"For the last couple of years, people have been looking for happier stories. You rarely read a book about a dog who turned out to be a war criminal." writer and author of You Had Me At Woof, Julie Klam.
At Urban Animal, we hear so many stories of how pets have impacted on people's lives. We know many of you have a story to tell so that's why we've decided to encourage your stories through our first writer's competition.

Submissions for the writing contest must be received by 1 November , 2011 and entries received after this date will not be eligible.

Urban Animal will only accept entries that are electronically submitted via email:

You must include the following: First name; Surname; Address (not for publication); daytime contact number/mobile phone number

Please attach the submission in a Microsoft Word document.

Entries are limited to one (1) per person and per email address. Hard copy submissions will be ineligible to enter. Urban Animal is not responsible for late or incorrectly addressed or misdirected entries.

Submissions are invited for this short story contest which is open to everyone who is a legal resident of Australia. Entries should be pet-centric and written from the human point of view. The theme for this contest is "How I Met My Pet".

Your entry should not exceed 1,000 words and cannot contain any instances of cruelty or abuse. Entries will be judged by Urban Animal editors and staff and based on literary merit and technical proficiency. By participating in the contest, entrants must certify that their work is original and has not been previously published or won any prior award. Entries must not infringe on the rights of a third party-including copyright, trademarks or rights of privacy and publicity.

Urban Animal reserves the right to reject entries that are not in the theme of the competition and/or contain offensive, or inappropriate content. The decision of Urban Animal judges is final relating to matters of the contest.

For full details of the contest and rules please go to www.urbananimal.net/writingcomp

The cut-off date for submissions is 1 November , 2011 and entries received after this date will not be eligible.

The winner will have their entry published in Urban Animal (at a date to be solely at the discretion of Urban Animal) and will be notified by email and/or phone.

The prize pack for the winning entry comprises the following:

$100 Gift voucher from Bowhouse www.bowhouse.com.au

$50 Gift voucher from Waggle www.waggle.com.au

$50 Gift voucher from MuttSpace www.muttspace.com.au

A personalised, engraved 5 7" glass picture frame from Talking Stones shipped anywhere in Australia valued at $80

PetMat the slim-line, low voltage heating mat for pets to the value of $125.50

A year's subscription to Urban Animal Magazine

Acceptance of the prize constitutes permission for Urban Animal and its agencies/sponsors to use winner's name and/or likeness, biographical material and/or entry (including an edited form of the entry) for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation.

Urban Animal is the major sponsor and would like to thank their partner sponsors.