Pablo the cat performs for a treat.

Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild, in an effort to raise funds to provide medical care for low-income families’ pets, are hosting a Pets of the Year Contest. Funds raised also will help fund medical testing and treatment for senior pets coming into ARF’s care.

There is no entry fee. Proud four-paw, four-footed or two-claw parents simply enter a photo of their companion and campaign for votes for their entry. Designated friends receive an invite via email, Facebook or Twitter to donate $1 per vote on their entry. The campaign is designed to raise the profile of the sponsoring organization, expand its constituent list and build a fund for charitable use.

Entering is open as of this writing but ends online at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. Voting starts at 12 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

There are three categories of entry: dog, cat and other. A first place in each of the three categories wins: a case of Baily Wine, donated by Baily Winery in Temecula with each bottle’s label featuring a photo of the winning pet; a specialty cocktail named for each winning pet on the Uptown Bar at Café Aroma’s menu; and a set of etched wine glasses donated by Idyllwild Decal and Design featuring contest title and the winning pet’s name.

  Winning pets and their guardians will be invited to ride on the ARF Fourth of July parade float or receive a photo of their pet; all winning pet photos will be displayed at the ARF house throughout 2017; and the winning pets’ names will be featured in the kids’ zone at ARF’s June 3, 2017, Paws for Rhythm and Brews beer festival.

A second-place dog winner will receive a “paw print” art session, and finished and framed art donated by Images Gallery, and personalized jewelry donated by Pawsomeness. A second-place cat winner will receive a pastel portrait donated by local artist Lois Shepherd. Second prize for other will receive a pet rock portrait donated by local artist Terri French of Let It Shine and personalized jewelry donated by Pawsomeness.

Third-place winners in each category will receive gift baskets with pet and human gifts donated by local merchants. including Mountain Paws Pet Boutique, Mountain Feed and Hay, Pretty Bird Pottery, Mirian Hasani, Mountain Pawlytechnic Canine Education and Sue Parker’s doTERRA Essential Oils.

Contest rules are available on www.gogophotocontest.com/arfpetsoftheyear.