The Daily News of Newburyport is asking residents of Greater Newburyport to send in festive photos of their pets for a holiday feature, the paper announced in an item updated Dec. 27, 2025 at 8:55 a.m. Additional coverage of this same incident

“Bring on the holidays — and your cutest festive pet pictures!” the announcement said, inviting submissions of dogs, cats and other household pets. The request frames the contributions as a way for neighbors to share seasonal moments with the community and to see local animals represented in both print and online editions.

The paper said it expects a wide range of submissions from the region and emphasized that the feature is intended to showcase area families and their animals during the Christmas season. The same appeal was also carried on CNHI’s feed alongside the original announcement.

Community engagement in local pet-related events fosters stronger social bonds, promotes responsible pet ownership, and enhances animal welfare by building relationships and educating participants. The paper’s holiday photo call follows a familiar pattern for community journalism: short-form, participatory items that encourage readers to contribute and connect through shared traditions.

Residents who want to participate are asked to submit high-resolution JPG images and to include identifying details. According to the announcement, submissions should include the pet’s name, age and breed, the owners’ names, and the family’s location in Greater Newburyport. Photos and information can be emailed to drogers@newburyportnews.com or ndnnews@newburyportnews.com.

The Daily News of Newburyport said selected photos will be featured in the paper’s holiday coverage, with publication planned across its print and digital platforms. Interested readers were directed to consult the original announcement for full submission instructions and publication timing.

Pet ownership remains a significant part of everyday life in Massachusetts: Approximately 49% of Massachusetts households own pets, per recent statistics. That figure is below the national average of roughly 66% of U.S. households owning pets, underscoring regional differences in pet ownership even as local interest in pet-focused community content remains strong.

Local newspapers often run similar seasonal calls for photos as a low-barrier way to engage readers and reflect neighborhood life. The Daily News framed this holiday edition as both a celebration and a community service — providing a platform for families to share their animals’ seasonal moments and for neighbors to see one another reflected in the paper.

In practical terms, the paper’s notice asks submitters to provide clear, high-resolution images so their pets reproduce well in print as well as online galleries. Along with the basic identifying details, the newsroom requested that senders include contact information so staff can verify details and obtain publication consent.

The pet-photo solicitation is part of a broader tradition of local newsrooms using reader-submitted material to highlight community life during the holidays. For readers who want to participate, the announcement and the CNHI feed post contain the specifics; the original item linked with the paper’s notice contains final deadlines and any additional requirements for publication.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article on the Daily News of Newburyport’s announcement for submission details and deadlines.