It’s time for Pawsies 2026!
Now’s your chance to tell us what’s wonderful, amazing and unique about your pets! The Pawsies aren’t about good looks – it’s about sharing the character and personality of your pet and the difference they make to your life. In the Vet Clinic Team category we want to hear about vet clinic teams who go over and above for our furry family members.
We’re searching for the Dog of Year, Cat of the Year and Vet Clinic Team of the Year – and while the bragging rights for winners are priceless, there are many great prizes to be won too.
Nominate your favourites now
You have until midnight Sunday 12 April 2026 to nominate your cat, dog or vet clinic team. Remember, the Pawsies are open to every cat or dog owner (aged over 18) in New Zealand – you don’t need to be a Southern Cross Pet Insurance customer to enter.
All you need to do is pick the picture that best captures your pet, and tell us why your cat, dog or vet clinic team are the best in the land!
Make your nomination for Cat of the Year
Have you got a feisty feline, a cool cat, or an incredible kitten?
Nominate your cat now!Make your nomination for Dog of the Year
Make your nomination for Dog of the Year Precious pooch? Magnificent mutt? All-round good boy or girl?
Nominate your dog now!Make your nomination for Vet Clinic Team of the Year
Make your nomination for Vet Clinic Team of the Year. We all have amazing stories about our vets – and we want to hear yours.
Nominate your vet clinic team now!Fabulous prizes to be won!
Top Dog and Top Cat win top prizes
The winners in each pet category get a prize package, which includes:
- A starring role in their very own billboard
- A $500 Animates Gift Card
- A stunning Pawsies trophy and collar tag (for bragging rights out and about!)
- A dog or cat training package with Mark Vette
- An Animals Like Us supreme gift pack
- A Pickles Pawtrait to capture their star quality.
Plus! Fabulous prizes for all the finalists in each category.
Top Vet Clinic Team win prizes too
The winning vet clinic team win:
- A Pawies winner window decal
- A stunning Pawsies trophy and Pawsies pins for the whole team.
- A $1000 Prezzy Card
- A Fur Love prize pack
Plus a prize for the runner up!
Dates for your diary
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Get prepping!
If your pet is a little camera-shy, or doesn’t give you their best angle, check out this handy advice from top animal behaviourist, Mark Vette plus top tips from our team.