The Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards are Back! Because Not All Heros Wear Capes, Some Wear Collars!
The launch of The Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards 2025, proudly sponsored by Agria, has been announced by the Irish Kennel Club. Following the incredible success of the 2022 and 2023 events, this year’s awards promise to be even more paw-some as they celebrate Ireland’s most courageous, life-changing and devoted dogs.
Do you know a dog who deserves a round of a-paws? Whether they’ve saved a life, provided unwavering companionship or served bravely in law enforcement, this is their moment to shine. The awards are open for nominations in seven categories:
- Life-Changing Dogs
- Therapy/Guide Dogs
- Bravery Dogs
- Search & Rescue Dogs
- Rescue/Rehomed Dogs
- Companion Dogs
- Law Enforcement Dogs
Each nominated hero will have the chance to be recognised on a national stage. A distinguished panel of judges (to be announced soon) will select finalists in each category. The overall winner will be revealed at a dazzling awards ceremony and lunch on the 22nd February 2025 at the Keadeen Hotel, Co. Kildare. Finalists and their humans will be in attendance for a day filled with celebration and inspiration.
In previous years, the Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards captured the hearts of the nation with finalists featured on The Late Late Show, Virgin Media News and RTE’s Today. In November 2023, President Michael D. Higgins met with the Irish Kennel Club where they presented him with an honorary Golden Paw Award for his former pet Bernese Mountain Dog, Bród. With stories that inspire, move and celebrate the bond between humans and their four-legged friends, the event continues to capture national attention.
“We are delighted to work with the IKC and continue our sponsorship of the Hero Dog Awards,” says Bernard O’Sullivan, Country Manager of Agria.
“At Agria, our passion for dogs runs deep. Hearing inspiring stories about the bond between dogs and their owners brings us immense joy. The Hero Dog Awards recognise and reward Ireland's most courageous and life-changing dogs and those that exemplify the ideal standards for their breeds. This is made possible through their owners' exceptional training and care, which deserves recognition.”
Nominate Your Hero Dog Today!
Enter your nomination at https://www.ikc.ie/nomination-form/
Closing Date: 2nd February 2025
Press Note: Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for 22nd February 2025, when Ireland’s bravest and most devoted dogs will take centre stage. All press welcome so don’t miss the chance to be part of this heartwarming celebration of canine courage and companionship.
Past Golden Paw Hero Dog Winners
2023: Teddy who, with his owner, Anne volunteers for Irish Therapy Dogs making regular visits to patients in St. Vincents ICU.
(pictured with Bernard O’Sullivan, Country Manager Agria & Pat O’Boyle, President of The Irish Kennel Club)
2022: Marcel the Golden Retriever who as Kerry’s first Ambassador Dog, visits nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and many fund-raising events with his owner Anne.
(Marcel is pictured with Jane Seymour backstage of The Late Late Show)
(Dermot Alford (Chairman), Pat O’Boyle (President) and Paul Lawless (Director) of The Irish Kennel Club present President Higgins with Bród’s honorary Golden Paw award. November 2023)
Damien Hanley
Marketing Strategy Manager
press@agriapetinsure.ie
Agria is one of the world’s leading pet insurers. Agria Petinsure was established in Ireland in 2023 and is now a prominent feature of the Irish pet insurance industry, providing insurance for cats, dogs and horses. As pet insurance specialists we understand that a pet is for life – and pet insurance should be too. That’s why we only offer lifetime pet and horse insurance to our customers, ensuring pets and horses get the best healthcare, for life.
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