Paws & Claws are searching for region’s cutest pet and have launched a Pet Photo Competition as part of their upcoming event, Paws on the Run and Bark in the Park on Saturday April 20.

The Pet Photo competition is free to enter and aims to raise awareness of the Paws and Claws cause, through social media. It is open to all fans of the Paws and Claws Facebook page and is looking for the cutest kitten and puppy, cutest adult dog and cat.

“Every pet owner thinks their pet is the most adorable thing alive, so we are encouraging owners to show them off,” event organiser Liz Need said.  

To enter, become a fan of the Paws & Claws Facebook page (if you're not already) and post a picture of your pet, including their name and category, to the page’s wall.

Entries close this Saturday April 13. Finalists will be chosen and fans will be asked to vote for the overall winners via a voting app on Facebook.

Winners will be announced at Bark in the Park, Saturday April 20. Categories include: Cutest Puppy (under 1 year); Cutest Kitten (under 1 year); Cutest Adult Dog; Cutest Adult Cat; People’s Choice;  and Judge’s Choice. There are some great prizes on offer from Origin, On the Inlet, Port Sushi, Mocka’s Pies, Petstock and Designer Portraiture Port Douglas.

Finalists will need to enlist the support of their friends and family on Facebook to vote for their pet as winners will be chosen on the most votes collected.

"This is a great way to spread awareness of the Paws and Claws Facebook page and their values, while growing their fan base,” Liz said.

Bark in the Park is a free family and pet-friendly fun day held at Market Park on Saturday April 20 from 8.30am. The event will feature a range of fur-friendly market stalls and activities, including a pet talent competition, doggy bag giveaways, random prizes, microchipping, sausage sizzle, coffee van and much more.

The Paws and Claws crew have been a busy bunch of late, having also held their trivia night at the Central Hotel on Wednesday night.

Ably hosted by K-Star Trivia, the night attracted nearly 100 people in 17 teams and raised over $1,300, $500 of which was donated by the Central.  

"It was a terrific night and wonderfully supported by the local community and visitors," Paws & Claws' Lucy Stanton said.

Trivia Winners:
1st - Paws and Hounds
2nd - Happy Herbies
3rd - Friends of Sandy Cat
Last place - The Cedars