Registration is March 1, 2026 - March 20, 2026

• To file your pet’s intention to run for Columbus Pet Mayor, fill out this form and follow the instructions to complete payment.

• Registration Options

  •  Campaign Starter Kit ($30) includes:

    • Registration

    • Your pet’s photo and a link to vote for them on the columbuspetmayor.com webpage

  • Future Mayor Victory Kit ($50) includes:

    •  Registration

    • Your pet’s photo and a link to vote for them on the columbuspetmayor.com webpage

    •  A campaign sign for your yard.

•   IU Columbus students qualify for a $10 registration discount.

Voting runs from April 1, 2026 – Midnight on April 20, 2026.

•  Beginning April 1, 2026 begin your pet’s campaign for votes by sharing the columbuspetmayor.com voting link.

• $1 = 1 vote with a $5 minimum. Money raised from voting will benefit scholarships at IU Columbus.

• The pet with the most votes will be inaugurated as Columbus Pet Mayor. In the event of a tie, the winning pet will be determined by a committee of contest organizers.

Pet Mayor Contest Rules

1. Eligibility

• All pets are welcome to run for office: dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents, and other well-behaved household companions.

• Pets must be a resident of Bartholomew County, Indiana OR the pet of an IU Columbus student, staff or faculty.

• Pets of all ages are eligible, from wide-eyed youngsters to seasoned elders.

• Each pet must be registered separately

• No pawlitical experience necessary.

2. How to Enter

• Each entry must include:

  • Pet’s name

  • Species and breed (if applicable)

  • A photo of the pet

  • A short “campaign statement” (100–150 words) explaining why they would make a great mayor

• Entries must be submitted by the posted deadline. Late arrivals will be told they are still the goodest boy or girl before being sent on their way.

3. Campaign Guidelines

• Campaign statements should remain family-friendly and positive.

• No negative campaigning against other pets. Mud-slinging, litter-box shaming, or tail-gatekeeping will not be tolerated.

4. Voting

• Voting will take place during the designated voting period.

• $1 = 1 vote with a $5 minimum. Proceeds from the vote will benefit scholarships at IU Columbus.

• Votes may be cast online or by mailing a check to IU Columbus, Attn: Office of Development, 4601 Central Ave, Columbus, IN. 47203. Checks must be received be voting deadline to count.

5. Winning & Duties

• The pet with the most votes will be inaugurated as Columbus Pet Mayor. In the event of a tie, the winning pet will be determined by a committee of contest organizers.

• The Columbus Pet Mayor’s term will last one year

• Duties may include:

  • Serving as an honorary ambassador for the community

  • Being extremely cute in an official capacity

6. Prizes

• The winning pet will receive a prize package, which may include treats, toys, a crown or sash, and eternal bragging rights.

7. General Rules

• Owners are responsible for all submissions and representations made on behalf of their pet.

• By entering, participants grant permission for photos and names to be used for promotional purposes.

• Contest organizers reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the rules or disrupt civic harmony.

8. Final Authority

• All decisions made by the contest organizers are final, firm, and enforced with the calm authority of a sleepy golden retriever.