Paws Up! Petmania’s Puppy of the Year Turns 10

Screenshot 2025 08 27 104443
Puppies from all across Ireland are officially invited to compete for the prestigious title of Petmania’s Puppy of the Year 2025 — a heartwarming celebration of the nation’s beloved pets, culminating in a live grand finale and winner announcement at Dublin’s Pet Expo on 18th October. 
 
Now in its 10th year, the competition marks a milestone decade of celebrating puppy love across the country. The event continues to grow in popularity, with last year’s edition attracting a record-breaking 1700 entries from proud pet parents nationwide. 
 
Entries are now open from 25th August to 14th September, and puppies aged up to 12 months from all 26 counties are eligible to enter the competition. All valid entrants will receive a free Puppy Pack, plus an exclusive discount code  off puppy essentials.  
 
One lucky pup will win a grand prize package valued at €2,500, which includes 12 monthly grooming visits at Petmania, a 12-month supply of food from BETA, a 2-night stay from Ireland’s Blue Book, a professional photoshoot, and a brand ambassador contract with Petmania. 
 
According to Petmania’s 2023 Pet Survey, a remarkable 81% of Irish households have a dog, highlighting the nation’s deep affection for their four-legged companions. Dogs have become more than just pets — they’re part of the family. As the bond between pets and people continues to grow, Petmania Puppy of the Year offers an opportunity to honour the puppies who are at the heart of so many Irish homes. 
 
The winning pup will be selected based on a combination of personality, coat and appearance, obedience, and special talents. In the initial stages, the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite puppy to progress to the final rounds. 
 
Speaking about the launch of the tenth edition of Puppy of the Year, Petmania’s spokesperson Emily Miller, says:  “Reaching the 10th year of Puppy of the Year is a truly special milestone for us at Petmania. We’re passionate about supporting pets and their families at every stage of their journey, and over the past decade, we’ve had the joy of meeting so many incredible puppies and their proud families from all across Ireland. This competition is more than just a title — it’s a celebration of the love, loyalty, and joy that our pets bring into our lives every day.  We’re so proud to host the Petmania Puppy of the Year once again in 2025 and can’t wait to meet the wagging tails and big personalities that this year’s entries will bring.”  
 
Last year’s champion, Harley Alves, a Cavapoo from Athlone, captured hearts across the country. Her owner, Jane Alves, fondly recalls the experience and encourages others to take part of the competition: “We loved getting to celebrate all the beautiful puppies who entered on this journey last year. We had so much fun along the way and made so many new friends — memories we’ll always cherish. Winning Puppy of The Year 2024 meant so much to us. Harley is such a special pup and we wanted to share her loving nature with everyone. It’s an honour to represent Petmania and our local store in Athlone!”  
 
Entries for Puppy of the Year are now open at  www.petmania.ie/poty. For full details on how to enter competition, timelines, and prize details, visit the website or follow Petmania on social media to keep up to date. 
About Petmania  
Petmania is Ireland’s leading pet retailer, with 17 stores nationwide. Dedicated to pet welfare and responsible pet ownership, Petmania offers a wide range of products, services, and reliable advice to empower pet parents to provide exceptional care at every stage of their pet’s life.  
For more information about Petmania and to enter the Puppy of the Year competition, visit www.petmania.ie  

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Vika joined Harris PR following her selection as the recipient of the 2025/26 Harris PR Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Bursary, developed in partnership with the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) and the Open Doors Initiative. Originally from Ukraine and displaced by war, Vika came to Ireland in 2022 and brings over eight years of experience in communications including a wealth of strategic insight, creativity, and international perspective.

 

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