The RCMP launches this year's Naming Contest to find names for 13 of Canada's future police dogs.
Do you want to help name some of Canada's future police dogs?
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police needs help to find the perfect names for a new litter of adorable police puppies, and entries are now open.
The Police Dog Service Training Centre (PDSTC) in Innisfail, Alberta, is asking young Canadians to suggest names for 13 German shepherd puppies that will be born at the Centre in 2021.
As these aren't just any puppies, there are some rules to follow as these dogs need fitting names for their future careers with Canada's nation police force. All names must begin with the letter 'P', have no more than 9 letters and be suitable for a working dog.
Contestants must be 4 -14 years old to enter this contest, so if there's a young person in your life that you think would be interested, be sure to let them know. And, if you'd like to help with submitting their entries, you can find all the information on the RCMP website.
Although the RCMP aren't looking for typical 'pet' names for this adorable litter, children are still encouraged to be original and imaginative, so they can still have some fun!
Winning names will be chosen by the PDSTC staff, and if more than one person has submitted the same puppy name, a draw will determine the winning entry.
Although there can be only 13 winners, names not selected for this contest will still be considered for other police puppies born during the year.
Prizes
The 13 children whose names are selected will each receive a laminated 8×10-inch photo of the pup they name, a plush dog named Justice and an RCMP water bottle.
Contest rules
Names must begin with the letter "P"
Names must have no more than 9 letters
Names must be 1 or 2 syllables
Contestants must live in Canada
Contestants must be 4 to 14 years old
Only 1 entry per child will be eligible
Entries must be received by March 18, 2021
To enter the contest, visit here. Contest winners and the winning names will be announced on April 28, 2021, on the RCMP website and social media.
Submitting artwork
The RCMP no longer accepts entries sent through the mail however, the website does note that they still love receiving drawings and paintings, and encourages children to email their artwork to the Police Dog Service Training Centre at puppy-chiot@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
All contest entries must be submitted online. The RCMP cannot accept contest entries by email.