ASPCA Seeks Nominations for Dog, Cat of the Year

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) invites the public to nominate extraordinary animals and people for its annual Humane Awards and is seeking four-legged companions as well as exceptional people for consideration. Animals that have performed a heroic act and people who have demonstrated remarkable efforts to improve the lives of animals in the United States during the past year are eligible.

The ASPCA will begin accepting nominations via its website today at www.aspcahumaneawards.org.

"The ASPCA Humane Awards celebrates the human-animal bond and recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to making our world a kinder place for animals," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "This event allows us to thank individuals who have contributed to animal welfare by taking action to protect animals who cannot fight for themselves."

Last year's winners include a former shelter dog who saved earthquake victims in Haiti; a three-legged cat who inspired a series of books to help kids overcome their differences; an 11-year-old girl who helped birds affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill; firefighters who rescued animals from a pet store fire; an individual who founded a non-profit dedicated to rescuing unwanted and abused horses; another who trains rescued shelter dogs to become certified assistance dogs; and two airline pilots who voluntarily transport homeless pets to adoptive homes.

Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon--sponsored by The Hartville Group, one of America's leading pet health insurers--on Thursday, November 17, 2011, at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, where the awards will be presented.

Categories open for nomination include:

• ASPCA Dog of the Year: for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
• ASPCA Cat of the Year: for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
• ASPCA "Tommy P. Monahan" Kid of the Year: for a child under 14 who has improved the lives of animals; and
• ASPCA Public Service Award: for a member of the municipal police force, a firefighter, or other public service officer who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.

All submissions must include the following: the nominee's name; street address; email address; telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (400 words or less) of why this person or animal deserves the award.

The deadline for entries is Friday, June 17, at 12 p.m. (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA and announced to the public in mid-October. For more information, please visit www.aspcahumaneawards.org.

About Hartville Group, Inc.
The Hartville Group is one of America's leading pet health insurers. Since its founding in 1997, the Hartville Group has been dedicated to helping pet owners pay for their pets' veterinary care with well-designed pet health insurance plans. The insurance plans range from simple accident coverage to more advanced protection including illness and wellness care. The Hartville Group is ASPCA's strategic partner for pet health insurance. For more information on the Hartville Group and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, please visit www.aspcapetinsurance.com.