Australian Dog of the Year Media Feature in Fetch Magazine

Volume 1, Issue 1

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Article Copy for the Australian Dog of the Year media feature in Fetch Magazine

Australia’s Top Dogs Honoured

By Kerry Martin

The Australian Dog of the Year Awards is a national celebration of the incredible roles that dogs play in our homes and communities across the country. Each of this year’s winners was chosen for their remarkable story.

While there are plenty of awards that recognise the achievements of exceptional humans, The Australian Dog of the Year Awards aim to honour the four-legged heroes who enrich our lives in profound and often life-changing ways.

The idea for the awards was born in late 2020, during the unprecedented upside down world of COVID-19. During this period of unrest and uncertainty, so many people leant heavily on their dogs as never before. Dogs became our companions in lockdown, our exercise buddies and our emotional support through that challenging time.

That’s when I realised we needed to properly recognise and celebrate the impact of dogs, not just in their homes but in wider society. Dogs are performing extraordinary work in areas like disability support, conservation, education, therapy, border protection and so much more. And many do it simply for love, praise or a treat.

I announced the first awards on Australia Day 2021, and since then the event has grown consistently, recognising the achievements of dogs and the people and organisations who work so passionately alongside them.

From therapy dogs supporting mental health, to detection dogs safeguarding our environment, assistance dogs offering independence to their humans, and companion animals simply being a lifeline during hard times, the finalists are chosen for their remarkable stories.

Winners receive not only incredible prizes, but also donations to the charity or cause closest to their hearts.

The Award Categories

The awards began with one main honour, The Australian Dog of the Year, but over time we’ve added more categories to help recognise the diverse ways dogs make a difference. These include:

• The Australian Dog of the Year: the highest honour for a dog making a broad or life-changing impact

• The People’s Choice Award: a public vote to let Australians share their love and support for the finalists

• The ARAS Medal (All Rescues Are Special): recognising rescue dogs that have gone on to achieve amazing things, proving that rescued never means lesser. The award is given in conjunction with pet food brand The Saltiest Dog

• Paws-itive Change Award: introduced to recognise dogs whose impact is truly one-of-a-kind, or who did a thing that only they could do or that inspire widespread change

Some Memorable Entrants

There have been so many incredible entrants to the awards. Every finalist leaves a lasting impression, and the judges (myself included!) have the hardest time narrowing them down.

Some, like Elle and Harry, have overcome their own challenges – being deaf or blind – to go on and change lives. Others, like Baloo the seizure-alert dog, quite literally save lives. Dogs like Kail, Bear and Sunday have played roles in bushfire recovery, conservation and even pioneering medical advancements.

Many of these dogs are also supported by incredible humans and organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes. These stories highlight the deep partnerships, dedication and training involved – and why recognition matters.

The Australian Dog of the Year 2025 Winners

Australian Dog of the Year 2025: Elle

Border collie x koolie, a deaf agility champion and school therapy hero

Elle is a deaf rescue dog who communicates through sign language, competes in agility, and brings joy and calm to a school community as a therapy dog. She helps students to regulate behaviour, teaches safety around dogs and takes part in school events (she’s even in the staff photo!). Her impact reaches both children and staff alike.

People’s Choice Award: Daphne

Tibetan spaniel, an inspiring survivor defying the odds

After a devastating accident left her with a severe brain injury, Daphne stunned her vets by not just surviving, but thriving. Her recovery has become a beacon of hope for others, and her story is inspiring people, professionals, and dog-lovers across the country.

The ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal Winner: Bear

Australian koolie, a koala-saving legend

Once surrendered for being too energetic, Bear found his calling within the Detection Dogs for Conservation team. He’s saved more than 100 koalas by locating them in firegrounds and disease-affected areas. His work is vital to conservation efforts and has been featured globally, including in the documentary Bear, Koala Hero.

The Paws-itive Change Award: Sunday

Rottweiler, a trailblazer for medical advancements

Sunday lost her leg as a pup, but her story led to a world-first surgery involving a prosthetic implant. She was the first dog in Australia to undergo this type of osseointegration, paving the way for others. Her journey has inspired advancements in both human and animal mobility.

Get Your Nominations In

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year Awards! Whether your dog is a trained professional, a rescue-turned-hero, or simply your rock through tough times, their story matters – and it could inspire others across the country.

These awards aren’t just about giving out titles and prizes (though there are some truly “pawsome” ones!) – they’re about shining a national spotlight on the often unsung heroes making a difference in homes, classrooms, hospitals, natural disasters or conservation efforts. It’s a chance to share their impact and give back in return. It’s a way to recognise the impact dogs have on people, communities and the world around us.

And it goes even deeper. Every nomination helps to share a story that deserves to be heard. The awards highlight the achievements of both dogs and the humans and organisations supporting them. Many winners or finalists have gone on to receive wider support simply by being part of these awards. It’s a beautiful ripple effect.

So, whether you’re a dog owner wanting to nominate your furry friend, or someone who knows a dog doing incredible things, head to puppytales.com.au/australian-dog-of-the-year to submit your entry. You can also follow along on social media, cast your vote in the People’s Choice category when the finalists are announced, and help to celebrate all the dogs doing great in our world.

Kerry Martin is the founder of The Australian Dog of the Year Awards (and also runs Puppy Tales, a pet photography business). She considers pets very much part of the family. Kerry is Melbourne-based, but travels far and wide throughout Australia offering her award-winning dog photography. Learn more and hire her work at puppytales.com.au.

All images courtesy of Kerry Martin, Puppy Tales Photography.