Canines for Clean Water is a program managed by the City of Springfield's Stormwater Team to raise awareness about keeping our rivers clean. Bacteria from pet waste left on the ground can be washed into storm drains by rain, polluting our rivers and streams.

The annual calendar is one of a handful of Canines for Clean Water activities. It's a fun way to spread the word to local dog lovers about the importance of picking up picking up pet waste. Entering the contest requires pledging to “scoop the poop.” It’s a simple action that adds up across the city to make a big difference!

In addition to the calendar, the Canines for Clean Water program also has year 'round pledging activities with great swag, free yard signs for property owners, pet waste stations offering free poo bags and trash receptacles to visitors, booths at local events like Petfest, brochures at local pet shops, and we respond to reports of waste left within reach of the public stormwater system. Details at bit.ly/reportwaterpollution.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality mandates that Springfield residents help prevent river pollution, with the Willamette and McKenzie rivers being waterways of concern. High bacteria levels, largely from animal waste and human sewage, pose a significant issue. We kindly encourage dog owners to do their part by properly disposing of pet waste.

The dog and their owners must live in Springfield, Oregon (includes Glenwood). Owners must be age 18+.

• A clear, well-lit image where your pup is in focus.
• A full-body photo so we can see your entire dog (not just their face and not covering their head), and at an attractive angle.
• A background where your dog stands out. For example, a black dog in front of a black chair is hard to see and probably won't get many votes.
• A fun or expressive moment that showcases personality!

• You and your dog must be a Springfield resident, which includes Glenwood.
• You must pledge, when you enter, to pick up your dog’s poop.
• Dogs may be nominated only once per year. Sending more photos does not increase your chances because only one photo will be used.
• You must provide a current photo of your dog.
• Dogs must be nominated by their owners – sorry, no nominating other people’s pooches!
• You may enter your pup into the 2026 calendar contest only if they have NOT been featured in the 2025, 2024, or 2023 calendars. If your dog has not been featured in the last 3 calendars, YES you may enter again!

This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. By entering, you agree that Facebook is released from this contest. All information for this contest is collected by Springfield’s Stormwater Team, not by Facebook, and all information will be used only for this contest.

If you have more than one dog, choose one of two options:

1. Enter each dog separately. In that case, each dog would be it’s own contestant.
2. Or submit a single photo featuring up to three dogs together. Those winning “packs” will be featured together in one photo.

The calendar contest begins Friday, March 21, 2025 and ends at midnight on Friday, April 7, 2025. Winners will be contacted starting in late April until we receive responses from 12 pet owners. Photo shoots with the selected dogs will start May 5, 2025.

More than 300 City of Springfield staff will be invited to vote for their favorites. They tend to vote for attractive photos that show personality where dog is clear and not cut off. They are encouraged to pick a variety of breeds.

We’ll contact you in late April. Each winning dog will participate in their own photo shoot in May. The photo you submit won’t be used – we’ll take fresh, high-quality pictures!

Photo shoots will be scheduled for the month of May 2025, which tends to be warm with lots of greenery and flowers. They will generally be held between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. There can be unexpected rain in May and a dark sky isn't great in the photos, so we keep an eye on the forecast and stay in touch to find the best time.

We will ask for your help in picking a location where your dog will be comfortable and happy. That may be a yard, a favorite walk, or a park. We love creative ideas that no one has done before!

If your dog likes water, here’s some Springfield locations with waterways:

• Island Park (Island Park Slough, Willamette River, Mill Race to the south)
• West D Bike Path (Willamette River)
• Eastgate Woodlands (Alton Baker Canoe Canal)
• By Gully Bike Path (Q-Street Floodway)
• Jasper Trailhead (Jasper Slough, Jasper Pond, Mill Race)
• Georgia Pacific (Mill Race, Georgia Pacific Pond, etc.)
• Clearwater Park (Middle Fork Willamette River, Mill Race)
• Booth Kelly Trailhead (Mill Race)
• Lively Park (S. Cedar Creek)
• Ruff Park (S. Cedar Creek)
• Harvest Landing (Boat launch on the McKenzie)
• McKenzie Oxbow (McKenzie River)
• Dorris Ranch (Willamette River)
• Pacific Park (Channel 6)
• Guy Lee Park (Channel 6)
• Lyle Hatfield Path (McKenzie River, by PeaceHealth)

The free Canines for Clean Water 2026 Calendar will be available in November 2025 at the Springfield City Library, local pet stores, and other locations while supplies last.

The calendar is not for sale and is available only to residents who pick it up at one of our local distribution locations. Once the pick-up locations are confirmed, we post a list on this webpage. For quick access, use our shortcut: bit.ly/caninecal.