Your pet could be a local celebrity, and every vote helps animals at Cherryland Humane Society.

The Annual Pet Calendar Contest

Happy senior dog smiling outdoors in Northport, Michigan
Two dogs walking side by side on a wooded trail in Traverse City, Michigan

There's nothing more fun than a photoshoot with your pet, and the icing on the cake is they'll become a local celebrity as one of our calendar stars.

Pets with a purpose
Every year, pets from all over Northern Michigan compete for a spot in the Cherryland Humane Society calendar, and the money raised from every entry, vote, and calendar sale goes directly to Cherryland to help homeless pets find loving, forever homes.
Dog chasing a ball on the beach in Northport, Michigan
Chocolate Lab running through a field

04 • Weekly mini-contests

Each week, the pet with the most new votes that week wins a prize donated by a local pet-friendly business.

03 • Win big

The 13 pets with the most votes win a professional photo session and a feature in the 2028 Cherryland Humane Society Calendar. The pet with the most votes also snags the coveted cover spot!

02 • Rally the votes

Share your pet's entry and encourage friends and family to vote ($1 per vote) to help your pet climb the leaderboard.

01 • Enter your pet

Upload your favorite photo of your pet for a $5 donation.

Here’s how it works

Corgi at the beach in Northern Michigan

Mark your calendar

End of October 2026 — 2027
Calendars available to purchase online
February 2027
Entries open for the 2028 calendar contest
March 2027
Voting ends
April 2027
Winners' calendar sessions
Fall 2027
2028 calendars available

$25 + shipping

2027 Cherryland Humane Society pet calendar

The 2027 calendar is here

Twelve months of Northern Michigan's cutest calendar stars, and every purchase supports Cherryland Humane Society. Available online starting at the end of October.

calendar stars

Meet some of the past               

Cherryland Humane Society logo
Cherryland Humane Society provides a safe harbor for the animals entrusted to them as they strive to find them responsible, loving, and permanent homes while advancing the well-being of animals. They consider and accommodate, as much as possible, the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of each animal from that individual animal's perspective. Cherryland Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization.

In partnership with Cherryland Humane Society

Rescue dog in a park in Petoskey, Michigan

All proceeds from calendar sales, contest entries, and votes go directly to Cherryland Humane Society.

Learn More About Cherryland
more about me
Dog photographer Amanda Lewis with her dogs in Traverse City, Michigan
Hi, I’m Amanda
I'm a Traverse City pet photographer and passionate advocate for animals

Capturing the love and joy pets bring into our lives is at the heart of what I do, and I'm thrilled to partner with Cherryland Humane Society year after year for this fundraiser. I can't wait to see who enters next!

Explore the Artwork
Your calendar star,
on your walls
Framed husky puppy portrait
Framed dog wall art in a home office

One month in the spotlight is just the beginning.

Every winner gets a professional mini session for their calendar feature. And once you see those portraits, you might not want to keep them to just one month. You’ll have the option to upgrade to a full session, or turn your favorites into handcrafted artwork for your home, from statement wall art to heirloom albums. Artwork starts at $395, and there's never any obligation.
check it out

Northern Express

check it out

UpNorthLive

Northern Express logo
UpNorthLive logo
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As featured in
9&10 News logo

9&10 News

Love Letters

“Amanda Lewis came to our house in June to do a photo shoot of our dog Stella and her supporting cast, our family. Stella doesn’t care to have her picture taken… using her strong skills, Amanda was able to capture the essence of Stella… We are so happy with the stunning collage now sitting on our fireplace mantel!”

"Amanda was able to capture the essence of Stella."

1
2

Bonnie

Pit bull mix standing in the grass

"As part of a photo fundraiser for Cherryland Humane Society, my dog, Daisy got the chance to have a photoshoot with Amanda. Amanda was great to work with and I appreciated her clear communication throughout the planning process! She collected great info up front about Daisy so that the shoot would be a success. On the day of the shoot, she was super prepared and captured many cute moments of Daisy. I was excited to see the photos and appreciate the keepsake print we now have! Thank you!"

"I appreciated her clear communication throughout the planning process!"

Kristina

2
2
Pit bull mix running through the grass

A few things people ask

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter more than one pet?

Absolutely, but there is a limit of one pet per photo entry. Each pet must be entered individually. People are not allowed in photos, only your pet. Photos that don't follow the rules will be removed and won't be eligible to win, with no opportunity for a refund.

Does my dog have to be a rescue to enter?

All breeds from all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to enter. Submit your favorite photo of your pet and ask your family and friends to vote!

What can I win?

The top 13 vote-getters win. First place wins the coveted cover spot, and 2nd through 13th place are each featured as a pet of the month. All 13 winners will have their pet professionally photographed for the calendar, with the option to upgrade to a full session and/or purchase artwork afterward. Each week, the pet with the most new votes that week also wins a mini-contest prize from one of our sponsoring businesses.

What is the reserve-a-grid-space option?

Honor your pet or celebrate a gotcha day or birthday by reserving an empty grid space (before or after the numbered squares) for their photo. Choose a favorite photo and a month, and pay. Each month has a limited number of squares, filled on a first come, first served basis.

When and where will sessions take place?

Complimentary calendar sessions are held on pre-determined dates in April at a pre-determined outdoor location. Upgraded sessions are held at select locations around the Grand Traverse area between April and July. Exact details are provided to winners when the contest ends.

How is the money raised used?

All proceeds from contest entries, votes, and calendar sales directly support Cherryland Humane Society in rescuing and re-homing animals in Traverse City and the surrounding areas.

If I win, can I purchase artwork from my session?

Absolutely, and while there is no obligation, many calendar winners choose to! Calendars are not included with the session, but they can be purchased when they become available online. All calendar sale proceeds are donated to Cherryland Humane Society.

For complete rules and eligibility requirements, please review the official Contest Rules.

All-natural treats with a mission-driven heart.

Archie's Dog Co

Archie’s Dog Co. logo
Contigo Dogs logo

Pet boutique bridging the gap between quality dog gear and affordable, handmade products.

Contigo Dogs

K&A Hop Dogs logo

Northern Michigan's dog-friendly social pub. Drink beer, pet dogs!

K&A Hop Dogs

Kat Dakota Fine Artist logo

Fine artist and graphic designer, capturing the spirit of pets through beautiful oil paintings.

Kat Dakota, Fine Artist

Traverse City's indoor/outdoor dog-park cafe and taphouse.

Two Brothers

Two Brothers dog park cafe logo
Black Star Farms logo

Michigan's top-rated winery and estate, in the heart of Northern Michigan's Traverse Wine Coast.

Black Star Farms

Pets Naturally logo

Northern Michigan's only holistic pet supply store.

Pets Naturally

We're so grateful to this year's weekly mini-contest sponsors for their generous support. Listed in no particular order.
Thank you to our mini-contest prize sponsors!
The contest is open!
Enter your pet for a $5 donation, then rally your friends and family to vote ($1 per vote). Every dollar goes to Cherryland Humane Society.
Chocolate Lab running through a field

together

Whether you're entering your pet, voting, buying a calendar, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a real impact.

Let’s make a difference

Dear Dogs: Portraits & Stories of Beloved Companions

Dear Dogs: Portraits and Stories of Beloved Companions book

More projects close to my heart