Pet Photo Contest Planning Checklist

A pet photo contest needs more coordination than a standard photo event: you are managing animals, owners, judges, photographers, voting, and a public program at the same time. Start with the rules and venue, then open registration early enough to count animals and collect dietary requirements. Before event day, confirm the jury, emergency vet contact, photography setup, prizes, printed materials, and refreshments. Use the checklist below to keep planning in the right order and avoid last-minute gaps.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set competition rules
2 people
Reserve venue
Approach jury members
Confirm judges
Create a registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Publish the competition online
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Count the animals
Send animal safety rules
Arrange emergency vet contact
Order prizes
Confirm photographers
Finalize the program
2 people
Create floor plan
Print participant list
Print ballots
Prepare name badges
2 people
Prepare certificates
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up photo stations
3 people
Set up backdrops and decorations
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up catering
2 people
Set up the animal rest area
2 people
Test the equipment
2 people

Event

Give the jury briefing
2 people
Brief the photographers
2 people
Receive participants
3 people
Register animals
2 people
Photograph competition participants
4 people
Serve drinks and snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Check animal water
2 people
Distribute audience votes
2 people
Guide the jury evaluation
3 people
Count votes
3 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Award prizes and certificates
2 people
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dismantle decorations and materials
4 people
Pack equipment safely
2 people
Return materials
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store photos securely
Inform winners
Publish competition photos
2 people
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Bollardsqty 12

Equipment

Camerasqty 3
Tripodqty 3
Laptopqty 2
Photo printer
Mobile card machine
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Memory cardsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Decorations

Photography backdropsqty 3
Competition bannerqty 2
Directional signsqty 10
Animal pennantsqty 3
Prize ribbonsqty 12
Photo propsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Animal supplies

Water tubsqty 8
Feed bowlsqty 4
Dog leashesqty 6
Animal fencingqty 4
Animal matsqty 8
Travel basketsqty 4
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 4
Animal toysqty 10
Pet towelsqty 12
Drink bottles for animalsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Hand sanitizerqty 4
Disinfectant sprayqty 3
Paper towel dispenserqty 2

Paper goods

Registration foldersqty 3
Name badgesqty 80
Pen setsqty 8
Clipboardsqty 6
Printer paperqty 2
Ballot boxesqty 3
Envelopesqty 40
Certificate foldersqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition rules before sending invitations, including entry limits, photo categories, judging criteria, and animal safety requirements. Publish the rules with the registration form so participants know what to expect before they arrive.
Close or review registrations early enough to count the animals and plan the floor layout. Use the final count to prepare name badges, participant lists, ballots, certificates, and enough space between photo stations.
Confirm judges and photographers at least 2 weeks before the contest, then share the final program and judging timetable. A late change affects ballots, announcements, photo slots, and prize preparation.
Send animal safety rules with the registration confirmation and keep an emergency vet contact available on the event day. Mark entrances, queues, and restricted areas with signs or bollards so animals do not crowd the photo stations.
Test every photo station before guests arrive, including cameras, tripods, memory cards, power banks, extension cords, and the photo printer. Set up tables, chairs, backdrops, props, banners, and directional signs before chilling drinks and arranging coffee service.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a pet photo contest?: Start planning 8 to 12 weeks before the contest. Reserve the venue and approach judges first, then allow at least 3 to 4 weeks for registrations, animal counting, safety communication, and program planning.
When should registration close for a pet photo contest?: Close registration 7 to 10 days before the event. This gives you time to count the animals, finalize the floor plan, print participant lists and ballots, prepare name badges and certificates, and confirm dietary requirements.
How many photo stations do I need for a pet photo contest?: Plan one photo station for roughly 15 to 20 registered animals per hour, depending on the number of photos required. Add extra time for nervous animals, breaks, and changing backdrops or props.
What should I prepare for pet safety on the event day?: Prepare written animal safety rules, clear directional signs, separated waiting areas where possible, and an emergency vet contact before doors open. Assign at least one person to monitor queues and animal interactions throughout the event.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.