We all love adorable pet photos. The Animal Protective Foundation’s fourth annual pet calendar photo contest is happening now, with many wonderful entries of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, reptiles and more already submitted. The winning photo will be on the cover of the 2026 Animal Protective Foundation Pet Calendar, with 12 additional category leaders gracing the 12 months, plus a collage featuring all entries.
Having a family pet can bring great joy for children and create wonderful childhood memories. Even better are the developmental benefits for children that come with caring for a pet. Owning a pet, fostering a pet and volunteering for your local animal shelter or rescue are all excellent opportunities to teach our youth.
As the largest public spay/neuter clinic in the Capital Region, we are proud of our efforts to help pet owners responsibly sterilize their pets to lower the overpopulation trends we’re seeing. However, if you look at the area’s shelter and rescue websites, it can be disheartening to see so many animals waiting longer to find their forever homes.