The votes poured in during MedVet’s Shelter Surprise contest to award three deserving shelters cash prizes to support the important work they do to save pets. Out of more than 6,000 nominations, 10 animal shelter and rescue organizations were chosen, and more than 274,000 votes were cast to determine the winners.
“Throughout the contest, we’ve loved learning more about the wonderful shelters and rescues that are working throughout the United States to save pets and help them find their forever homes. There are so many amazing organizations, and it has been an honor to support them in our shared mission of helping pets and their loving families,” said Dr. Linda Lehmkuhl, Chief Executive Officer of MedVet. “We hope these organizations benefit not just from the additional funds but also from the raised awareness and community support as people rallied to vote for them.”
Our Winner: Shenango Valley Animal Shelter
The top prize of $2,000 went to Shenango Valley Animal Shelter located in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, a community about an hour north of Pittsburgh. The shelter is a no-kill, unlimited stay shelter that takes in all breeds of animals and helps find them forever homes. They received 28 percent of the votes in the contest from their supporters.
“When we found out that we were selected out of so many shelters to the top 10, that in and of itself was gratifying. We couldn’t believe it,” said Angelia Mammare, Manager of Shenango Valley Animal Shelter. “Once we put it out there that we were looking for votes, the community didn’t stop. The fact that the community was supporting us so much was amazing.”
Second Place: Hospets
The runner-up was Hospets which is in Columbus, Ohio. The organization received $1,250. They received more than 69,000 votes to secure second place. Hospets serves senior citizens and hospice patients with pets, with the goal of keeping the pet and the person together as long as possible, including providing respite care for pets. They provide temporary housing for pets whose owners are going through cancer treatments and otherwise unable to care for them.
Third Place: Metairie Humane
The third-place winner was Metairie Humane in New Orleans, Louisiana, and that shelter received $500. This shelter received 37,726 votes to claim the third spot in the contest. Metairie Humane is completely volunteer-run and focused on improving the lives of all dogs in the Metairie/Greater New Orleans area. They use donations to fund veterinary care and upkeep of pets awaiting adoption.
Other Finalists
Rounding out the group of finalists who also received a gift basket of supplies were:
- Animal Friends Humane Society located in Hamilton, Ohio
- Friends Furever Animal Rescue located in Jerome, Idaho
- His Hands Extended Sanctuary located in St. Paris, Ohio
- Medina County SPCA located in Seville, Ohio
- Misfit Hounds located in Hampton, Tennessee
- New Leash on Life Chicago located in Chicago, Illinois
- Undercover Angels Animal Rescue located in Saginaw, Michigan.
At MedVet, we are grateful for these shelters, and ALL the shelters and rescues who are caring for pets and helping them find forever homes. We look forward to offering the Shelter Surprise in the fall of 2022!
