Ireland’s love for pets and the communities that support them, is once again taking centre stage with the return of the Ruby Heart Awards, led by Petmania.
Following a hugely successful debut year, the 2026 awards are back with even greater ambition, shining a spotlight on the organisations, workplaces and venues across the country that are going above and beyond for pets and their owners. From welcoming cafés and inclusive workplaces to life-changing rescue initiatives, the awards celebrate the people and places helping to create a more pet-friendly Ireland.
This year, nominations have opened earlier than ever for key categories including Dog Friendly Venue, Pet Friendly Workplace and Rescue Activity, giving the public and organisations more time to get involved and share their stories. It’s a reflection of the growing appetite to recognise not just pets themselves, but the wider ecosystem of businesses and communities that support them.
The impact of the awards is already being felt. Previous winners saw increased visibility, stronger community engagement and tangible support for their work, particularly in the rescue sector, where awareness can directly translate into fostering, adoption and fundraising. It’s a reminder that recognition goes far beyond a trophy; it can drive real change.
With a prize fund of over €5,000 and a national platform, the Ruby Heart Awards continue to build momentum as a meaningful initiative within Ireland’s pet community. Winners will once again be selected through a combination of public voting and expert judging, with the 2026 recipients announced later this year.
As conversations around workplace wellbeing, community connection and animal welfare continue to evolve, initiatives like this play an important role in highlighting the positive impact pets have on our daily lives and the organisations helping to strengthen that bond.
We were proud to support the launch of the Ruby Heart Awards 2026 through PR and media relations, helping to drive awareness and encourage nationwide participation.
