KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Today, PetSafe launched its third annual “Bark for Your Park” contest through which cities across the U.S. can win funding to build local dog parks.

This year, the contest offers more prize money and more opportunity to win, and by end of summer, five U.S. cities will share in $200,000 of funding for off-leash dog parks. This video explains how the “Bark for Your Park” contest works.

“Dog parks offer a place for exercise and socialization, and that helps address the second most common reason dogs are surrendered to local shelters: behavior,” said Randy Boyd, CEO and president of Radio Systems Corporation, makers of the PetSafe brand. “Keeping dogs out of shelters is something we should all be exited to ‘bark’ about – pet owners and pet professionals, community members and city officials alike.”

To nominate your city, go to www.petsafe.net. To be eligible to become a finalist, each city must provide documentation of land availability and civic leader support for the proposed dog park. Supporters can vote for their favorite city every day from May 1-31. Based on the information provided by each city, PetSafe will evaluate the availability of land, civic leader support, population size, and the total number of votes to select the 15 finalist cities.

On June 5, PetSafe will announce the finalist communities that will continue “barking” for their park by voting daily on www.petsafe.net and PetSafe’s Facebook page. The finalist city with the most votes will be named the “top dog” and win a $100,000 PetSafe dog park, and four additional pet-passionate finalist cities will receive $25,000 to put toward their local dog park plans. Bark for Your Park contest winners will be announced on July 31.

The 2013 contest also features images of three dogs who won the right to serve as “Hero Dogs” – the adorable, furry faces of “Bark for Your Park” who represent canines across the U.S. who want dog parks where they can run, play and meet new friends. Check out their stories on PetSafe’s blog, The Paw Print.

About PetSafe®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe leads the industry in the development of innovative pet behavior, containment, lifestyle product solutions, and services. Visit: www.petsafe.net.