The search is on to find America's "Ulti-mutt" Sports Pet. Video submissions and votes are now being accepted for Mutt Madness, an online contest sponsored by PetFirst Healthcare.

If Fido is a "rabid" sports fan and barks and jumps every time your football team scores or catches some serious air when jumping to snag a Frisbee, PetFirst wants to see it. If Fluffy wears letterman sweaters from your alma mater or runs a 5K around the litter box, PetFirst wants to see that too.

"We are showcasing how sports can be a great way for pet owners to bond with their furry friends and can help keep pets active and healthy," said Brent Hinton, PetFirst CEO and former Kentucky Humane Society CEO. "Sports are something all pet owners can engage their pets in regardless of pedigree."

America's "Ulti-Mutt" Sports Pet will win a year of pet insurance and $1,000 for his or her owner. The winner will be announced in April after four rounds of online public voting to narrow the field.

Complete contest information and instructions for posting videos are available at . Pet owners may post videos now through March 15, and visitors to the site may view the videos and vote for their favorite sports pet. Mutt Madness is also the featured contest on PetPop.com, the social networking site "where pets are popular."

On March 16, PetFirst will post the first round of finalists, the Shaggy Sixteen. After additional rounds of voting, the Eager Eight will post March 24, and the Furry Four will post March 31.

Cash prizes will be awarded for each pet that advances to the Shaggy Sixteen. For a complete list of prizes and contest information, visit

About PetFirst

PetFirst Healthcare has simplified pet insurance through published rates that eliminate the need for detailed medical histories or complicated price quotes. Privately owned and based in Jeffersonville, Ind., PetFirst provides affordable healthcare coverage, quality customer service and fast claims processing throughout the United States. Individual and family plans are available to reimburse up to 90 percent of veterinary costs for dogs and cats. For information visit or call 1-866-937-PETS.