Ruby Heart Awards
The Petmania Ruby Heart is a mark of recognition and achievement to celebrate the remarkable impact pets have on their owners and communities.
There are categories to suit all types of pets, plus additional categories to reward pet-friendly businesses, workplaces and rescue centre activities. Plus each category has their own unique prizes!
Meet Our 2026 Champions
Celebrating the pets and places that stole our hearts
Helping Paw 2026
Rosie Connolly
Petfluencer 2026
Arlo the toy poodle
Rescue Activity 2026
MADRA Dog Rescue
Rescue Pet 2026
Podge Lotti
Pet Friendly Workplace 2026
Sonas Nursing Home Cloverhill
Bravest Pet 2026
Mr Shelby Rohan
Family Pet 2026
Cora Murniece
Favourite Feline 2026
Easy Peeler
Golden Oldie 2026
Buster Dunican
Dog Friendly Venue 2026
Beans and Leaves
Rescue Activity 2026
MADRA Dog Rescue
Rescue Pet 2026
Podge Lotti
Helping Paw 2026
Rosie Connolly
Petfluencer 2026
Arlo the toy poodle
Golden Oldie 2026
Buster Dunican
Pet Friendly Workplace 2026
Sonas Nursing Home Cloverhill
Family Pet 2026
Cora Murniece
Favourite Feline 2026
Easy Peeler
Dog Friendly Venue 2026
Beans and Leaves
Bravest Pet 2026
Mr Shelby Rohan
Top 5 Nominee Results
Click to see the public voting results below!
Vote here
Simply click a category to learn what the category is about, prizes and vote!
Vote Now!
Rescue Activity
Sponsored by VetIQ
Vote Now!
Pet-Friendly Workplace
Sponsored by Duggan Veterinary
Vote Now!
Dog-Friendly Venue
Sponsored by Dog Friendly Ireland
Vote Now!
Petfluencer
Sponsored by KONG
Vote Now!
Rescue Pet
Sponsored by Gain Elite
Vote Now!
Helping Paw
Sponsored by PURINA
Vote Now!
Golden Oldie
Sponsored by WHIMZEES
Vote Now!
Bravest Pet
Sponsored by Benebone
Vote Now!
Favourite Feline
Sponsored by SCHESIR
Vote Now!
Family Pet
Sponsored by WELLNESS CORE
Rescue Pet 2026
Sponsored by GAIN ELITE
Behind every adopted pet is a story of love, hope and second chances. Tell us your pet’s adoption story and how they’ve inspired you.
Entry was open to all cats and dogs adopted within the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Rescue Pet 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- 3 months food from GAIN ELITE
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
GAIN ELITE Pet Nutrition
As a veterinarian recommended brand, GAIN ELITE Science Plan is a brilliant option for both cats and dogs when making a health conscious choice.
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Helping Paw 2026
Sponsored by PURINA
Honoring the incredible therapy and service animals who provide unwavering support to the people in powerful ways.
Entry was open to all service cats and dogs within the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Helping Paw 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- 3 months food from PURINA
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
PURINA
Nourishing Pets. Enriching Lives. PURINA is a company of pet lovers. Their passion for pets goes beyond pushing pet nutrition forward, and into forging partnerships in the pet welfare world and raising awareness of what pets truly need. After all, it has seen firsthand how powerful the bond with a pet can be, and the many unique ways that pets can strengthen our families and bring our communities closer.
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Golden Oldie 2026
Sponsored by WHIMZEES
Celebrating the charm, wisdom, and unconditional love of our senior pets. Whether they’re 8 or 18, this award is for the golden-hearted pets who continue to light up their families’ lives with wagging tails and soulful eyes.
Entry was open to all cats and dogs over 7 years of age living in the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Golden Oldie 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- 3 months food from WELLNESS CORE
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
WHIMZEES
WHIMZEES offer natural, vegetable-based dog chews designed to promote dental health. Made with limited ingredients and fun shapes, their treats help reduce plaque and tartar while being easily digestible and delicious. Whimzees are a fun, healthy choice for daily canine dental care.
They are also a sister-brand of WELLNESS CORE by WELLNESS
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Bravest Pet 2026
Sponsored by Benebone
For the warriors in fur coats—this category recognises pets who have shown extraordinary courage, battled illness, bounced back from injury, or supported their humans through tough times.
