We recently bought our daughter a 2009 Pontiac G5. I changed the oil for her yesterday and drained it before I realized I needed a special wrench to remove the filter cap. It being Sunday and living in the sticks, I was unable to get the right wrench and had to put oil back into the car so she could use it today. My question is once I get the proper wrench, can I change the filter cartridge without draining the oil again? It looks like I can as the filter is higher than the oil pan, but I want to make sure before I make a mess!

Welcome to the forum Mark!
Since I assume you added new oil, and now need to replace just the oil filter this time, I think you will be just fine. I would replace that filter ASAP though.
I know you needed to purchase an oil filter wrench, and I dont know how much room you have to work with there.
Just thought I would mention that a K&N oil filter has a 1" nut on the bottom of them.
Now you can easily remove them with a wrench or even a socket.

Now the filter is real easy to remove!

1 1/4" wrench will be fine.

Good video here, careful of his foul language...