Celebrate the Joy of Pets with the People Saving Pets™ "My Magnificent Adopted Pet Online Contest"

PHOENIX, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Does your adopted pet have what it takes to be the Most Magnificent Adopted Pet? Find out by entering your pet's adoption story to the People Saving Pets "My Magnificent Adopted Pet Online Contest."  People Saving Pets is a new social movement empowered by PetSmart Charities® that unites pet lovers to put an end to the homeless pet problem for good.

PetSmart Charities will make donations to the 501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations chosen by the first, second and third place winners and award Visa® Gift Cards and prizes to the 10 finalists and three winners who have the most magnificent stories about the joy their adopted pets have brought to their lives.

How to Enter

Beginning today through May 31, visit the People Saving Pets movement at www.PeopleSavingPets.org and complete the online contest submission form to share your pet adoption story and what makes your adopted pet the most magnificent.

On June 3, 10 finalists' stories and photos will be posted on the People Saving Pets website for the public voting period. Through June 17, voters are allowed to vote for one photo representing their favorite magnificent pet entry on the People Saving Pets website. Visit www.PeopleSavingPets.org for contest details.

Prizes

The first place winner will receive:

• $1,000 to donate to the 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization of their choice
• $500 Visa gift card

The second place winner will receive:

• $500 to donate to the 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization of their choice
• $250 Visa gift card

The third place winner will receive:

• $250 to donate to the 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization of their choice
• $100 Visa gift card

All 10 Finalists will receive:

• A $25 Visa gift card
• A People Saving Pets-branded product
• Their magnificent rescue story featured on the People Saving Pets website

"With more than 8 million adoptable pets in shelters each year in the U.S., you not only save a life when you adopt or rescue a pet, you also enrich your own," said Susana Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. "This contest is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joys of adopting homeless pets while also giving back to the animal welfare community."

Pet Adoption Saves Lives

Half of the 8 million adoptable pets in shelters – about 11,000 a day – are euthanized simply because they don't have homes. Adopting a pet is one of the best ways to put an end to pet homelessness. Looking to add an adorable four-legged member to your family? The adoptable pet locator on People Saving Pets makes it easy to find available pets in your area, including purebred pets, from shelters and rescue agencies.

About People Saving Pets

People Saving Pets engages pet lovers with information and online tools – including a volunteer match, adoptable pet locator and spay/neuter service locator – to get involved in their community and be part of the solution to end pet homelessness. Join the movement at www.PeopleSavingPets.org and see that anyone can make a difference through simple yet powerful actions, including spreading the word; volunteering at local shelters; adopting a homeless pet; spaying/neutering a pet; and donating to local animal welfare agencies.

About PetSmart Charities®

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided $110 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and, through its in-store adoption program, helped save the lives of more than 4 million pets.  To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its Vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.

SOURCE PetSmart Charities