Submit your dog license poster for annual contest – Sentinel and Enterprise

FITCHBURG — Leominster Fitchburg Animal Control and the Fitchburg City Clerk are seeking submissions to their annual Dog License Poster Contest.

Artists who live or are educated in Fitchburg, from grades 1 through 6, are invited to create an original artwork to help members of the city keep their dogs safe.

Prizes include trophies from the Fitchburg Police Department, and goody bags contributed by sponsors: Friends of Fitchburg DOGs, and Be PAWSitive Therapy Pets and Community Education. One drawing will be selected for artwork for the winning poster, and numerous Honorable Mentions will be given.

“This poster is an important component of helping keep dogs safe,” said Leominster Fitchburg Animal Control Officer Todd Pickett. “Every dog in Massachusetts is required to have a rabies shot, so you can then obtain a low-cost Fitchburg dog license.”

Dog licenses are available at the Fitchburg City Clerk office, cityclerk@fitchburgma.gov, or by calling 978-829-1820. Cost is $9 for a spayed/neutered canine; $15 for non-spayed/neutered canine.

“We recommend that every young artist draw their version of what ‘Love Your Dog, License Your Dog’ means,” said Joanna Bilotta, Fitchburg City Clerk. “However, please do not include the words ‘love your dog, license your dog,’ as we will include that information on the finished posters.”

Work must be original, no stencils and use bright colors; 8 ½ x 11 inch paper oriented vertically. Include artist’s name, grade, school, and caretaker contact information (phone and email).

One entry per child can be submitted to your school principal or to the City Clerk Office, Fitchburg City Hall, 710 Main St., by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. No late entries allowed.

The winners will be announced in February (first prize and honorable mentions). Prizes will be presented at the School Committee meeting at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 4 and at the Fitchburg City Council meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5.