Mt. Vernon, IL — Get ready to meet your new best friend! Mt. Vernon Tourism, in partnership with Jefferson County Animal Control, is excited to launch a 10-week “Pet of the Week” campaign leading up to this year’s PawFest.
Each week, one lovable (and adoptable!) pet will be featured across social media and community channels, giving them a chance to shine and find their forever home. From playful pups to cuddly companions, every featured pet has a unique story—and a lot of love to give.
To make adoptions even more accessible, local businesses and community members are invited to become Pet of the Week sponsors. Sponsors will help offset adoption fees, making it easier for families to welcome a new pet into their home while directly supporting animal welfare in Jefferson County.
How Sponsorship Works:
  • Sponsors contribute toward the adoption fee of the featured pet
  • Businesses receive recognition in weekly promotions, including social media shoutouts and campaign materials
  • Sponsors play a direct role in helping pets find homes faster
“This campaign is all about community—connecting people, pets, and local businesses for a great cause,” said Lisa Damron, Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Vice President and PawFest Chair. “With the help of sponsors, we can remove barriers to adoption and give these animals the loving homes they deserve.”
The campaign will run for 10 weeks, with a new featured pet announced each week. The initiative will culminate at PawFest, where the community can celebrate successful adoptions and continue supporting local animal welfare efforts.
Become a Sponsor:
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring a Pet of the Week can contact Heather Beckley Wells at festivals@mtvernon.com . Visit MTVFestivals.com for more information.
Follow along and meet each week’s featured pet on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1377008120491791.
About PawFest:
PawFest is an annual celebration dedicated to pets, pet lovers, and local animal organizations, promoting adoption, education, and community engagement.