Petmania Ruby Heart Awards return
Public nominations open from 25 March for Dog Friendly Venue and Pet Friendly Workplace, with self-entry for Rescue Activity
Print30 March 2026
After a hugely successful first year celebrating the incredible bond between pets and people, Ireland’s leading pet experts Petmania has announced the return of the Ruby Heart Awards for 2026.
Now in its second year, the awards are opening early to shine a spotlight on the organisations, workplaces, and venues across Ireland that go the extra mile for pets and their communities.
Petmania is kicking off the 2026 awards with early nominations for Dog Friendly Venue and Pet Friendly Workplace, and Rescue Activity.
These awards recognise the cafés, businesses, offices, charities and community groups helping to create a more welcoming world for pets and the people who love them.
From now until 6 May, Petmania is inviting the public to nominate workplaces that welcome wagging tails and venues that make days out with dogs extra special, while rescue organisations are encouraged to enter themselves to showcase the life-changing work they do for animals in need.
Speaking about the return of the awards, Emily Miller, sales and marketing manager at Petmania said: “The response to our first Ruby Heart Awards was incredible.
“We heard so many inspiring stories about the difference pets make in people’s lives and about the communities working tirelessly to support them. For 2026, we’re excited to shine a spotlight again on the organisations, workplaces, and venues making Ireland welcoming for our pets.
“Nominations for Dog Friendly Venue, Pet Friendly Workplace, and Rescue Activity are opening earlier than ever, giving the public the chance to get involved.
“From rescue centres saving vulnerable animals, to workplaces supporting employees through pet-friendly policies, and venues rolling out the red carpet for dogs and their owners, these awards celebrate the people and places strengthening the bond between pets and their communities.”
Award categories open now
· Dog Friendly Venue 2026: Celebrating the cafés, hotels, pubs and attractions across Ireland that make adventures with dogs even better. If you’ve experienced a warm welcome, a water bowl waiting at the door, or a treat jar on the counter, this is your chance to recognise those venues going the extra mile. Sponsored by Dog Friendly Ireland.
· Pet Friendly Workplace 2026: For companies that embrace a pet-friendly culture and understand the positive role pets play in employee wellbeing. Whether pets are welcome in the office or the business actively supports pet-friendly policies, this category celebrates workplaces that lead the way. Sponsored by Duggan Veterinary.
· Rescue Activity 2026: Shining a light on the incredible rescue centres, volunteers and welfare groups working tirelessly to support animals in need. From community rescue initiatives to innovative welfare projects, this category recognises those making a real impact for vulnerable pets. Sponsored by VetIQ.
Last year’s winners say the awards brought national attention to their work and helped strengthen community engagement around pets and animal welfare.
Winner of the Rescue Activity in 2025, Olivia O’Reilly of Galway Cat Rescue, says the award was a turning point for their mission:
“The Ruby Heart Award highlighted our 15-year journey in animal welfare advocacy and validated the 100% voluntary work achieved to date by the group.
“It shone a light on both the challenges and the positive impact community animal welfare groups can make when people come together with empathy and determination.”
Beyond the trophy, the accolade drove tangible results for the rescue, sparking increased public engagement in fostering, adoption and getting involved in essential fundraising campaigns.
Meanwhile, Strokestown Park, winner of Dog Friendly Venue 2025, saw a significant increase in visitors in bringing their four-legged friends. general manager John O’Driscoll notes that the award redefined how the public views the historic site:
“We were so proud to win the Petmania Ruby Heart Award For Dog Friendly Venue 2025.
“This award highlighted how dogs are welcome in Strokestown Park.
“Throughout the year we saw many families arriving to relax with their dogs in our Woodland Café.
“We hope this award will inspire many other attractions and businesses to open their doors to our four-legged friends. “
With a prize fund of over €5000, the winners of the Petmania Ruby Heart Awards will receive national recognition for their positive impact in supporting pets, their owners and local communities.
Winners will be selected through a combination of public voting and a judging panel, with the 2026 recipients announced at a special awards ceremony later this year where they will receive the prestigious Petmania Ruby Heart.
Entries for these categories are open at www.petmania.ie/ruby-heart and will close on 6 May 2026.
Entries for all remaining categories including Golden Oldie, Bravest Pet Favourite Feline, Family Pet and Petfluencer 2026 will open on Wednesday, 15th April and close on 6th May 2026.
Read more: Petmania marks 10 years of TransPAWmation
© 2026, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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