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  • Fit Pets for Rescues
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FUNDRAISER & CHALLENGE

​Over the last 12 years, we’ve helped hundreds of dogs & cats reach their ideal weight & we’ve raised $27,000 for rescues in the process. We’re in it for the long haul to help you be the best pet parent.

We’ll team up with your vet, guiding your pet’s weight loss journey, while you rally local community support, encouraging donations for every pound lost. Funds raised will support the rescue of your choice or your vet clinic’s myBalto angel fund. Pets can now enter our ideal weight challenge all year round!
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Don't miss out on this opportunity to add years to your pet's life & contribute to a cause you care about.
KICKOFF EVENT ZOOM
Powered by:
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FACEBOOK KICKOFF EVENT MADISON, WI
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START DATE
ANY TIME for individual ideal weight challenge. Next nationwide annual group challenge will be April 5, 2025

PET PARENTS​
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imply download the Healthy Pet Connect app, make a plan with your veterinarian & begin your pet's journey to ideal weight!


VETERINARY CLINICS
Contact us for free monitoring dashboard

A Life-Changing Challenge

​This is a pet weight loss challenge, monitored under veterinary supervision to ensure the safety & health of all pets participating.

​Pets accumulate points for each dollar donated in a pet’s name & each pound lost, use of app and referrals.
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​HOW TO WIN
Crowdfund & Donate
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Earn points for each dollar donated in a pet’s name. Your supporters can make a flat donation or pledge any dollar amount for every pound lost.

Team Up
​Team up with friends, family, neighbors, & coworkers to create packs & prides. 

Shop Smart
Earn points when you shop for smart scales, smart feeders, & other fit pet tech in our marketplace.

Win Big
Top 5 pets with the highest total points get their choice of a Fit Pets for Rescues Grand Prize Table (over $10k in prizes in 2025).
CHALLENGE DIVISIONS​
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Biggest "4-pawed" Losers
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Starting weight 20% over ideal

Iron Cats
Starting weight 5-20% over ideal

Cat Pride Challenge
3 or more cats
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​Spudgie’s Big Cat Club
Harley, Biggie Smalls & Patches (Cats over 20lb !!!)
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Biggest "4-Pawed" Losers
Starting weight 20% over ideal

Iron Dogs
Starting weight 5-20% over ideal
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Dog Pack Challenge
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3 or more dogs
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Prizes
Pet Parents can win up to $10,000 in prizes, thanks to the generosity of our incredible sponsors!
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Vet Clinics can win HPC Connected Scale Sets, a Waldo portable dog scale, 15% off of the first year myBalto fees, Fit Pets for Rescues free staff training, & "Special Spudgie Boxes" which include Spudgie's favorite cat exercise toys too!

View Pet Parent Prizes
View Clinic Prizes
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Track & Conquer Your Pet's Goals
​Track your pet's weight, food, & fitness with the Healthy Pet Connect App

PET PARENTS
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Track your pet’s progress while receiving expert guidance remotely from your veterinary care team. With the Fit Pets for Rescues community, you get the extra support & motivation needed to make an impact & rewrite your pet’s future.
BEFORE
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AFTER
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- Science-Backed Weight Loss Success, 4x Faster

- Support From Weight Loss Experts

- More Years to Love - Pets at Ideal Weight Live Longer

- Fun Fundraising, Helping All Pets Live Their Best Lives


VETERINARY CLINICS
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With Healthy Pet Connect, a precision remote monitoring tool, you can engage clients, initiate contact before issues arise, offer tailored monitoring, & be proactive in intervention.
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​- Free Dashboard for Vet Clinics


- Peer-Reviewed, Published System

- Built by Vets for Vets

- Customizable Push Notifications

- Improved Outcomes & Compliance

- HPC Coaching/Consulting Available

How It Works

FOR PET PARENTS

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FOR CLINICS

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Motivating Weight Loss
Science-based system leading to results 4x faster & a competition to motivate your success.
Community Support
Community of helpful pet weight loss experts & supportive friends who want to encourage your pet to success.
Peace of Mind
Your trusted vet is only a touch away, monitoring your pet's progress remotely.
Join Now

Thank You, Sponsors!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support
in making Fit Pets ​for Rescues possible.

PLATINUM

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GOLD

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SILVER

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BRONZE

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Transform Your
Pet's Life

Give your pet the best life possible, because they deserve it & so do you.
Join us now & be part of something meaningful.

Join Now
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Join the Fit Pets for Rescues Global Community

Mapping by Mapline

Frequently Asked Questions

VETERINARY SUPERVISION FOR
​ BCS 8+
Veterinary supervision through the HPC platform is required for all pets BCS of 8/9 or more which is ensured by all pets being on HPC platform.
FPR reserves the right to suspend or disqualify any pet that doesn't without adequate veterinary supervision or is losing at an unsafe rate.
OFFICIAL DOG WEIGHTS
Dog weights can be obtained using a vet clinic, or pet food store dog scale, or human bath scale.
OFFICIAL CAT & SMALL DOG WEIGHTS
To get accurate weights in cats and small dogs under 20lb, affordable connected scales are available on the HPC marketplace or pet-friendly baby scales can be used. 
MINIMUM 3 WEIGHT ENTRIES
At least 5 weights must entered into the HPC app to be awarded contest points.
Weekly weights are advised, especially for cats and any pet over 20% over ideal.
Beginning and ending weights must use the same scale.

Rules to Participate

Can I join if I don't have a participating vet clinic?
You can "create your own" vet clinic if you find 4 other pets who are interested in competing & all have the same veterinarian. If we have room, we will be happy to have you participate. 

MY PET IS NOT BCS 8+, DO I STILL NEED
​VETERINARY MONITORING?


