Petmania Launches Ruby Heart Awards to Celebrate Ireland’s Most Paw-fect Pets
They’ve been by your side through thick and thin, made you laugh when you needed it most, or shown unbelievable bravery in the face of challenge—and now, your pet could be recognised with a national award.
Irish pet retailer Petmania has just launched the very first Ruby Heart Awards, a nationwide celebration of the incredible stories of pets and the people who care for them.
From now until May 14th, Petmania is calling on pet parents, to share the stories of their inspiring, quirky, cuddly, courageous, or downright legendary pets. Whether your cat rules the house, your rescue dog changed your life, or your senior pooch still has the zoomies—there’s a category for them.
Petmania is also looking to recognise rescue centres, workplaces, and pet-friendly venues across Ireland that have taken the lead on initiatives to support pets and their families. Three very special Ruby Hearts will be awarded to the Pet Rescue Activity, Pet Friendly Workplace and Dog Friendly Venue that
“We created the Ruby Heart Awards to celebrate the powerful bond between pets and people,” says Emily Miller, Sales & Marketing Manager at Petmania. “Pets are part of our families, and we know there are so many inspiring stories out there that deserve to be heard, celebrated and shared.”
Award Categories
Rescue Pet 2025 – Sponsored by Hills Pet
For pets who’ve overcome tough beginnings and now bring joy, comfort, or even healing to their families. This category celebrates the transformative journey of rescue animals and the impact they’ve made since finding their forever home.
Helping Paw 2025 – Sponsored by Purina
As the role of pets in providing medical, therapy and service supports to humans becomes increasingly important, Petmania want to honour these incredible animals who bring so much more to the lives of their humans.
Open to therapy and service pets that provide support to humans in a home or community setting, this award will honour those therapy and service animals that support people in powerful ways.
Golden Oldie 2025 – 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.
Bravest Pet 2025 – Sponsored by GAIN Pet Nutrition
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.
Favourite Feline 2025 – 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.
Family Pet 2025 – 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.
Rescue Activity 2025 – Sponsored by Hills Pet
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.
Pet-Friendly Workplace 2025 – Sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance
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.
Dog-Friendly Venue 2025 – Sponsored by DogfriendlyIreland.ie
Celebrating cafés, hotels, pubs, and spots across Ireland that make adventures with your dog even better. If you’ve been wowed by a water bowl, a treat jar or a warm welcome for your pup, this one’s for them.
Petfluencer 2025 – 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.
With prize fund of over €5000, the winners of the Petmania Ruby Heart Awards will receive national recognition for their unique and positive impact to promote, encourage and support the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.
Winners will be selected via a combination of public vote and judging panel, and announced at a special awards ceremony on June 11th, where they will be presented with the prestigious and coveted Petmania Ruby Heart.
Entries are now open at www.petmania.ie and will close on May 14th, 2025. Public voting will take place from May 15th to 29th.
If you’ve got a pet with a story worth celebrating, now is your chance to let the nation know.