Bristol, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol Humane Society has unveiled its Christmas Card Photo Contest, inviting community members to submit festive photos of their pets between September 17 and October 16. The winning pet will be featured on the 2025 holiday card and receive a $100 gift card along with pet grooming services. With the contest, the Society aims to spread holiday cheer and highlight its commitment to supporting pet owners amid economic challenges. Renovations are also underway to expand their services, ensuring greater assistance for local pet owners in need.
Bristol – The Bristol Humane Society has announced the return of its annual Christmas Card Photo Contest, giving community members the chance to showcase their beloved pets. Festive photos of dogs or cats can be submitted starting September 17 until October 16, 2025. The contest winner will be featured on the organization’s official 2025 holiday card and will receive a $100 Visa gift card along with a grooming service from Collar N Comb Pet Grooming. Households are allowed to submit up to two entries. Additionally, two “Festive Favorites” will be chosen, with winners receiving a free nail trim from Collar N Comb Pet Grooming.
This year’s contest reflects the Bristol Humane Society’s aim to celebrate the holiday season and highlight the community’s love for animals, according to officials. As part of its broader mission, the organization is expanding its services to support pet owners financially, particularly amid ongoing economic challenges.
The Bristol Humane Society, previously known as the Margaret B. Mitchell Spay-Neuter Clinic, continues to offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, while also adding new wellness services. These include affordable vaccinations, preventive care, and microchipping. The organization has also established a pet food pantry to assist pet owners facing financial difficulties.
Currently, the facility is undergoing a significant renovation designed to enhance its support for pet owners. This expansion aims to prevent pet owners from surrendering their pets due to financial constraints. As part of the renovation, a free pet food and supplies pantry will be added along with an education center that will cater to the community’s needs.
With these upgrades, the organization is set to increase the number of spay-neuter surgeries performed annually and expand wellness services from two to five days a week. The Bristol Humane Society is leading a $5.5 million expansion project and is seeking to raise an additional $1 million to ensure its completion. Once the newly expanded facility opens, it is expected to support between 35,000 and 40,000 animals per year.
Officials anticipate that the revamped facility will be fully operational by April or May of the following year, providing comprehensive services to better serve the community and its furry residents.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo Contest Dates | September 17, 2025 – October 16, 2025 |
| Winner Prizes | $100 Visa gift card, grooming service, featured on holiday card |
| Additional Winners | Two “Festive Favorites” receive free nail trims |
| Facility Renovation Cost | $5.5 million |
| Annual Animal Support Capacity | 35,000 – 40,000 animals |
| Expanded Services | Low-cost spay-neuter, vaccinations, preventive care, microchipping |
| Operational Timeline | Fully operational by April or May 2026 |
FAQs
What is the Bristol Humane Society Christmas Card Photo Contest?
The Bristol Humane Society announced the return of its annual Christmas Card Photo Contest on September 17, 2025.
How can community members participate in the contest?
Community members can submit festive photos of their dogs or cats for the contest.
What does the winner receive?
The winner will be featured on the organization’s official 2025 holiday card and will also receive a $100 Visa gift card and a grooming service from Collar N Comb Pet Grooming.
When are submissions open for the contest?
Submissions for the contest are open from September 17 until October 16, 2025.
How many entries can each household submit?
Each household may submit up to two entries for the contest.
What expansion projects are being implemented by the Bristol Humane Society?
The Bristol Humane Society is expanding its services to support pet owners financially and to include affordable vaccinations, preventive care, and microchipping.
What is the purpose of the renovation at the Bristol Humane Society?
The renovation aims to enhance support for pet owners, increase the number of spay-neuter surgeries performed annually, and expand wellness services from two to five days a week.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Christmas Card Photo Contest
- Wikipedia: Bristol
- WCYB: Clear the Shelters
- Google Search: Clear the Shelters Bristol Humane Society
- WJHL: ETSU Tailgater of the Game
- Google Scholar: ETSU Tailgater Game
- WCYB: Major Expansion for Pet Owners
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Humane Society
- WJHL: 7 Brew Raises Funds
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee 7 Brew
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
