The competition has three phases:
Phase I - earn points. The shelter gets points by affiliates writing journal entries, posting pictures, doing product reviews, etc. At the end of this phase (mid-March) the top 20 shelters will move on to Phase II
Phase II -- the top 20 shelters are visited by zootoo.com and from those 10 are chosen.
Phase III -- the 10 finalist are put up online for online voting and the winner gets a $1,000,000 makeover. All finalist get $10,000; 2nd place gets $50,000; and 3rd place gets 25,000. "So we want to win but will be happy to be in the top 10!" says Ask-the-Vet Dr. Rachel Peeples.

"Currently we are #13 and creeping up slowly hoping to cement a firm position in the top 20 of phase I. I personally vouch for this shelter and the extremely amazing job that is done there. It is a no-kill shelter (euthanasia is ONLY for medical reasons). All animals are microchipped, altered, current on vax, and started on basic obedience before leaving. I have been to many shelters in many states and I can say hands down this one is doing right by the animals."

"Our facilities are shared with animal control which is a disease control nightmare and the buildings are extremely old and outdated. We definitely need the physical premises to match the level of care given in all other areas. So if you are willing to help we'd be forever in your debt. Even if we don't win there is a lot of good we can do with $10,000!"