Yes, all pets entering a weight loss phase should have an initial assessment & veterinary monitoring. Pets with BCS 8+ need very close monitoring with daily weight entries & regular lab work.
Can I join late?


Yes, you can still participate if you sign up after the kick-off. You will be waitlisted, then added as slots become available. 

2024 Leaderboards
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See how our challengers & rescues did!​

Packs & Prides
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Cats
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dogs
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Rescues
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​Thank you! Dr Ken & Bug

Donate & Support
Your Community
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Donate in the name of your favorite pet, rescue, or vet clinic! 90% of your donation goes to the cause of your choice, all to support animals in need.
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SPUDGIE

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​Meet Spudgie, the incredible success story of our Big Cat division, having shed an impressive 25lbs.in just 18 months. His journey started when Dane County Humane Society brought him to Bug's Cat Gym because he weighed 37lbs & could barely walk. With the aid of the Healthy Pet Connect platform, he slimmed down to a sprightly 12lbs within 18 months. Adopted by Dr. Ken, he's now a mentor to felines worldwide.

Dane County Humane Society is a private, non-profit, community-supported organization. DCHS offers humane education programs, community-based care for pets, foster care for animals for victims of domestic abuse, a pet food pantry, dog training classes, wildlife rehabilitation, & more.

Join us in celebrating Spudgie's journey and supporting DCHS's incredible impact on the lives of animals & the communities they serve.
DONATE

AXEL

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Meet Axel, affectionately known as Biggie Smalls.  Axel started his weight loss journey at 43lbs & is now 29lbs! Axel's journey began when he was surrendered to a shelter earlier this year due to his medical needs. Fortunately, he found a loving foster home with Kristine, the director of The Big House Cat Sanctuary in Ottowa, Canada. Kristine is fully committed to Axel's health journey, & we're thrilled to have them as part of the FPR family!
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The Big House Cat Sanctuary is a dedicated organization that rescues animals & provides support to local animal rescue organizations. They are passionately committed to advancing animal welfare & making a positive impact in the lives of animals in need.
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Let's rally behind Axel & his rescue, The Big House Cat Sanctuary as he continues his path to fitness & health!​

ALL DONATIONS MADE BETWEEN May 1st and May 31st will be matched by FPR 2025 per $/$ up to $250!!
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DONATE

PATCHES

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Meet Patches from Richmond, Virginia, who captured the world's attention as a 42lb cat in April 2022. Since then, his wonderful adopter Kay has shared his amazing journey with over 60K followers on Facebook (Patches Journey). Patches has now slimmed down to 21lbs & appreciates any donations to go to Purring Hearts Rescue.

Purring Hearts prioritize rescuing vulnerable cats in the Richmond, WI area. They pull cats that are in danger of euthanasia or that would do poorly in the shelter. They also help community members with concerns such as unmanaged populations, found cats, or situations where the cat can no longer be cared for. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, they rely on donations for their life-saving work.
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Show your love for Patches by supporting his journey to a healthier weight, & join us in backing Purring Hearts Rescue to ensure more cats receive the care they deserve.

ALL DONATIONS MADE BETWEEN May 1st and May 31st will be matched by FPR 2025 per $/$ up to $250!!
DONATE

VINNY

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Meet Vinny, who first came to us through West Towne Veterinary Center for a sedated grooming. Concerned about his weight hindering proper grooming, owner Toni sought help. Vinny joined us at the Fit Pets for Rescues kickoff, where he became a star contestant, shedding 5 lbs thanks to his dedicated owners. Vinny would like to support his favorite rescue, Underdog Pet Rescue.

Underdog Pet Rescue is an all-breed companion animal rescue based out of Dane County, WI. Their mission is to find permanent homes for animals in need & strengthen the bond between animals & people through community services & outreach.

Show your support for Vinny's journey by donating to Underdog Pet Rescue today & cheering him on as he continues his path to a healthier weight!

ALL DONATIONS MADE BETWEEN May 1st and May 31st will be matched by FPR 2025 per $/$ up to $250!!

DONATE

HARLEY

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​Meet Harley, a former resident at Bug's Cat Gym, now in foster care with Jessica. From 28lb to 13lb and is now at ideal weight. Harley's weight loss journey is remarkable! Alongside housemate Buttons, he's determined to reach his health goals. 

Madison Cat Project saves cats through partnerships with other shelters & the community. Whether it's partnering with area shelters to bring in cats who need another chance or supporting farmers & other folks by offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries & rehoming options, they help hundreds of cats (& people) each year.

Join us in cheering on Harley & supporting his rescue, Madison Cat Project, as they continue their vital work!

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DONATE
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Home   | ​ Contact Us   |   Vet Team Login |  Resources | Get News Updates | FAQ's | Privacy Policy
​We recommend only foods that are AAFCO tested (preferably by feeding trials) and pet behavior friendly feeding methods for all pets. Purpose fed Rx weight management diets prescribed by your veterinarian and close  supervision is strongly advised for pets BCS 7/9 and over . All exams, lab work, food Rx are performed by your veterinarian (if needed) and all data is shared with your veterinarian for your pet's safety. At-home body condition scoring should only be used as a guideline. True body condition and muscle condition score can only be performed by the veterinary team.

Copyright 2025 © Bug Ventures, Inc.
​All rights reserved.

1 + (608) 828-3737 |  [email protected]
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  • Our Team
  • HOW IT WORKS
  • The Store
    • Hpc Connected Scales
    • Bug & Roo's Marketplace >
      • Books and Literature
      • DNA/Genetic Testing
      • GPS Trackers and Fitness Monitors
      • Litter Boxes and Monitors
      • Smart Feeders and Waterers
  • Fit Pets for Rescues
  • Blog
  • FPR 2025 Specials