And the 53 winners are ...

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — Fifty-three grand-prize winners were named in Fort Dodge Animal Health's "Twice a Year for Life" sweepstakes.

The winners receive free semi-annual wellness exams for the lifetime of their dog or cat at the veterinary clinic of their choice.

With 14,000 clinics participating, the sweepstakes received 38,000 entries, according to Fort Dodge. Prizes cover professional fees associated with semi-annual wellness exams, up to $75 for each visit.

Launched in March 2006 in conjunction with National Pet Wellness Month, the campaign's aim was to promote awareness of the importance of twice-a-year wellness exams.

Craig Wallace, vice president of marketing for Fort Dodge Animal Health says, "The goal of the sweepstakes was to encourage pet owners to talk with their veterinarian about wellness exams so they can better understand their vitally important role in preventing problems, such as zoonotic diseases, before they become life-threatening."