Big-time prizes for the biggest names in Virginia pet fame.
Winning Virginia Living’s Cutest Pet Photo Contest isn’t just about bragging rights—though yes, there will be plenty of those. This year’s prize package is experience-heavy, very Virginia, and designed to feel like a real celebration of your pet (and, honestly, you too).
Here’s what our Cutest Pet 2026 winners are in for.
🌟 NEW PRIZE: Custom Hand-Painted Pet Portrait by David Cochran
Each category winner will receive a custom, hand-painted 16″ x 20″ acrylic portrait of their pet by Virginia artist David Cochran — an artist with a gift for turning your most loved moments into something you can hold onto forever.
This isn’t a photo with a filter on it. It’s an original painting, on canvas, created from your favorite photo. David will work personally with each winner to make sure the portrait captures everything that makes their pet theirs — their personality, their favorite spot, the little details only you would know.
Hang it above the fireplace. Point to it for the rest of your life. We would.
Want to see what we mean?
- Browse David’s pet portrait gallery
A Pet-Friendly Charlottesville Getaway
Each category winner receives a pet-friendly overnight stay at Kimpton The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville—the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your plans and stay another night.
What’s included:
- One-night hotel stay
- Food & beverage credit for two
- Complimentary parking
- In-room pet amenities and easy access to pet-friendly trails
Bring your dog, cat, or adorable other along, or enjoy a celebratory getaway even if your pet prefers staying home (we see you, farm animals). Charlottesville is a win either way.
If you’re planning the perfect winner’s weekend, we’ve got ideas:
- Where to eat your way through Charlottesville
- Greenways, trails, and easy outdoor escapes
- Even the kitten yoga scene
A Handcrafted Pet Bowl, Made in Virginia
Winners will also receive a handcrafted ceramic pet bowl from Emerson Creek Pottery—beautiful enough to leave out, sturdy enough for daily use, and made right here in Virginia.
Each bowl is: handmade, designed to be both practical and lovely, and a keepsake to last longer than the contest run. (And if your pet doesn’t need a bowl—looking at you, horses and reptiles—no pressure. You can skip this one.)
Want the backstory?
A Professional Pet Portrait
Every winner will receive a professional pet portrait session with Beloved Pet & Equine Photography, known for capturing personality, beauty, and shiny fur (or scales, or feathers).
- One portrait session per winning pet
- Sessions held in the Richmond area
- Perfect for framing, sharing, or pairing with your faux magazine cover
If you’re curious what photogenic pets look like in the wild:
And Yes—There’s the Fame Part Too
Along with all of that, winners receive:
- A featured spotlight in the May/June issue of Virginia Living (pre-order here!)
- A custom faux Virginia Living magazine cover starring their pet
- Winner shout-outs to a statewide audience on VirginiaLiving.com and social media
- Official Cutest Pet 2026 Winner Badges
- A swag bundle from the Virginia Beach SPCA, supporting humane care, veterinary services, and community programs for pets and families
- Even more goodies, including sleek, limited-edition Virginia Living swag, plus fun-filled toys, and delicious pet treats
Feeling Like Your Pet Could Pull This Off?
Honestly? We could see it. Now it’s time to make it happen.
