Through our popular Pawsitive Reading program, young readers build literacy skills, confidence, and a love of books while helping shelter animals feel more calm and relaxed in their kennels.

Now we’re inviting young artists in grades K-12 to help us create a bookmark that celebrates the joy of reading and the special bond between people and animals!

Contest rules:

1. Download our 2027 Bookmark Design Contest entry form and use the provided template to design your bookmark.

2. You can use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or pen to create your design.

3. Your design can be vertical or horizontal.

4. Your bookmark must celebrate reading, dogs, and cats. Please do not include other types of animals in your design.

5. One entry per person.

How to enter:

1. Scan your completed 2027 Bookmark Design Contest entry form and email it to us at [email protected].

2. If you are unable to send us your design digitally, you can mail it to us at:

Jacksonville Humane Society

Attn: Education Department

8464 Beach Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32216

3. If none of these options work, you can email us at [email protected] to coordinate in-person drop off.

4. The deadline to enter is November 12, 2026. All entries must be received by 11:59pm ET on November 12 in order to be considered.

Judges will select 1 winning bookmark from each of the following grade groups: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12.

Winners will be notified via email or phone.

All entries become the property of the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) and will not be returned. Winning bookmarks will be printed and distributed by JHS. Artist’s name (first and last) and age will appear on the bookmark. Each winner will also receive a book bundle courtesy of The Jim Moran Foundation.

We can’t wait to see what you create!

If you have any questions about this contest, please email our Humane Education team at [email protected] or call 904.493.4609.