Puppy Tales opens search for Australian Dog of the Year

A national competition to find Australia's best dog is under way and proud owners could win $10,000 in prizes for their perfect pooch.

The 2024 Australian Dog of the Year award honours pups that offer companionship to the elderly, physical and emotional health therapy or those working in invaluable support roles for military, rescue and conservation.

"Our pets are as wonderfully diverse as our nation and have also made an incredible impact in the lives of people, the environment or other animals," Puppy Tales founder and pet photographer Kerry Martin said.

"We want to recognise pooches from across Australia for services they provide in communities, to humans and their unyielding devotion in the face of sadness, tough times and the occasional vacuum cleaner!"

"Dogs being nominated don't have to have a specific job, role or incredible su-paw talent, they just simply have to have made a change, created impact or brought happiness in the lives of others," an award spokesperson said.

Any pooch who helped their owner or community "through a tough time" is eligible.

Guide or therapy dogs, pups who have helped someone with disabilities or health challenges were recommended to apply as well as dogs in school assistance programs and those involved in wildlife detection or protection.

Dogs that have located, rescued or saved people were eligible for the award including police and combat dogs as well as pooch blood donors.

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The 2024 Australian Dog of the Year winner will receive a $1000 donation to a charity or not-for-profit of their choice as well as a Puppy Tales photography session.

The furry companion also receives a personalised trophy, valued at $300, and a media campaign with Pet Journo to promote the win.

The top dog will also win a $250 Pet Circle gift card.

The People's Choice award winner receives a $250 donation to a charity or not-for-profit of their choice, a photography session and a large canvas from Puppy Tales, valued at $1250.

They also win a media campaign with Pet Journo announcing the title and a $100 Pet Circle gift card.

Puppy Tales pet photography vouchers, valued at $450, will be awarded to ten winners of the nominee prize draw.

The winning pooch will be announced by Puppy Tales on January 26, 2024.

The nomination deadline is 8pm on January 14, 2024 and finalists will be announced on January 16.

Voting for the People's Choice of the finalists begins on January 16 and closes at 12pm on January 25.