Humane Society for Shelter Pets Launches "Shelter Sweetheart" Photo Contest

Pet Owners Can Compete for "Cutest Pet" Bragging Rights and a Chance to Win $5,000 for the Local Shelter of Their Choice

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Humane Society for Shelter Pets (HSSP) is announcing a new photo contest that gives pet lovers everywhere an opportunity to show off their "shelter sweethearts" while competing to win big money for their favorite local shelter or rescue. Owners of rescue dogs or cats, or shelters with adoptable pets in need of "forever homes" are urged to submit a photo of their favorite four-legged friend to HSSP's Shelter Sweetheart Photo Contest from September 5, 2012 to October 31, 2012. The owner of the pet whose photograph earns the top score will get to designate a gift of $5,000 in his or her name to a local shelter or rescue group, and five first-prize winners will get to designate a gift of $1,000 to do the same. (HSSP is not connected to the Humane Society of the United States.)

While the Shelter Sweetheart Photo Contest is a great way for all shelter pet owners to have a little fun bragging about the cuteness factor of their favorite mutt or kitty, it's also an opportunity to highlight the amazing achievements of America's pet shelters and rescues while raising awareness about the need for local support to help them continue to fulfill their important missions.

"Across the country, local shelters and rescues work tirelessly to help homeless animals find homes. And while 14 million Americans have already welcomed a shelter pet into their homes, an additional 3 million pets a year are still waiting to find their forever families," said HSSP Director Diana Culp. "Unfortunately, many of the organizations that do the important work of rescuing and re-homing these healthy, adoptable dogs and cats are in chronic need of additional funding."

Now, through HSSP's Shelter Sweetheart Photo Contest, everyone can do their part to help local shelters boost their bottom line. Pet lovers over the age of 18 with a shelter pet, adopted or adoptable, can submit a photo via the web at http://www.humaneforpets.com/photo-contest/, and anyone with a Facebook account can log in and rate their favorite pet images posted in the HSSP Photo Contest gallery.

"The Shelter Sweetheart Photo Contest is a fun way for Americans to get involved with their local shelters and rescues," continued Culp. "HSSP is proud to provide assistance to these local hands-on pet groups that perform the hard work of caring for America's abandoned cats and dogs, quite often on a shoestring budget."

For a complete listing of contest prizes and rules, participants are advised to visit HSSP's website, at http://www.humaneforpets.com/photo-contest/.

The Humane Society for Shelter Pets is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States and is not designed to raise funds for shelters from the public. Instead, the group's primary mission is to educate the public about the importance of local giving. For more information visit, www.humaneforpets.com.

SOURCE Humane Society for Shelter Pets