Do you think you have an especially photogenic pet? The Michigan Humane Society is inviting you to prove it. What does it get you? Bragging rights and helping a good cause, for starters.

The Michigan Humane Society is holding its second MHS Pet Photo Contest, where your pet has a shot at becoming “Pet of the Year.” The contest, sponsored by US-Mattress.com, runs through Feb. 28.

“This is a great way for proud pet owners to show off their best photos and help change the lives of animals in need,” said Mike Robbins, vice president of marketing and communications for MHS. “Last year, this contest helped raise enough funds to transform the lives of nearly 150 animals.”

It costs the MHS approximately $156 to help an animal in need.

“It's tremendous fun and another great reason to reach out to family and friends, and best of all, every vote will make a direct difference in the lives of homeless animals,” Robbins added.

Charlie, a 7-year-old golden retriever, was the winner of last year's contest. Charlie belongs to the Sucaet family in Bloomfield Hills, and his photo enchanted enough voters to take home the top honor and raise more than $1,850 to help MHS animals.

The contest is easy and fun to join. People who enter their critters can use the MHS online tools–they promise, they're easy to use–to create their own web page, replete with photo and story about why they deserve to be “Pet of the Year.”

Because it's a contest, there are rules and guidelines:

• Each contest entry costs $20.
• Every dollar donated represents one vote. A minimum of $10 is required for each online donation.
• All donations must be received by noon on Feb. 28. MHS staffers will tally the votes, and the pet with the most dollars/votes will win. The winner will be announced March 4 atwww.michiganhumane.org
• The “Pet of the Year” will be featured on the MHS website, and will be featured in the MHS 2012 Pet Calendar. The first runner-up wins an MHS Prize Pack, and the second runner-up receives an MHS T-shirt.
• And any pet whose “campaign” raises $360 or more will have his or her photo featured in the MHS' online 2011 Honor Roll.

To get started or to view full contest details, visit www.michiganhumane.org/photocontest