Petsense by Tractor Supply Launches Initiative to Honor America’s Unsung Animal Advocates

In honor of America’s 250^th anniversary, Petsense, a pet specialty retailer and wholly-owned subsidiary of Tractor Supply Company, recently announced the launch of its “Petsense Celebrates Pet Heroes” Sweepstakes.

“Petsense Celebrates Pet Heroes” is an initiative to recognize the individuals and organizations who dedicate their lives to serving, healing, and caring for pets and pet parents in communities across the country. Nominations are now open through June 20.

Petsense by Tractor Supply operates in small and mid-size communities across America, places where a single vet, rescue or caretaker can make a real difference in the lives of pets. The “Petsense Celebrates Pet Heroes Sweepstakes” aims to celebrate pet heroes of all kinds, including the veterinarian serving a small town, the rescue organization running on a shoestring budget, the dog walker who has become a lifeline for elderly neighbors or the groomer who volunteers every weekend at the local shelter.

“There are extraordinary people dedicating their time and energy to improving the lives of pets across the communities we serve,” said Neil Tenzer, Senior Vice President of Petsense by Tractor Supply. “No effort is too small when it comes to improving the lives of pets out here. This initiative is our way of shining a light on these unsung pet heroes who are truly worth celebrating.”

During the “Petsense Celebrates Pet Heroes” Sweepstakes, Petsense will award prizes valued at $130,000 to community members and organizations serving pets in a variety of ways, through efforts big and small. To recognize individuals, groups and organizations, as well as the entrants who take the time to nominate their heroes, Petsense has established multiple opportunities to win prizes.

At the conclusion of the nomination period on June 20, Petsense will award a $250 gift card to 250 “Local Pet Heroes” and a cash prize of $5,000 will be awarded to one “Pet Hero Grand Prize Winner,” a verified non-profit organization nominated by sweepstakes entrants. Additionally, 250 sweepstakes entrants will receive a $250 Petsense gift card.

250 Local Pet Heroes

To support the work of individuals and groups who serve pets and pet parents in their immediate communities, entrants are encouraged to nominate them as a “Local Pet Hero.” They are defined as (but not limited to) community veterinarians, dog walkers, trainers, rehabilitators, pet sitters, groomers and more.

• Nominees must be an individual or group with an express and verifiable mission to make a positive impact in the lives of pets and pet parents.
• Nominees must reside and operate within 25 miles of a Petsense store.
• 250 Local Pet Heroes will be selected to receive a $250 Petsense gift card, redeemable in store only.
• Plus, 250 Sweepstakes winners will receive a $250 Petsense gift card, redeemable in store only.

One Pet Hero Grand Prize Winner

To support the work of verified, non-profit organizations with an express mission of serving pets and pet parents, Petsense will award a “Pet Hero Grand Prize” of $5,000. They are defined as a standout non-profit making an extraordinary impact in the lives of pets and pet parents and include charities, shelters, rescues, medical clinics and more.

• Nominees must be a registered 501c3 organization with an express and verifiable mission to make a positive impact in the lives of pets and pet parents.
• One winner will be selected to receive a $5,000 charitable donation to continue their mission of serving pets.

Key Dates

• Nominations open: Monday, June 1, 2026
• Nominations close: Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Pet lovers can nominate pet heroes at Petsense.com/A250 and full rules can be found here.