Virginia’s Cutest Pet Photo Contest 2026

Meet Virginia’s 2026 Cutest Pets!

After weeks of voting, thousands of cast ballots, and a truly impressive amount of cuteness across the commonwealth, the results are in. Four winners. Four categories. One very full May/June issue.

📖 Purchase May/June Issue of Virginia Living

Without further ado, please meet your 2026 Cutest Pets winners. 🏆

Top Dog: Queso

A Chihuahua from Manassas
Owner: Russ Hott
Favorite treat: Cheese, obviously 🧀
Favorite activity: Cuddling
Favorite place: Under a mound of covers
Described as: Nine pounds of sultry cuteness with a signature headstand greeting and a sixth sense for the refrigerator door
Rescued in 2020, Queso has been making up for lost time with puppy kisses, calf-muscle naps, and an unwavering devotion to her namesake snack.
Some heroes wear capes. Ours prefers a mound of covers. 💛

Cooles Cat: Wayne

A domestic medium short hair from Virginia Beach
Owner: Alan May
Favorite treat: Broccoli 🥦 (yes, really)
Favorite activity: Batting treats around the house
Favorite place: Lying on his daddy
Described as: A goofy, talkative cuddlebug and reigning back-to-back Coolest Cat champion.
That’s right, two crowns. Wayne has spent the last year arranging his toys with the precision of an interior designer, quietly campaigning for a repeat title, and being extremely good at his one job: being Wayne. 💛

Farm Friend: Concha

A Choctaw pony from Aroda
Owner: Becca Pizmoht
Favorite treat: Bananas 🍌
Favorite activity: Fox hunting
Favorite place: Out eating grass
Described as: A feral creature that doubles as a high performance horse, equally at home chasing cows in the field or showing in the ring.
A rare breed and a once-in-a-lifetime horse, Concha is wild thing and seasoned athlete all in one, and Virginia clearly agrees. 💛

Adorable Other: Lulu

A Sable ferret from Waynesboro
Owner: Kari Wright
Favorite treat: Peanut butter ferret treats
Favorite activity: Playing with her sister
Favorite place: One of her cozy hammocks
Described as: A tiny explorer with boundless curiosity, a noodle bin tunnel system, and a documented history of heists well above her weight class (the fishing rod incident is the stuff of legend)
She redecorates. She explores. She wins contests. 💛

What Do the Winners Get? Oh … Just Everything.

This year, the stakes—and the prizes—are bigger and more experiential than ever. One winner from each category will receive premium recognition and an unforgettable prize package that goes well beyond the page.

Each Cutest Pet 2026 category winner receives:

• A feature in the May/June issue of Virginia Living
• Spotlights on VirginiaLiving.com and across our social media
• A custom faux Virginia Living magazine cover starring your pet
• Official Cutest Pet 2026 Winner Badges for bragging rights
• A Virginia Beach SPCA & Virginia Living merch bundle bursting with pet goodies
• A Custom Hand-Painted Pet Portrait by David Cochran 🌟 NEW 🌟
• A professional pet portrait session with Beloved Pet & Equine Photography
• A pet-friendly Charlottesville getaway at Kimpton The Forum Hotel, including:
  – One-night stay
  – Food & beverage credit for two
  – Complimentary parking
  – Special pet amenities
• A handcrafted, Virginia-made ceramic pet bowl from Emerson Creek Pottery

Big prizes. Big bragging rights. Big-time pet fame.

Important Dates

Submissions: February 2 – March 15 Extended to March 18!
Voting: March 16 – April 17

How It Works

• Submitting is free 🎉
• Everyone gets one free vote per day!
• Want to boost your favorite? Additional votes can be purchased 📈
• A portion of paid voting proceeds benefits the Virginia Beach SPCA, supporting humane care, affordable veterinary services, and community programs for pets and families.

Explore & Get Inspired

• 🏆 See Last Year’s Winners
• 📖 Order the May/June Issue of Virginia Living
• 🛍️ Shop Past Issues—including last year’s Cutest Pet winners

Stay in the Loop 🐾

Don’t miss a moment of the cuteness.

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Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]