Contest requirements and directions for entry (download form below):

Q. Who can enter?

            Dogs from Sarasota and Manatee counties are eligible if they are markedly overweight (40 percent or more above ideal body weight) with no pre-existing medical conditions that would prohibit a weight loss diet and exercise program.  Dogs that are less than 40 percent overweight may be considered if space is available.  Owners or sponsors must be willing to participate actively in the program.  In order to be considered, a certificate of health must be provided by a veterinarian.  Tell your veterinarian that you need the following: CBC, chemistry panel, thyroid panel if the dog is more than four years old, electrolytes, and a full examination and confirmation of health.  You will also need to submit a picture of your dog.

Q. What is required?

            Dogs and their owners or sponsors will be considered a team.  Contestants’ owners or sponsors will be expected to attend weekly educational meetings and weigh-ins, monitoring and testing throughout the competition as well as weekly behavior training classes donated by Jim LaClair of Dog Friendly Dog Training in Sarasota. Teams also will participate in occasional public events throughout the competition.  In addition, dogs will be exercised on an underwater treadmill three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) in Chauvet's Sarasota physical rehabilitation center. Owners/sponsors do not have to be present for the exercise sessions.

Q. Will this cost me anything?

            You will need to obtain a certificate of health from your veterinarian, which may require you to pay for an office visit.  Also, your vet will need to complete the required laboratory work in order for your dog to be considered, and you will need to pay those fees.

            During the contest, you will only be responsible for getting yourself and your dog to classes, weigh-ins, promotional events and exercise sessions.  Food for the contest is being supplied for free by Royal Canin, a manufacturer of all natural dog and cat food, and Platinum Performance is supplying nutritional supplements.  Idexx Laboratories of Clearwater is donating all tests and lab work throughout the contest.   Jim LaClair of Dog Friendly Dog Training in Sarasota is donating the behavior training classes.  Dr. Chauvet is contributing the use of her pet rehabilitation equipment, including an underwater treadmill, and the services of a pet rehabilitation therapist.

Q. How is the winner selected?

            Dogs will be eliminated monthly with three finalists competing for the top prize of $2,000 in the final month.  The winner also will receive free food for a year from Royal Canin.  The team that shows the best overall adherence to the program and makes the best progress toward the dog’s goal will win.  The runner-up will receive $500.  Weight loss will be monitored very closely, and dogs can be eliminated for losing weight too quickly as well as for not reaching their goals.  Our primary concern is for the dog’s health.  Good weight management is not just a short-term crash program, but it is the result of good nutrition and good habits over the long haul.

Q. Who are the judges and how will eliminations be determined?

            Dr. Anne Chauvet and the other program sponsors will be judges, and they will determine the teams that will be eliminated during the course of the competition.  Reasons for elimination include not meeting the requirements of the program, such as attending weigh-ins, exercise and educational sessions, weight gain or too rapid weight loss and failure to follow the weight loss program.  Those teams that make the best progress will continue in the competition.  Four teams will be eliminated after the first month; three teams will be eliminated after the second month with three finalists competing for the top prize in the third month.  Any dog that shows signs of health issues during the program will not be permitted to continue for its own best interest.

Entry form:

            Competition Entry is now Closed.