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Congratulations to our winners!

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Pawsies Pet Awards – Dog of the Year Nancy, Cat of the Year Barney and the Vet Clinic Team of the Year Vets on Riverbank.

With over 2,000 nominations and 6,000 votes, the competition has been fierce – but the personalities of our winning pets shone through, and the appreciation for our winning vet clinic team put them ahead. However, all the entries were incredible - we’ve loved meeting your pets, hearing your stories, and shed many happy tears over the past few weeks.

Meet our winners

Barney

Cat of the Year

Barney the Domestic Shorthair

Gorgeous cross-eyed Barney took social media stardom to new heights, with a campaign that captured his winning personality and helped edge him above the other finalists. As a rescue cat given a second chance, Barney rewards his pet parents with love and affection that redefines cat love and with a connection that many dogs would envy. The living embodiment of triumph over adversity, Barney has never let difference hold him back and voters loved his spirit and good looks!

Barney wins a starring role in his own billboard, a stunning Pawsies trophy, a $500 Animates Gift Card and so much more!

Read Barney’s nomination and meet our other finalists.

See the finalists
Nancy

Dog of the Year

Nancy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

‘Dogtor’ Nancy takes this year’s Dog of the Year crown! Proud DHB employee, Nancy, has her own swipe card and cares for four wards at Dunedin Hospital, including the ICU. With pet parent, Dianne, Nancy does her rounds every Monday afternoon – bringing a little bit of sunshine to patients and staff. Local celebrity Nancy is regularly recognised when she’s out and about. As part of her campaign, she boosted her star power with an interview in the Otago Daily Times (paywalled), and The Breeze Dunedin to get her voters turning out in force.

Nancy wins a starring role in her own billboard, our stunning Pawsies trophy, a $500 Animates Gift Card and so much more!

Read Nancy’s nomination and meet our other finalists.

See the finalists
Paws up for Riverbank

Vet Clinic Team of the Year

Vets on Riverbank, Otaki

The team at Vets on Riverbank were called out again and again for their kindness, compassion and willingness to go above and beyond for pets and their owners. With over 40 years of continuous service to the Otaki, Horowhenua and Kapiti districts, we received nominations from clients who’d had multiple pets supported throughout their lives. Vets, vet nurses and admin and support were all recognised for their professionalism and care.

The team at Vets on Riverbank win a Pawsies window decal to promote their success, plus of course our Pawsies trophy and a $1000 Prezzy Card, so the whole team can celebrate.

Read some of their nominations, and meet our runner up Vet Clinic of the Year team, At the Vets, Christchurch.

See more here

Meet some of our nominees

Choosing from the amazing nominations that we received was a very hard task. Every pet has a special place in their human’s hearts, and we loved reading all the stories and seeing those pet pics! An enormous thank you to all our nominees for being the goodest boys and girls, and they’ve all earned extra hugs for the love they give us.

Nominees 2026 desktop Nominees 2026 mobile

Taking winning pet pics

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.

How to take a great photo of your dog

How to take a great photo of your dog

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How to take a great photo of your cat

How to take a great photo of your cat

Read this story
Top tips for Pawsies entrants

Top tips for Pawsies entrants

Read this story

Need a hand?

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CALL 0800 800 836 Call us Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm (excluding public holidays).