Meet our winners!
After 10 weeks, over 2,500 nominations and over 4,500 votes received, we’re thrilled to announce the 1st ever Southern Cross Pet Insurance Pawsies winners.
We’ve been wowed by the pet stories, swooned over the pictures and shed a tear (or two) at the messages of support for our amazing vet clinic teams. Thank you, New Zealand pet lovers, for sharing the love and reminding us all why every pet is a winner!
Meet our 2025 Pawsies award winners.
Pawsies Cat of the Year 2025
Celeste the Bombay takes the prize for the most fabulous feline in 2025!

Personality: Cat Nurse of the year
Celeste’s owner says: Celeste is the most patient and caring cat I have ever met. I got my darling girl at 2 years old and she was a street cat, now she lives a very luxurious life as an indoor lap cat.
I live with daily chronic pain and fatigue and Celeste has learnt to recognise my symptoms and warn me. She screams when I try to stand on a bad day, and lays on my chest and purrs when I’m having pain flares or fainting spells. She’s also learnt to harass me into getting my meds out every night (she gets a treat when I take them) I love my girl and so does everyone who’s met her.
Pawsies Dog of the Year 2025
Foz the Huntaway Cross takes the prize for the most pawsome pup in 2025!

Personality: Goofy, shy, resilient, survivor, bestie
Foz’ owner says: Foz has had a ruff year as a 2 year old! Last year he scratched my arm which drew my attention to a strange mole - it turned out to be melanoma and I am forever grateful to him for saving me. He was then diagnosed with a cancerous tumour himself, underwent three surgeries and lots of testing and came out clear!
I think we came into each others lives for a reason - to rescue each other. This year he had two seizures and is now being tested for epilepsy and brain cancer and we will do everything we can to fight for him <3
Pawsies Vet Clinic Team of the Year 2025
Picton Veterinary Clinic win the Vet Clinic Team of the Year
The team at the Picton Veterinary Clinic were stand-out winners with nominations from regular customers, holiday visitors, and for their work in the local community.
Here’s some highlights:
“We have a Bach in the Sounds. Boat access only. Our dog ate 250g of fruit and nut chocolate. Communication with their 24 hour team meant the vet was there. They accepted us into their clinic, they came in after hours and sat with our wee boy and watched over him. These guys are such caring people.”
“Christine and her small, dedicated team work tirelessly to provide excellent care to not only domestic pets but any animal brought into their clinic. She organises regular dog walks, education sessions for first aid, YouTube talks and more.”
“Christine and her team are so proactive and engaging with the local community to grow and establish an amazing network of caring animal owners.”