Bracket-style competition will award grand prize based on votes from the local community
TUCSON, ARIZONA– The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) earned a spot in the fifth annual Tournament of Tails, a bracket-style online contest hosted by Petplan pet insurance. The organization is one of 32 competitors vying for a share of a $10,900 purse — and they need the community to vote to advance them to the finals.
Adoptable pets will represent each competing organization in daily “nose-to-nose” matchups. Fans can view each pet’s picture and story before voting to decide who advances to the next round.
Representing HSSA in the tournament will be a 10-month-old Chihuahua mix named Newt. Newt has an autoimmune disease that makes him look different than other dogs. The Veterinary Dermatologist determined Newt will never be able to have vaccines, or wear a collar or harness, because they will irritate his skin too much. Luckily Newt loves to be held, carried in a purse, and cruise in a doggie stroller. The MVP’s (Most Valuable Pet’s) first matchup is Wednesday, March 14th. With enough votes from the community, Newt can compete for the grand prize. The last matchup — on Wednesday, April 4 — will determine the champion, whose shelter will be awarded a $5,000 donation from Petplan.
No matter who comes out on top, every pet is a winner, earning their shelter a monetary prize based on where their tournament run ends:
- $100 for Terrific 32 finalists
- $200 for The Spirited 16
- $300 for The Eager 8
- $500 for The Final Fur
“If there’s one thing we know people love, it’s a bracket-style competition in March,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan. “Tournament of Tails is our nod to college basketball, but it’s also one of the highlights of our Petplanthropy program each year. We’re proud to rally public support for lifesaving organizations like HSSA, and there’s never been a better time to do it than 2018 – the Year of the Dog!”
“On average it costs us fifty dollars to fill the gas tank in our van that is used for transfers from other at risk shelters in Southern Arizona. This tournament is going to help us make more than one trip and give dozens of animals a second chance at finding a forever home,” says Diana Cannon, Chief Development Officer.
HSSA encourages pet lovers to visit the Tournament of Tails website at Petplan.com/tournament-of-tails to learn more about Newt’s story and to cast their vote.