Turn this tail-wagging contest into a family adventure while supporting Kiroli Park.
West Monroe’s next Pet Mayor could be snoozing on your couch, chasing a tennis ball, or quietly judging everyone from a windowsill.
The Second Annual West Monroe Pet Mayor Contest is here, and Macaroni KID thinks this might be the most adorable way to introduce your kiddos to election season. There are candidates to meet, campaigns to create, and a community cause to support. The biggest campaign controversy? Who stole the treats?
The Kiroli Foundation invites the public to nominate their furry—and not-so-furry—friends for a chance to become West Monroe’s Pet Mayor for 2027!
Does Your Pet Have What It Takes?
Nominations are open Tuesday, October 6, through Friday, October 30, 2026, at wmpetmayor.com. Entry is $20 per pet, and a limited number of nomination slots are available.
The public will vote online for two weeks in November, with votes costing $1 each. Watch the contest website for voting dates and details.
West Monroe’s first Pet Mayor, Plumber the Cat, won the inaugural election in 2025. Now, another local pet will have a chance to follow in those distinguished pawprints.
Make It a Family Campaign!
Whether you nominate your own pet or cheer on another candidate, here are some ways to get the kids involved:
- Create a campaign slogan. Try “More Fetch, Less Fuss,” “A Treat in Every Bowl,” or “The Purr-fect Candidate.” Let the kids dream up one that fits your pet’s personality.
- Make a campaign poster. Grab crayons, paper, and a favorite pet photo. Kids can add their candidate’s name, slogan, and three reasons their pet deserves the title.
- Hold a family press conference. Let your child interview the candidate. “What’s your position on squirrels?” “Will you support longer walks?” A squeak, meow, or meaningful stare counts as an answer.
- Talk about helping your community. Explain that this contest raises money for park improvements. Families can support a candidate while helping create a better place for local dogs to play.
- Set a family voting budget. Because each vote costs $1, decide together how much you’d like to contribute before voting. It’s a chance to practice counting, budgeting, and giving.
- Host your own free household election. No pet? No problem! Put stuffed animals on the ballot, make paper voting slips, and count the results together.
A little learning tucked into the fun: Explain that this fundraiser uses paid votes to support the park. In public government elections, people do not pay to vote.
A Big Job With Some Pretty Sweet Perks
The winning pet will be honored at a special program at Kiroli Park and recognized at a future West Monroe City Council meeting.
Thanks to The Neighborhood Vet, LLC, the winner will also receive a free annual visit and vaccination, plus a gift basket. That’s quite a benefits package for someone whose current job may be barking at delivery trucks.
Every Vote Helps the Park
Proceeds will support needed projects and improvements at Kiroli Park, specifically the Raising Cane’s Dog Park.
This year’s contest is sponsored by the Kiroli Foundation, West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, The Neighborhood Vet, LLC, and SquarePlanIT.
Ready to launch your family’s cutest campaign? Nominate your pet at wmpetmayor.com by October 30!
For more information, email kirolifoundation@westmonroe.la.gov or call the Kiroli Park office at (318) 396-4016.
May the best pet win—and may every campaign manager remember the poop bags.
