'Pet Star Photo Contest' Underway In Greater Palm Springs Area

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Coachella Valley pet owners were encouraged Saturday to enter their furry, feathered, scaled or aquatic companions in a photo contest aimed at raising money for animal care organizations throughout the region.

The "Pet Star Photo Contest" will continue through Sept. 30, with proceeds benefiting Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, which operates the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Desert Wildlife Center in Indio and Desert Community Animal Center in Desert Hot Springs.

Pet owners can enter the contest by paying a $25 fee and submitting a photo of their animal. Dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, farm animals and aquatic pets are eligible, according to organizers.

Community members can vote for their favorite entries online, with each vote costing $1 and a minimum purchase of $5.

Proceeds from the contest will help provide care for homeless pets and injured wildlife and support services for pet owners throughout the Coachella Valley, organizers said.

Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies has set a fundraising goal of $20,000 for the contest.

Additional information about the contest, including rules and eligibility requirements, is available at gogophotocontest.com/gpsanimalallies.