Whether they have fur, feathers or scales, Louisville pets can serve their community as the pet mayor to unite the community and be the bi-paw-tisan city mascot, helping to spread joy.

The Louisville Youth Advisory Board ran the first pet mayor election in 2023, with the pets serving a two-year term. During a January City Council meeting, board chair Sena Williams said the purpose of the election is to bring “paws-ativity” to the community, promote animal welfare organizations, as well as hold an event that unites the city’s kids and adults. The pet mayor serves as a cute representative for Louisville, is a friendly face around the city and makes multiple public appearances for events such as story times at the library.

Submissions for pet mayors can be submitted from Wednesday through Feb. 26. The first round of voting will take place March 12-26 to select the top 10 candidates. The second round of voting April 16-30 will finalize election of the official winner. The victor is projected to be announced May 2, and will be sworn in at the following City Council meeting.

More information on the pet mayor elections and how to submit a pet is available at engagelouisvilleco.org/petmayor.

Furry companions are eligible to hold the office if they reside in Louisville, have a good temperament, are an upstanding pet in their community, and are open to representing all their constituents regardless of breed, species or known tricks. The pet and their owners must also be open and willing to have their photo taken and attend city events throughout their term.

Jessica Schwartz, teen services librarian at the Louisville Public Library and a staff liaison for the Youth Advisory Board, said the idea for the pet mayor is simple: create a reason for people to smile.

“Spreading joy has really been the key focus,” Schwartz said.During the first election, rescue dog Arlo and partially paralyzed Hops were elected as co-pet mayors as the 2023 election ended in a tie. The pet mayors wear their uniforms, a bandana stating their title, to several city events. Schwartz said this helps community members connect — but also lets people know more about the Youth Advisory Board.

“(The pets) help promote events around town. We’ve had the pet mayors make appearances at street fairs or farmers markets. They’ve led the Labor Day Pet Parade,” Schwartz said.