#USA #Bellevue #Pet Partners #therapy animals #Pet of the Year

Searching for the Extraordinary: Become 2025's 'Pet of the Year'

Are you ready to spotlight your furry friend? Pet Partners, the leading nonprofit focused on improving lives through the power of therapy animals, is thrilled to unveil its national search for the 2025 'Pet of the Year.' This annual event, now in its fourth year, invites pet owners across the nation to nominate their beloved companions for a unique opportunity to shine while helping others.

What’s Happening?

Between March 3 and April 14, pets will compete in a fun and meaningful fundraising event. This isn't merely a contest; this is your chance to make a significant impact in the community by bringing attention to the invaluable role that therapy animals play. The aspect that sets this competition apart is that it not only celebrates pets but also directly supports therapy animal visits to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and airports. Even at times of crisis, like during the recent wildfires in California, the presence of therapy animals has provided comfort to those in distress.

How to Participate

• - Nominate Your Pet: Any pet, whether a dog, cat, or even a miniature horse, is welcome! Don’t worry about having a registered therapy animal; all nominations count! You can nominate your pet or someone else's, or even honor the memory of a cherished pet that has passed.
• - Raise Funds: Once nominated, it's time to rally support from your friends, family, and community. The pet that raises the most funds during this period will be crowned 'Pet of the Year.' Cute photos will certainly help, but the ultimate goal is to attract donations that benefit those in need.
• - Celebrate the Winner: The grand winner will be announced during a virtual event on April 15. Beyond bragging rights, they will receive incredible prizes, including a professional photo shoot, media spotlight opportunities, and an array of pet products worth thousands.

Making a Difference

C. Annie Peters, President and CEO of Pet Partners, emphasizes the spirit behind this event: "This competition isn't just about winning; it's about making a difference. Every dollar raised helps us provide more therapy animal visits to those who need it most - from college students during exams to travelers facing anxiety in busy airports. This event offers a chance to celebrate your pet while supporting a cause that impacts countless lives each year."

Numerous therapy animal teams are gearing up for this competition to ensure that vital program funding continues. This includes crisis response teams helping communities recover from natural disasters - a testament to the profound effect these animals have.

Join the Celebration

The 'Pet of the Year' event is a tribute to the powerful bond shared between humans and pets. By participating, not only do you spot the extraordinary in your pet, but you also play a part in funding the education and registration of therapy animal teams across the country. Elevating the importance of therapy animal visits is at the heart of what Pet Partners stands for.

For more details, please visit petpartners.org/petoftheyear. Let's make 2025 a landmark year for therapy animals and the individuals they comfort nationwide. Every contribution helps pave the way for a world enriched by the human-animal bond, one paw, hoof, or tail at a time.

About Pet Partners

Founded in 1977, Pet Partners is a pioneering organization in the therapy animal sector, dedicated to registering volunteer teams. They have been instrumental in fostering the impactful interactions between therapy animals and humans, leading to millions of meaningful visits worldwide. To discover more about Pet Partners and how to participate in this remarkable journey, visit petpartners.org.