Entry was open to all cats and dogs living in the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Bravest Pet 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- Toy Hamper from Benebone
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
BENEBONE
Good dogs deserve better- one bite and they’ll be hooked! BENEBONE started with the premise that dogs experience scent and flavour in a way we can’t even grasp. Tailored products to suit the unique needs of our beloved companions — cleverly and simply. Benebone uses the highest-quality materials, you know you’ve gotten a product you can trust.
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Favourite Feline 2026
Sponsored by SCHESIR
Putting our feline friends in the spot light, this award recognises that cats are looking to tip the scales in their favour as man’s best friend. Whether they rule the roost with sass, bring calm with a purr, or just have a knack for being your constant companion, this one’s for Ireland’s most treasured felines.
Entry was open to all cats living in the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Favourite Feline 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- 3 months food from SCHESIR
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
SCHESIR
Schesir has been a leader in high quality, natural wet food for cats for over 25 years. Known for it’s dedication to using 100% natural ingredients, this commitments means that every product in its range is free from artificial colours, preservatives and flavours.
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Family Pet 2026
Sponsored by WELLNESS CORE
Celebrating the beloved pet who’s right at the heart of the home—from breakfast cuddles to bedtime routines. This award honours the pets who grow up with our kids, keep us company, and make our family feel complete.
Entry was open to all family pets living in the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Family Pet 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- 3 months food from WELLNESS CORE
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
WELLNESS CORE
WELLNESS CORE provides balanced food that takes care of your pet from within. It’s passionate about crafting natural, high-quality, balanced nutrition since 1926. CORE not only tastes great; it also contains all the natural ingredients to help your companion thrive from the inside out.
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Petfluencer 2026
Sponsored by KONG
Recognising the pets who are social media stars in their own right. Whether they raise awareness, spread smiles, or simply have the most devoted followers, this award honours their impact—online and beyond.
Entry was open to all pet influencers that have their own social media profile and are living in the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Petfluencer 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- Hamper of toys from KONG
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
KONG
KONG is trusted around the world as a producer of high-quality dog toys, cat toys and puppy treats, including the Classic — the gold standard of dog toys.
Your pet deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Rescue Activity 2026
Sponsored by VETIQ
Shining a light on Ireland’s dedicated rescue centres and the unsung heroes behind them. From lifesaving work to standout community initiatives, this category recognises those leading the way in pet welfare.
Entry was open to all rescue centres or welfare organisations in the Republic of Ireland who have carried out an activity after 1st January 2025.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Rescue Activity 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €1500 Petmania Gift Card
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Become a Petmania Brand Ambassador for 12 months
2nd place prize
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- Prestigious Ruby Heart Award
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
VetIQ
VetIQ, at its core, is a brand that believes every pet deserves to live a healthy, active and happy life. With that in mind, our selection offers a variety of convenient, high quality, health and wellness products to support your pet and allow them to continue living a happy and healthy life with their family.
Your venue deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Pet-Friendly Workplace 2026
Sponsored by Duggan Veterinary
For businesses that embrace a pet-friendly culture, support employee wellbeing, or have the best office paw-sitivity. Nominate your workplace if your pet is welcome at work—or if your company champions pet-friendly practices.
Entry was open all businesses in the Republic of Ireland that have pet-friendly working environment.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information. Companies that work directly in the pet-care sector are excluded from entry.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Pet-Friendly Workplace 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- In-company dog training session for employees’ dogs
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
2nd place prize
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- Prestigious Ruby Heart Award
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
Duggan Veterinary
DUGGAN VETERINARY was founded in 1987 with the mission of providing the veterinary surgeon with premium, affordable products for use in the treatment of animals, be they large or just a companion animal in the homeplace.
Your venue deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Dog-Friendly Venue 2026
Sponsored by Dog Friendly Ireland
As pets become an increasingly important part of the Irish family unit, this award will celebrate the venues that allow dogs to join their humans when they go out and about, who go above and beyond to make their canine guests feel welcome.
Entry was open to any dog-friendly hotel, bar, restaurant, café or events space in the Republic of Ireland.
*T&Cs apply. Check out our competition rules for more information.
