This year’s Mission PAWsible theme: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to show or tell us the importance of veterinary care. Students are encouraged to explore topics including the benefits of spay and neuter, annual vaccinations, surgical interventions, dental care and other essential veterinary services that keep animals healthy and thriving.
Want some inspiration? Our very own Veterinary Services team is here to help. In the video below, they share their favorite memories and most meaningful experiences from caring for pets in need.
Attention Oʻahu haumāna (students) in grades 6-12: another year means another Mission PAWsible Art Contest! This year, your mission is to illustrate the importance of caring for all animals, treating them humanely and being empathetic; with a special focus on veterinary care.
Here are this year’s categories:
- Traditional Art (drawing, painting, etc.)
- Digital Art (photography, animation, video, graphic design)
- Creative Writing (poetry, short story – no longer than 500 words)
- 3D Art (ceramic, wood, metal, sewing, etc.)
Note: If you are bringing in your submissions, they must be within a reasonable size (about 1x1x1 foot). However, picture/video submissions of the art will also be accepted as submissions if it is larger in size or if you are unable to bring it in.
Prizes
Submissions are open from Monday, January 5, 2026 through Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm HST.
Rules and Judging Criteria
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Entries will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria within the context of two grade spans: grades 6 – 8 and grades 9 – 12.
- Adherence to the Contest Theme (All entries) What have you learned about foster care? How can you make a difference in your community?
- Creativity and Originality (All entries) All entries must be an original creation and cannot be copied or traced from someone else’s work. Show or tell us what we can do to help the animals in our community.
- Clarity of Message (All entries) What is the message the artist is trying to convey? How is the message communicated? Does the message align with the Hawaiian Humane Society’s mission and values?
- Visual Quality and Design (Traditional Art and Digital Art categories)
- Size Regulations (Traditional Art and Digital Art categories) Entries must be flat and 17×11-inch (ledger size) or smaller.
- Length Regulations (Digital Art and Creative Writing categories) Photography entries can be submitted as a single photograph or as a series up to eight photographs. Videos must be 3 minutes or less. Written word entries must be 500 words or less.
- Correct Spelling, Grammar, and Appropriate Word Choice (Creative Writing category)
- Adherence to Submission Guidelines (See below)
How To Enter
Entry form coming soon!
Submission Guidelines:
All hardcopy entries should be mailed to:
Hawaiian Humane Society
Attention: Mission PAWsible Contest
2700 Waiʻalae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96826
- Entries must include a fully completed Mission PAWsible submission form. If you submit your entry electronically, ensure you fill out the online submission form in its entirety. If you submit your entry as a hardcopy, print out a submission form at the link above and include the submission form with your entry.
- Electronic submissions must be submitted as: .doc, .pdf, .jpeg, or as a Vimeo or YouTube link. Google Docs will not be accepted.
- Participation indicates permission for the Hawaiian Humane Society to use entries at its discretion, including the entrant’s first name and school.
For questions or more information, email Education@HawaiianHumane.org
Eligibility
Contest is open to all students in grades 6 – 12 living on Oʻahu. Students may submit up to one entry per category; however, students can only win one Grand Prize.
Deadline
Entries will be accepted for the 2026 Mission PAWsible art contest until Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:59pm HST.
