The first-ever Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles on June 23, raising more than $337,000 for animal shelters and rescues across the country.
Two Nevada organizations were among the recipients: the Reno-based Nevada Humane Society and Pawsibilities, based in Washoe Valley.
Best Friends Animal Society distributed the funds to 116 shelters and rescues nationwide whose animals received the most votes during the competition.
The total was more than triple the $100,000 originally planned.
The event was hosted by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and drew more than 10 million votes from pet lovers across all 50 states.
Each paid vote cast during the competition directly supported Best Friends Animal Society, whose goal is to save the lives of dogs and cats in shelters, reports Best Friends Animal Society.
Las Vegas dog Marley, the bobtail behind the Instagram account @bumblybobtail, competed for Nevada’s “Best in State” title heading into the June 23 ceremony.
Marley reached the state finals after competing against more than 600 dogs statewide across two rounds of public voting, as Dog Friendly Las Vegas reported earlier this month.
The awards show’s top grant of $30,000 went to Husky Halfway House Foundation in Eufaula, Oklahoma. The remaining 115 organizations received grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
A national “Best Pet in the Nation” award, presented by USA TODAY Pets and carrying a $10,000 prize package, will be announced in August.
The awards show raised over $700,000 in total for animal welfare during its inaugural run.
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