DALLAS — For many military families, pets are more than just companions—they’re family.

Now, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving service members and their families the opportunity to give their furry friends some well-deserved appreciation — and win a $5,000 Exchange gift card in the process — by entering the Dress Up Your Pet for Halloween Photo Contest.

Through Oct. 31, authorized shoppers can submit a photo of their pet wearing their cutest Halloween costume at shopmyexchange.com/BecauseOfYou. One lucky winner will receive a $5,000 Exchange gift card, courtesy of Smokehouse Pet Products, while five runners-up will receive a year’s supply of Science Diet pet food, a $500 value.

The sweepstakes is part of the Exchange’s Because of You program, which has expanded in 2016 to celebrate military families as well as honor active-duty troops, allowing the Exchange to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

“Through every deployment, TDY or PCS, military pets are there to welcome service members home, support the family members they leave behind and provide a sense of comfort and continuity through the constant change that goes with the military lifestyle,” said Retired Army Col. Thomas Ockenfels, the Exchange’s Chief of Staff. “Why not treat your furry friend to some recognition this fall, and give yourself the chance to win a treat of your own courtesy of the Exchange and Smokehouse Pet Products?”

The Freedom Challenge is open to shoppers age 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to win.