Cherryland Humane Society Kicks Off 3rd Annual Pet Calendar Fundraiser

The Cherryland Humane Society has opened its third annual pet calendar fundraiser, asking Traverse City and Grand Traverse County residents to submit photos and vote to support local animal care. The online contest began with entries and voting starting Feb. 9 and will run through March 8; proceeds go directly to Cherryland Humane Society to support shelter operations and rehoming programs.

Organizers are keeping the format familiar but added features for the four-week run, including weekly prize features, mini-contests, and bonus voting opportunities. Pet owners may submit photos for a $5 entry fee and cast votes at $1 each; the contest requires a minimum purchase of five votes per entry. Participants who want guaranteed placement can buy a calendar grid space for $15. Thirteen pets with the most votes will be selected for the 2027 calendar, with one pet earning the cover spot. Winning animals also receive a professional on-location photography session from Amanda Lewis Photography.

Amanda Lewis, a Traverse City pet photographer who organizes the contest, framed the fundraiser as both community celebration and practical support for animals in need. “This contest has become such a joyful way for our community to come together - not just to celebrate pets, but to truly make a difference for animals in need,” Lewis said. “Every vote helps support Cherryland Humane Society, and I'm so grateful to the local businesses and pet lovers who continue to show up year after year.” Naomi Pobuda, Cherryland Humane Society communications and marketing manager, joined Lewis in noting the contest’s popularity: “It's so much fun I'm so happy that it's, that people like it and want to do it. And it's the best way I know how to support Cherryland Humane Society and they're incredible and they need help so as long as people want to participate I'll keep running the contest. I know that everybody looks forward to it. We have people reaching out like when's the calendar contest starting. They just love this so much like everybody gets really into it and that's pretty exciting.”

Since launching the fundraiser in 2024, the event has raised more than $24,000 for the shelter. Local businesses are supplying prizes and sponsorships; names cited by organizers include Amanda Lewis Photography, Two Brothers (listed elsewhere as Two Brothers Dog Park Café & Taproom), Black Star Farms, Pets Naturally (appearing in some materials as Pet’s Naturally), Contigo Dogs, Kat Dakota, K&A Hop Dogs, and Archie. The contest is hosted on the GoGo Photo Contest platform under the Cherryland Humane Society 2027 Pet Calendar Contest listing, and Cherryland Humane Society’s social channels are promoting the drive.

For residents considering participation, the practical timeline and fees are clear: submit a photo, pay the $5 entry fee, purchase votes beginning at $1 each (minimum five votes), and follow contest updates during the four-week fundraiser. The printed 2027 calendar is expected to be available in fall 2026. The contest gives pet owners a local way to showcase animals, support shelter care, and connect neighborhood businesses with a familiar community cause; after March 8 organizers will tally votes and move into production for the calendar that benefits animal welfare across Grand Traverse County.