Happy Tails: Share Your Pet Story and Win a $500 Gift Card

UPDATE: The submission period for the Happy Tails contest has ended. Click here to vote for the best pet story by April 4!

Every pet has a story. What's the story behind your furry family member?

Did you adopt your sweet pet from a local shelter? Did you rescue a dog, or use a local breeder? How did that fur ball get to be the lucky one who joined your family and every once in a while sleeps in the bed? We want to know your pet's gotcha story!

It's time to share a photo of them and their story in our Happy Tails contest, sponsored by Horch Roofing, and you could win a VISA $500 gift card.

How to Enter the Happy Tails Contest for a Chance to Win a $500 Gift Card

Is your phone loaded with more pet pics than kid pics? Shhhh. We won't rat you out. Don't forget to tell us your pet's name, too!

Sometimes the stories behind the names are just as good as the story of how the pet became a member of the family! (For funsies tell us your pet's name and what you actually call them... you know you have a nickname!)

In the form below, submit a photo of your pet (one you've taken, no professional pics, please) and your pet's story in about 100 words or less. Tell us about getting them for the first time, maybe a funny story about them, or what your pet means to you, etc.

Also be sure to tell us your name, phone, and email so we can contact you if you've won!

After the submission period has ended, starting Friday, March 28, 2025, you will be able to vote and choose your favorite "Happy Tail." Get it?

The winning pet owner will score a $500 VISA gift card, so you can get all those items and treats your pet will love.

Enter the contest below. Winning submission will be checked using AI-generation identification. Contest ends April 4, 2025.

SUBMISSION PERIOD HAS ENDED.

There's something about a pet that fills the soul. My sister-in-law has a bird named Chica which is the sweetest bird.

So don't think if you don't have a dog or cat, it doesn't count. It counts!

I had a friend who had a chinchilla! He was the softest little guy on the planet (not for everyone by the way so don't go rushing out to get one!)

You didn't get your furry family member so that you could win money - but it would be a nice bonus! Plus, I know that while you're snuggling, you tell your cutie that he/she is the cutest (fill in the blank here) in the ENTIRE world!

Now they can prove it to you by being crowned the winner of the Happy Tails contest!

Lori Voornas

No matter how they joined your family, we want to hear. From service dogs to that smiling pig! No animal is too small or too big. So pick the picture that you always pull out to brag about your special family member.

It's time to share their "Happy Tails."

For complete rules and restrictions, click here.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany