Things may get wild inside the offices of the Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union this month — literally.

Children and teenagers visiting the financial institution in April will be in for several treats, as the credit union celebrates the National Credit Union Association’s annual youth month. In line with this year’s theme being “Wild About Saving,” the employees will be offering young visitors the chance to win four tickets to South Bend’s Potawatomi Zoo in their first ever “Love My Pet Contest.”

“This year’s theme is a jungle one, so we thought that allowing kids to show off their animals would tie into that pretty nicely,” said Cathy Merrill, CEO of the local credit union.

To enter the contest, which runs next week through Friday, children and teens must submit a picture of themselves with their pet, along with an essay about why their pet is so special. People wishing to enter can either bring in a preexisting photo or they can bring their pet with them to the credit union, where one of the employees will take their picture.

“We’re preparing for anything,” Merrill said. “I’m sure we’ll see some normal pets like cats or dogs, but we might also see snakes, gerbils or turtles. It’s whatever the child likes.”

The staff will also be hosting a coloring contest for children as well, with the top colorer also receiving four tickets to the zoo.

Members will be able to get involved in the action as well, as they will be able to view the entries and have the ability to vote for the favorite.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department will also be participating in the festivities this month, holding a free child ID program from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 9. Children will receive a ID kit consisting of fingerprinting, Polaroid picture and ID card.

Children making a deposit or opening an account at the credit union throughout April will receive a special prize. The staff will also make a $5 deposit inside any new youth accounts made this month.

Teaching children about the virtues of financial literacy has been a longstanding mission of the local credit union, Merrill said. In addition to hosting special children’s themed events like this in the past, the institution has a kid’s club that offers prizes and other perks for children who have an account there.

“It’s preparing them for the future,” Merrill said. “If we can help them develop these skills now, it will be easier for them in the future to remember to save their money.”