Care2 and Adopt-A-Pet.com launches national contest to support animal shelters and rescue groups efforts
 

Over the past year, animal shelters and rescue groups across the U.S. have seen an increase in homeless animals due to home foreclosures, job losses, the closing of puppy mills and natural disasters (e.g. floods, wildfires).

The current financial system crisis will only worsen this difficult situation. As a result, these groups will be further strained for resources and funds to keep providing quality care to the dogs and cats they rescue and protect.

Care2.com and Adopt-A-Pet.com are sponsoring “America’s Favorite Animal Shelter” contest to support and promote these animal shelters and rescue groups’ efforts and help increase pet adoptions.
Care2, an online community of people passionate about making a difference that also provides news and tips about living healthier and greener,, will award the grand prize of $10,000 to the animal welfare group that receives the most votes via the contest website: http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/  The contest started on Sept. 22 and runs through Nov. 1.

In addition to the grand prize, Care2 is awarding $3,000, $1,000 and two prizes of $500 to the four runner-ups respectively. Winners will be announced the second week of November.  Adopt-a-Pet.com is also giving prizes of $1,000 at random (not based on votes) each week during the contest period.
“In the U.S., cats and dogs have been hurt by people’s unforeseen circumstances,” Randy Paynter, president and founder of Care2, said. “It’s the reason we decided to host the contest. While we understand that this is not the solution to this increasing problem, it is a start.  Our goal is to help homeless animals and show how everyone can make a difference – whether through voting for their local shelter or spreading the word."

People can also invite their friends to vote for their favorite shelter. Visitors can track who has recruited the most friends to vote for their favorite shelters. The top 20 people who recruit the most friends to vote will each receive a $50 gift certificate sponsored by Adopt-a-Pet.com.

David Meyer, president of Adopt-A-Pet.com, commented: “We have 6,000 animal shelters across the country seeking to find homes for pets in their care, and the number of homeless pets on our site is increasing each month. Our goal is to raise awareness about animal shelters and finding good homes for these animals.”