmond Animal League (RAL) aims to showcase some local pets while also raising money for animals in need.
RAL's annual Calendar Contest allows the Richmond community to vote on the pets they want featured in the shelter's next calendar.
The top 12 will be professionally photographed for the calendar, with the winning pet securing a spot on the front. Additionally, any pet that gets 250 or more votes will be spotlighted within the calendar on a specific day.
Every $1 donated to the contest equals one vote for the pet of your choice. These funds will then be put towards RAL's "mission to provide hope, help and loving homes to animals in need," according to a Sept. 2 press release.
Promotional pictures for Richmond Animal League's 2026 Calendar Contest. (Photo: RAL)
Promotional pictures for Richmond Animal League's 2026 Calendar Contest. (Photo: RAL)
The 2026 Calendar Contest is in its final weeks -- and it's officially heating up following a generous $10,000 donation. Starting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the next $10,000 in donations made to the contest will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
A spokesperson for RAL said this is the first "match" during this year's contest, adding that the competition always ramps up when a match is made.
As of the time of reporting, nearly $25,000 has been raised through this year's contest.
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"This contest is one of our favorite traditions — it’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s hugely impactful," said Larry Eason, RAL's executive director, in the release. "People look at these calendars all year round and they are reminded of our work to get shelter pets the care and loving homes they deserve."
The 2026 Calendar Contest is accepting votes until Saturday, Sept. 27. From 5 to 7 p.m. that day, RAL will host its free, family-friendly Fall Fest at the Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic, located at 801 Branchway Rd. in Richmond. The contest's winners will be announced at 7 p.m., per the release.
To enter your pet in the contest, cast a vote or learn more about this competition, click here.
