How to Write a Pet of the Year Nomination

While many pets are beloved family members, there are some who demonstrate extraordinary abilities beyond the usual companionship, love and affection that they offer their owners. When your pet has displayed special qualities that make it stand out among the masses, why not nominate it for a pet-of-the-year award? A simple entry consisting of a particular number of words and a photograph are typically enough to convey your thoughts to a selection committee that chooses the pet of the year.

Things You'll Need

  • Award application form
  • Recent photo of your pet (if required)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Read the requirements on the pet-of-the-year application form. Many contests limit entries to a specific number of words, paragraphs or pages. Take note of any deadlines, and ensure that you have the mailing address required to submit your entry.

    • 2

      Decide what makes your pet special. Is it the qualities your pet displays daily that make it special, or does a specific instance when your pet performed an extraordinary act stand out in your mind? Jot down some quick notes to help you generate ideas for your entry.

    • 3

      Tell how your pet came to be a member of your household. For example, "My husband always wanted a dog, but we'd never taken the time to find one. When we were unable to locate Lucy's owner or find out where she came from, we knew that she was meant to have a home with us."

    • 4

      List the qualities your pet possesses and elaborate on each one. While most people say that their pets are loyal, intelligent and companionable, you need to provide specific instances. Instead of saying, "My dog is a good companion," try writing something specific such as: "Mollie is at my side wherever I go. She accompanies me to the mailbox, the laundry room and to the corner store to buy my newspaper each morning."

    • 5

      Explain how your pet acted in a heroic way. For example, "When our house caught fire, Samson alerted the entire family by barking frantically and tugging at our bed covers long before the smoke alarms activated. Thanks to his intervention, we were able to get out of the house unharmed."

    • 6

      Express how your pet's companionship contributes to the quality of your daily life. For example, "Since my husband passed away last summer, Leo has been my constant companion," or "When I received a cancer diagnosis two years ago, it was Biscuit's love and affection that gave me the will to continue on with a difficult treatment regimen."

    • 7

      Sum up your entry by recapping what you've said in in the preceding paragraphs. Tie it all together in a seamless manner. Say something like, "While it wasn't necessary for Bobo to earn our love in a special way --- he already had it --- we appreciate him all the more because of his extraordinary ability to protect the family from harm."

    • 8

      Read over your entry and correct any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Ensure that you've met all of the requirements of the contest. Enclose a recent photograph of your pet, if required.