Canines for Clean Water is a City of Springfield program managed by the Stormwater Team that helps protect our local rivers by reminding dog owners to pick up after their pets. When dog waste is left on the ground, rain can wash bacteria into storm drains and open channels. Those lead straight to the Willamette and McKenzie rivers, where small amounts of waste from across the city can add up and harm water quality.

The annual Canines for Clean Water calendar is one of the ways the City connects with dog owners about this issue. By entering the contest, dog owners pledge to “scoop the poop.” It’s a simple habit that, when practiced across the community, makes a real difference for water quality.

The program runs all year and offers several ways to get involved:

• Dog‑themed giveaways and pledge activities.
• Free yard signs for property owners.
• Pet waste stations with free bags and trash cans in parks and public spaces.
• Tables at community events like Willamalane’s Children’s Celebration.
• Brochures and information at local pet shops.
• Follow‑up when waste is reported near the public stormwater system.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality requires the City to educate community members and help reduce bacteria in our rivers. Pet waste is one source, which means dog owners play an important role in keeping our waterways clean and healthy.

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

Click this link to open the official entry form and submit your dog photo:

[link here]

Photos must be received by noon on Monday, April 6.

• 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 in the contest for the 2027 edition of the calendar only if they have NOT been featured in the 2026, 2025, or 2024 calendars. If your dog has not been featured in the last 3 calendars, YES you may enter again!

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

1. Enter each dog separately. In that case, each dog would be its 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 contest begins on Friday, March 20, 2026 and ends at noon on Monday, April 6, 2026. Winners will be contacted starting in late April. Photo shoots with the selected dogs start May 4, 2026.

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 the 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!

The 2027 edition of the Canines for Clean Water calendar will be available for free in November 2026 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.

Photo shoots will be scheduled for the month of May 2026, 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:

• Clearwater Park (Middle Fork Willamette River, Mill Race)
• Elijah Bristow State Park (Lost Creek)
• Island Park (Island Park Slough, Willamette River, Mill Race to the south)
• Georgia Pacific Pond (Mill Race)
• Harvest Landing (Boat launch on the McKenzie)
• McKenzie Oxbow (McKenzie River)
• Mt. Pisgah Trailhead (Willamette River)
• West D Bike Path (Willamette River)

If your dog does not like water, here's other location ideas:

• Elijah Bristow Dog Park (Willamette River)
• Jasper Trailhead (Jasper Slough, Jasper Pond, Mill Race)
• Booth Kelly Trailhead (Mill Race)
• Lively Park (S. Cedar Creek)
• Ruff Park (S. Cedar Creek)
• Dorris Ranch (Willamette River)
• Pacific Park (Channel 6)
• Guy Lee Park (Channel 6)
• Lyle Hatfield Path (McKenzie River, by PeaceHealth)