The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Housing Wins Money and Hearts

As you read the stories of homeless animals at any shelter, one story that repeats is "owner moved to place where pets are not allowed". That seems like a piss-poor excuse to abandon a family member—and definitely an excuse, not a reason.

For those seeking new digs that will gladly accommodate their pets, MyApartmentMap, a search engine with a heart,  not only has a nationwide database of pet-friendly apartments, but actively encourages patronage of pet rescue organizations.

Now they are going completely over the top with their Ultimate Pet Friendly Pad contest, which runs through August 31, 2011. If your home is a Palace for Pets, a Manor for Mutts, a Castle for Cats, a Nirvana for.... well, you get the idea—if beasts rule your kingdom in the best possible way, and the decor shows it, this contest is for you. The winner gets $1000 in cash, plus $250 is donated to your favorite no-kill shelter or rescue organization. 

Some rules apply, but essentially you fill out this simple online entry, upload up to four pictures, and you're in! Judging is done by online voting; so the more friends you can get to vote for you (one vote per day), the better your chances.

I love this concept:  find a home, keep your pets, win some money for yourself and a shelter. MyApartmentMap definitely has my vote.