Prizes
The five entrants who receive the most public votes in each category will be put forward to a judging panel. From the 5 entrants in each category, judges will determine the 3 entrants that will receive an exclusive ticket to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny City on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Top prize
Our Dog-Friendly Venue 2026 winner will receive:
- Prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart Award
- €250 Petmania Gift Card
- 12-month listing on dogfriendlyireland.ie
- Featured post on Petmania’s social media pages
- Authorisation to use the Petmania Ruby Heart logo on your digital and print materials
2nd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
3rd place prize
- €75 Petmania Gift Card
Dog Friendly Ireland
With over 15,000 followers on Instagram and a dedicated website, dogfriendlyireland.ie is an excellent way of finding dog-friendly venues across Ireland so you can bring your best-friend to hotels, restaurants, bars and more!
Your venue deserves the spotlight – let’s ENTER!
Schedule
Current stage: Closed!
Entry stage
Entry Closed!
On 4th May 2026
Public voting
Thursday 7th May
Voting Opened
Online only
Sunday 24th May
Voting Closed!
Nominees announcement
Monday 25th May
Top 5 in all categories
Friday 29th May
Top 3 in all categories
Awards ceremony
Wednesday 10th of June
At Kilkenny
Frequently asked questions
Entries will open on 25th March 2026 for the Rescue Activity, Pet-Friendly Workplace, and Dog-Friendly Venue categories. All other categories will open for entries on 15th April 2026.
To enter, simply select your chosen category and complete the submission form provided. Please note that entries must be submitted in photo format; unfortunately, video submissions cannot be accepted.
No. Entry is restricted to one pet per entry.
Entries with multiple pets will be rejected, and you’ll be asked to submit them separately.
You may submit multiple pets in the same category, as long as each pet has its own separate entry.
The only exception to this is for the Petfluencer category where multiple pets are featured on the same social media profiles.
If your pet is eligible, yes you can enter multiple different categories.
If you enter multiple times in the same category, your most recent entry will be declined. If you wish to make changes to your original entry, please contact [email protected] with the following information
- Pet name
- Category you entered
- What information you’d like changed (name, caption, photo)
Please note that entries can only be changed once and cannot be changed once voting goes live.
We aim to respond to all queries within 1 working day*
*Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm excl. bank holidays.
Online public voting will take place
- From 6:00pm 7th May 2026
- Until 11:59pm 24th May 2026
To vote online:
- Select a category
- Click “vote now” to be redirected to the category’s voting page.
- Select an entry from the gallery and click “vote”.
- Enter a valid email address and submit vote.
To ensure fairness, all voters are required to provide a valid email.
For easier navigation, all entrants will receive an email with their unique voting links which will quickly bring you straight to your voting card(s). These can be shared on your social media pages to bring your family/friends/followers to your voting card.
Voting is limited to once per 24 hours. If you vote at 2:30pm today, you cannot vote until 2:31pm tomorrow.
Voting is restricted to once per 24 hours. If you vote at 2:30pm today, you cannot vote until 2:31pm tomorrow.
Yes. Send an email to [email protected] and we will be able to update your entry. In your email please include the following:
- Name on entry
- Category you entered
- What information you want updated
Please note that entries can only be changed once, and cannot be changed once voting goes live.
If your original entry was rejected for any reason, we will follow up and let you know what to do next. Some categories have specific criteria that must be followed. Submissions made outside of the will be rejected.
If you’re experiencing an issue entering/voting, please contact us at [email protected] and let us know what is happening.
To help us investigate, please include the following information in your email (if you know it):
- What device you’re using (Windows PC, iPhone, Android etc)
- What browser you’re using (Safari, Chrome, Firefox etc)
- A screenshot/screen recording of the issue.
We aim to respond to all queries within 1 working day*
*Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm excl. bank holidays.
Unfortunately not. Submissions you make must be on behalf of your pet, or the business/charity/venue you work for.
Some smartphones (including iPhones and Androids) take images in a .heif file format, which will not be accepted on Woobox.
You will need to convert these to a .jpg or .png file format to submit. As a quick fix, you can take a screenshot of your photo and submit that instead.
Send your query to [email protected] and we’d be happy to assist you. If your query is in relation to your entry, please include the following information
- Entry name
- What category you entered
We aim to respond to all queries within 1 working day*
*Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm excl. bank holidays.
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