“He stuck out his tongue at me as famous Einstein's photo.: These cats were photographed in Kagawa, Japan. (Masayoshi Yamamoto/Comedy Pets)

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T​he annual have arrived with some delightful pictures guaranteed to brighten any animal lover's day. We're not surprised that of the 25 photos on the final shortlist, many of them take place in the great outdoors. From a poodle frolicking in the grass to a turtle munching on some dandelions, the contestants really captured pets in their element.

T​he competition was created by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam to build awareness around animal welfare and celebrate the essential roles pets play in our lives. Sullam said he appreciated the wide range of animals that entered the competition this year, and encouraged everyone to for the People's Choice Award winner.

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The winner, which will be announced on Aug. 11, will get a cool £500 U.K. (about $652 U.S. dollars) and a fancy camera bag.

Senior producer Niki Budnick writes about breaking news, pets, home and garden, wellness and more for weather.com.

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