UTICA — The William Mattar law offices has kicked off its annual Rescue a Shelter Animal campaign, which seeks to raise awareness and support for area shelters and the animals they serve.

The campaign takes place throughout November, highlighting the importance of rescuing an animal from a local animal shelter or rescue organization or supporting them through donations and volunteering.

The campaign also features a pet photo contest, in which the community may submit photos of their pets for a chance to win a donation to a rescue or shelter of their choosing.

“Rescue shelters reached record adoption rates during the height of the pandemic. Sadly, many adoptions were not the right fit, and rescue shelters are filling up again. Pets give so much unconditional love. If you can, we encourage you to rescue a shelter animal. You can also help by donating to or volunteering with a shelter or rescue near you,” said Mattar.

William Mattar encourages the public to participate in the firm’s pet photo contest. To enter, visit https://www.williammattar.com/community-involvement/programs-and-campaigns/rescue-shelter-animals/ and submit your pet(s) photo and name(s) by Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The public will then have an opportunity to vote on their favorite pet photo from Wednesday, Nov. 16, to Wednesday, Nov. 30. The entrant whose photo receives the most votes will select a local animal shelter or rescue organization to receive a monetary donation from William Mattar, P.C.