Pawsies nominations have now closed – here’s what happens next
Competition for the Cat of the Year, Dog of the Year and Vet Clinic Team of the Year has been fierce, with over 2,000 nominations across all three categories over the past 4 weeks.
Our judges now have a mighty task – to choose five of the most pawsome pooches and five of the most fabulous felines for our public voting between 13 May-27 May 2026.
They’ll also decide the Vet Clinic Team of the Year from the nearly 1,000 nominations we’ve received.
Meet our judges
Mark Vette
Renowned animal behaviourist and trainer Mark Vette has spent over 40 years helping pets and their owners build unbreakable bonds. As a brand partner of Southern Cross Pet Insurance, Mark provides a wealth of knowledge to both cat and dog pet parents and is excited to be a Pawsies judge for the second time.
Megan Mansell
Megan Mansell is the energetic co-host of The Edge Breakfast and a devoted animal lover. Proud mum to her dog, Nala, whose antics she often shares on air. Her warmth, humour, and genuine love for pets make her a perfect fit for the Pawies judging panel.
Tobey Morrison
Tobey is a Claims Assessor at Southern Cross Pet Insurance and proud pet parent to Bowie the long haired German Shepherd and Marlon the mischievous Ragdoll cat. With a fair, balanced approach and a love of heartfelt pet stories, Tobey brings passion and genuine care to the Pawies judging panel.
Our Pawsies Categories
Judging in progress for Vet Clinic Team of the Year
Don’t forget to come back and vote for Cat of Year and Dog of the Year between 13 May-27 May 2026.
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 Pickle's Portrait 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:
- Pawsies 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
Follow us on social for Pawsies highlights and updates
