SpokAnimal Rachael Ray Challenge Kickoff

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is kicking off participation in the national ASPCA Rachael Ray 100K Challenge by offering more than 100 healthy, loving kittens, puppies, cats and dogs for adoption at locations around Spokane, including: The Country Store, 5605 E. Sprague (10 am-3 pm); the South Hill Petco and the Northpointe PetSmart. The SpokAnimal shelter is also open from 12-4 pm with at least 30 adoptable pets. Selected through a grant application process in February, SpokAnimal is competing with 49 shelters nationwide for the grand prize of $100,000. The winning shelter needs to increase, by the largest percentage, their adoption rates in June, July, and August of 2014, over those of 2013. That means SpokAnimal must find homes for approximately 1,200 companions this summer to be considered for the prize. Shelter staff and volunteers will take photos of each adopted pet, post them to Facebook with the hashtag #100KSaved to receive a point toward the grand prize. SpokAnimal is also competing for the $25,000 Community Engagement grant, in addition to the grand prize. The shelter that engages their community in the most creative and successful ways throughout the challenge and showcases the engagement with the #100KChallenge hashtag on their social media sites will be awarded the funds. A $5,000 prize for best pet photo is also up for grabs.