Vets Now has announced its ‘Pet of the Year Awards 2023’ are open for entry – officially launching to coincide with National Pet Day, 11 April 2023, during National Pet Month.
A pet equivalent to A&E, the team is calling on pet owners across the country to nominate an amazing animal they feel deserve to be crowned ‘Pet of the Year’.
Looking to shine a spotlight on beloved furry and feathered heroes and the unique role they play, the winning nomination will receive £500 Wayfair vouchers, a bespoke ‘Pet of the Year’ trophy and a personalised bundle of vet-recommended pet treats.
The official partner to the awards, Wayfair is the destination for all things home – helping everyone, anywhere create their feeling of home.
The £500 Wayfair vouchers can be used across the online retailer’s pet department, which includes everything you need to make homes pet-friendly, from dog sofas, feeding bowls, cat scratchers, chicken coops, rabbit hutches and more.
According to the latest figures, 52% of UK adults own a pet – with over 10 million dogs in the UK, 11 million cats, and 1 million rabbits.*
Dave Leicester, an emergency vet and Head of Telehealth at Video Vet Now service, which is a video consultation service for pet owners run by Vets Now said: – “This year we’re looking for the nation’s most worthy pets; pets who have shown bravery and overcome something themselves or who have enhanced their owner’s life in some way, providing support and companionship.”
Dave added: – “We want to recognise the important role pets play for so many households across the UK. The Vets Now ‘Pet of the Year’ provides a chance to shine a light on pets who have overcome injuries, obstacles and provided their owners with comfort and support. Pets are part of the family and we’re looking forward to celebrating some special companions.”
Marina Kull, Head of UK Housewares at Wayfair said: – “Whilst Wayfair is known for its wide range of furniture and unique homewares, our pet department is one of the most varied and much-loved areas of the site. Offering everything from quirky pet condos to interactive toys and practical must-haves – there is something for every pet, whatever their size or style! We are thrilled to be partnering with Vets Now to offer one deserving winner an opportunity to introduce Wayfair’s pet range to their furry companion.”
Owners can nominate their own pets, or the public can nominate pets they know. The awards will be open for 4-weeks, closing for nominations on 9 May 2023.
Two runners up will also be chosen, each receiving a £50 Wayfair voucher and a Video Vets Now free consult code.
For the first time, Vets Now has crowned a ‘Celebrity Pet of the Year’, in celebration of National Pet Month. Broadcaster, podcaster, and DJ, Nick Grimshaw has been sent the winning trophy for his rescue dog, English bull terrier Pig. Nick made an emergency dash to the vets last December when Pig ate the netting off a Christmas turkey. Making a full recovery, the team at Vets Now felt Pig was a worthy winner.
Launched for the first-time last year, 2022 saw support dog Matilda crowned ‘Pet of the Year’. The then two-year-old Bichon Frise formed such a bond with 8-year-old Sofia that her entry stood out as the winning entry.
Sofia Dobson, from Warrington, Cheshire, was left mostly wheelchair-bound by the devastating stroke. She is also registered blind, has cerebral palsy and suffers from damaging seizures.
While Sofia is able to attend a mainstream school, it was felt a support dog could help with her complex sensory issues. After a lengthy search for the right breed, the family settled on a Bichon Frise and were won over by Matilda’s laid-back nature when they got her as a puppy.
Sarah Dobson, Sofia’s mum and full-time carer, said at the time: – “The pair of them are inseparable and she has helped Sofia in so many ways, even letting us know when she might be about to have a seizure. She’s like a real-life little teddy bear who never leaves her side. The difference in Sofia in the past two years has been incredible.”
To nominate a pet for Video Vets Now ‘Pet of the Year 2023’, complete the 2-minute entry form here.
For more information on Vets Now or to find your nearest out-of-hours clinic or 24/7 hospital, visit www.vets-now.com.
