• by Tanya Gazdik , June 5, 2013

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants has kicked off its third annual pet photo contest, which invites consumers to post photos of their beloved pets and invite others to vote.

Anyone can upload a photo from June 1 through July 31. The contest has four rounds, each lasting half the month. At the end of each round, the five photos with the most “Like” votes on Facebook will become finalists and win “pet-tacular prizes” from Kimpton partners: Olive, Chewy.com, Polka Dog Bakery, Bergan, Quaker and FIDO Friendly magazine with an estimated value of $154.

From 20 finalists, judges from Animal Radio will select one photo to win the Ultimate hosPETality Getaway including: A three-night stay at a Kimpton hotel of your choice, two round-trip tickets on JetBlue Airways for human passengers, $100 Kimpton Restaurant or in-room dining gift certificate, in-room spa treatment for two, Bergan pet travel carrier and auto harness, choice of Cookie Treat Quatro or grooming gift set from Olive and pet amenities such as dog bed, bowls, and treats during the getaway. The estimated value of the grand prize is $1,924.

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the U.S. plays up its pet-friendliness year-round with several pet-related promotions.

The last one was held in December. During the Fourth Annual Santa Paws Event, 21 participating properties of the hotel chain transformed their living room lobbies into an animal's winter paradise, offering pet holiday treats (human treats too!) and photo opportunities with Santa. Kimpton encouraged its furry, four-legged guests and their human companions to bring their own cameras and smartphones to take pictures.

Kimpton's pet-friendly program offers a warm welcome to any size, weight, or breed of pet at no extra charge at every single Kimpton Hotel. Pets are welcomed by name and a plush pet beds are included in their guest room. Food and water bowls and mats, plus bottled water is also included. Door hangers alert other guests and staff that a pet is in the room.

Concierges have lists of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers, and pet boutiques and pets are welcomed to join the party at the nightly complimentary wine reception at each property.