SPCA New Zealand Pets of the Year 2026 Calendar Campaign Now Open

SPCA New Zealand has officially launched its highly anticipated "Pets of the Year 2026" fundraising campaign, inviting pet owners across Aotearoa to showcase their beloved cats and dogs. This annual competition, which runs until Monday, 29 June 2026, at 12:00 PM, is one of the organisation’s most vital fundraising drives, supporting its ongoing mission to protect, rescue, and rehabilitate vulnerable animals.

How the Competition Works

The competition invites pet owners to create a profile for their companion animal and submit a high-quality photograph. Participants then encourage friends, family, and the wider public to vote for their pet by making a donation. Every dollar raised counts as a vote, directly funding SPCA’s front-line services.

The stakes are high for competitive pet owners:

• Calendar Cover Stars: The highest fundraising pet in each category (dogs and cats) will earn the title of SPCA Pet of the Year, securing the cover spot of their category's calendar and a dedicated full-month spread.
• Guaranteed Placement: To ensure that all fundraising efforts are celebrated, any pet profile that raises a minimum of $150 is guaranteed to be featured within the pages of the 2027 calendar.
• Op Shop Pre-orders: Once the campaign concludes and the final calendar spreads are designed, the calendars will be made available for pre-order through the official SPCA Online Op Shop, with all proceeds returning to animal welfare operations.

To keep the competition fair and focused on animal welfare, the SPCA has established strict entry guidelines. Photos must be of high resolution, showing only the pet without any humans, and must represent the animal in a safe, healthy environment. AI-generated images or photos depicting animals in distress are strictly prohibited to ensure the calendar showcases positive welfare standards.

Supporting a Vital Cause

Every donation made during the Pets of the Year campaign goes directly towards the SPCA’s operational expenses. As a charity, the SPCA relies heavily on public generosity to fund its rescue initiatives, shelter maintenance, and veterinary care. In the past year, SPCA inspectors responded to thousands of animal welfare calls, providing a safe haven for neglected, injured, or abandoned pets.

For new pet owners, participating in community fundraisers is a great way to engage with the national pet community while learning about responsible pet ownership. Whether you have recently adopted a dog or are looking after a long-time companion, ensuring that your pet is registered and properly cared for is a fundamental duty. The funds raised also support regional desexing programmes and community education, helping reduce the number of unwanted litters and raising the collective standard of care across the country. Furthermore, these initiatives allow the SPCA to advocate for stronger animal protection policies and run educational workshops in schools, teaching the next generation of Kiwi pet owners the fundamentals of compassionate animal care.

Guidance for Kiwi Pet Owners

If you are entering the competition or preparing to welcome a new animal into your home, it is essential to stay informed about local regulations and best practices. Across the country, local councils manage dog registrations and microchipping requirements. For instance, registering your dog is a legal requirement under the Dog Control Act 1996, and keeping details current helps shelters quickly reunite lost pets with their families.

If you are a new owner, you can read our comprehensive New Puppy Checklist NZ to ensure you have everything prepared for your new arrival. Additionally, understanding the differences between microchips and collar identification is crucial; for a detailed comparison, refer to our guide on Dog Microchipping in NZ.

To participate, view current leaderboards, or learn more about the submission guidelines, visit the official SPCA campaign page.

Sources

• https://petsoftheyear.spca.nz/
• https://www.spca.nz/contact