[Volunteer Claudia]

In celebration of the shelter’s 40th anniversary in 2022, YOUR Humane Society SPCA is bringing back their popular online pet photo contest after a 10-year hiatus. If YOUR pet is the most wonderful, adorable, loving, coolest, sweetest, cutest, best pet there ever was, then it’s time for everyone to know it!

"Sumter’s Sweetheart" officially launched on Monday, January 10th and will run through Thursday, February 10th until 10pm. The online pet photo contest will award the top three vote-getters prizes valued at more than $1000. The winners will be announced on Friday, February 11th and the prizes will be awarded on Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14th or when the winners will be available.

Enter YOUR pet’s photo (online only) at the official Sumter’s Sweetheart contest link, YOUR Humane Society SPCA | Sumter’s Sweetheart Pet Photo Contest. Once you’ve entered, you will be given a specific link assigned to your pet which you can share with everyone you know by Facebook or email and they can VOTE, VOTE, VOTE for your pet to win and become Sumter’s Sweetheart 2022. Spread the word to all your friends and family to send in their online votes. Entries are only $15/photo and votes are only $1 each with a $5 minimum.

Shelter Director, Morgan Gish, commented “I learned how popular it was even when online events were just beginning but now that most everyone is comfortable doing much across social platforms, we look forward to many more people entering their pets of all kinds. The proceeds will help our shelter continue with our lifesaving work for animals across our community thanks to those participating in this fun contest.” She added that “we can’t wait to see who will be entering and winning! But they’re already winners in our eyes because they have families who love them. It’s what we strive for with any animal in need of a home, to be someone’s sweetheart.”

The three prize packages of $500, $350 and $200 will include customized items and a multitude of gift cards for both the pet and their person. Past entries have varied from not only dogs and cats but also goats, pigs, donkeys, birds and horses. It’s open to any type of pet who lives in Sumter County, Florida but the votes can come from everywhere in the world. The winners will also have their pet’s photo featured on the shelter’s Facebook and Instagram pages for all to admire!

The online-only contest will be updated on YOUR Humane Society SPCA’s Facebook page regularly, but time is of the essence to get YOUR pet entered and promoted. Contest rules and information for entrants/voters and the prizes are all posted on the contest link at YOUR Humane Society SPCA | Sumter’s Sweetheart Pet Photo Contest. For any further questions, reach out to fundraisingcoordinator@hsspca.org or 352-793-9117 if needed. So go find or take a great photo of YOUR pet and enter today to become Sumter’s Sweetheart!

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YOUR Humane Society SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization helping animals in need throughout their community as Sumter County’s oldest and largest private no-kill shelter. Donations directly help to cover the cost of saving, treating and caring for neglected, abused and abandoned animals. Learn more about them at hsspca.org, 352-793-9117, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or visit them at 994 CR 529A, in Lake Panasoffkee, FL. Office open: Mon.-Fri. 8am-4:00pm, Animal Areas: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-3:00pm, Sat.: Animal Areas & Office 9:00am-3:00pm. Sun.: Closed.