Frequently asked questions

We've compiled a list of common questions and answers you may find useful. If you have a question that isn't here, email us at: ypa@rspca.org.uk

You can enter if you're 18 or younger and are a UK resident.
You can enter up to five photos in your age category, plus another five in each of the following categories: Pet personalities; Pet portraits; Mobile phone and devices; Small world; Better world; City life. You can also enter up to three sets of five images in the Portfolio category.
Ensure your images are no larger than 10MB and don't crop the final picture too much. They should be no smaller than 600x600. If your photo is larger than 10MB, reduce the file size but keep the original RAW file(s).

All entrants must be able to supply a high-resolution image suitable for printing in exhibitions and marketing materials should the image be required.
No, entry to the competition is free. Please note though, that if you're lucky enough to be invited to the awards ceremony, we can't pay the costs of your trip.
You should enter the category according to your age on the closing date of the competition. So, if you're 11 now but are 12 on or before the closing date, you should enter the 12–15 category.
The closing date for online entries is Thursday, 15 August 2024 at noon. Any entries received after this date will not be entered.

We only want to see pictures that show real animals in real situations, so don't add or take anything away from the picture as it was originally taken. You may use contrast and colour settings to make your pictures look really good, and you can remove dust spots that have appeared by accident. You can also change an image from colour to black-and-white but don't add artificial colours or change it too much. If the judges deem that an image has been manipulated then the entrant and all of their entries will be disqualified. The key is to keep it real!
No, you can't enter any picture or similar into more than one category. The judges may move any individual photo entered into another category if they think it's likely to be shortlisted.
We want you to photograph animals showing natural behaviour in their natural habitat. Please don't dress your pets up or make them perform tricks for the camera. Check out our photo tips for more information.
View the guidance on taking photos in zoos.

If you're 15 or younger when you register, you'll need to provide your parent/guardian's email address. We're required by law to get your parent/guardian's permission for you to enter. An email will then be sent to their email containing an activation link.
Use the password reminder in the login area of the home page to send your password to the email address you registered with. If you still have problems, email us at: ypa@rspca.org.uk.
Check that you have given the correct email address and ask your parent/guardian to check their junk mail folder. If you still can't find it, ask them to email us at: ypa@rspca.org.uk with your username and we'll activate the account.
We don't send out confirmation emails for each upload. You can check if your entry has been successful by logging into your account as all photos submitted will show there.
Please ensure that your images are 10MB size or below, sized no smaller than 600x600 and are in JPEG format. It may be that your images are too large for the local internet connection and we suggest that you resize all the pictures and try again, though you need to keep the original RAW file(s). If you continue to have problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The winners will be announced in December 2024 at an awards ceremony. All shortlisted finalists will be notified by Friday, 18 October 2024.
Any digital pictures that aren't shortlisted will be deleted after the awards ceremony.
As well as being exhibited at an awards ceremony, the winning photos will be displayed in a gallery on the website. They may be used by us to promote the competition in the future. For any other use (including on licensed products), we'll ask your permission. If you agree, payment will be under a separate agreement.