The Australian Dog of the Year Awards exist to recognise and celebrate the many ways dogs enrich lives and communities across Australia.
From assistance and therapy dogs to rescue advocates, community companions, sporting standouts and much-loved family dogs, these Awards shine a light on dogs whose impact reaches beyond what is easily seen, and is deeply felt, whether within their own home or across the wider community.” They honour the quiet, the steadfast, the extraordinary and the everyday, acknowledging the powerful role dogs play in supporting people, strengthening communities and creating connection.
Now in their seventh year, the Awards share stories from across the country, celebrating dogs of all breeds, backgrounds and abilities who are making a meaningful difference.
Who the Awards Are For
The Australian Dog of the Year Awards are for all Australian dogs, regardless of pedigree, profile or popularity.
They are open to family companions, working dogs, assistance and therapy dogs, rescue dogs, sporting dogs and community ambassadors. Dogs do not need a large following, public recognition or formal titles to be nominated. What matters is their impact.
Nominations can be submitted by hu-mums, hu-dads, pawrents, handlers, carers, organisations or community members who want to acknowledge a dog’s story and the difference they make. These Awards are designed to be accessible, welcoming and reflective of the many ways dogs support Australian lives.
What Kinds of Dogs Are Recognised
Your dog.
The Australian Dog of the Year Awards exist to recognise dogs who have made a difference, including the ones whose impact is felt most deeply at home.
Because dogs enrich lives in so many different ways, there is no single type of dog the Awards are looking for. Impact does not need to be public, formal or widely recognised. A dog who has supported one person through a difficult chapter can be just as deserving as a dog whose work is seen by many.
We welcome nominations for dogs such as:
your dog, the companion who has changed your life or helped you through a challenging time
assistance, guide and hearing dogs
therapy dogs working in healthcare, education or community settings
rescue dogs whose stories have inspired understanding, advocacy or change
sporting dogs whose partnership, dedication and discipline stand out
dogs supporting people through disability, illness, mental health challenges or recovery
dogs involved in search, detection, conservation or protection work
working dogs in service, emergency or specialist roles
dogs whose loyalty and presence provided comfort, safety or hope during grief, trauma or crisis
This list is not exhaustive. Dogs do not need a title, uniform or defined role to be recognised. If a dog has created connection, comfort, resilience or joy, their story belongs here.
Every dog’s contribution looks different. What matters is the difference they have made.
If you’re wondering whether your dog is “enough”, they probably are.
Ready to share their story?
Nominate your dog and help us recognise the impact they’ve made.
The Spirit and Values Behind the Awards
At the heart of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards is a belief that dogs deserve to be recognised not just for what they do, but for who they are and how they show up for people.
The Awards are grounded in values of kindness, integrity, inclusion and respect. They aim to celebrate impact without comparison, recognising that no two dogs’ contributions look the same. A dog offering quiet comfort can be just as powerful as one working in demanding public roles or standing on a podium.
Above all, the Awards exist to share good stories, honour meaningful bonds and remind us of the profound role dogs play in our lives, often without fanfare, expectation or reward.
How to Enter in 3 Easy Steps
You don’t need perfect words or a polished story to nominate a dog. These Awards recognise impact in all its forms, from quiet support at home to broader community roles. If a dog has made a meaningful difference, their story belongs here. Share it in your own words, we’ll take care of the rest.
Choose the Right Category
Explore the Awards categories.
Select the one/s that best reflect your dog’s role and impact.
(Some dogs fit more than one category).
Share Your Dog’s Nomination
Share your dog’s nomination with the people & communities who know them best.
If nominating someone else’s dog, please let them know so you can share & celebrate together.
Nominating a dog is a way of recognising their impact, regardless of the final Awards outcome.
Awards Timeline
Below are the key dates for the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year Awards, from nominations through to the announcement of our winners.
Nominations Close
Sun 10 January 2027 (8:00pm)
Finalists Announced
Tues 12 January 2027
People’s Choice Voting
Opens: Tues 12 January 2027
Closes: Fri 22 January 2027 (12:00pm)
Winners Announced
Tues 26 January 2027
Dates are listed in Australian Daylight Saving Time (ADST) where applicable.
Announcements, updates and winners are shared on the Puppy Tales Photography Facebook page. Join us there!
Each stage of the Awards is designed to ensure fairness, care and meaningful consideration of every nomination.