Pet lovers across America will nominate deserving shelters by becoming active members on Zootoo.com, a user-generated website where people share their opinions and experiences about all-things related to pets.

Zootoo House was started by Richard Thompson, the former CEO and Top Cat of The Meow Mix Company. While at Meow Mix, Thompson donated hundreds of thousands of pounds of cat food to animal shelters across the country. He visited many of them and was often appalled by what he saw: overcrowded cages, too little nutritious food, and not enough room to run and play. Thompson met hundreds of dedicated pet lovers who work at shelters, or generously volunteer their time, and heard a common refrain: there are too many pets in need of homes and not enough money to care for them properly while they await adoption.

Shelters will be able to win the makeover by encouraging their supporters to become active members on Zootoo, the only opinion-sharing web site that allows all pet lovers to help each other by sharing their knowledge. When first-time visitors go to Zootoo.com, they will be given the option of selecting a shelter to support. Then, every time they visit Zootoo.com-whether it's to review a product or service, share an opinion, post a photo, or refer a friend-they will automatically earn points for their designated shelter.

The 20 shelters that accumulate the most points between October 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, will be eligible to win the makeover or runners-up cash prizes. The Zootoo House Advisory Board, which consists of Thompson, Bill Meade from Shelter Planners of America, Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, as well as other experts in the pet industry, will personally conduct site visits of all 20 shelters to evaluate their needs and how Zootoo House can best facilitate enhancements. The shelter deemed most deserving will win a makeover valued up to one million dollars. A second shelter will win a $10,000 cash prize, and the 18 other top shelters will each receive $5,000.

For more information, click here Zootoo.com.