Top of the Pups: Hunt Begins for Britain's Best Dogs and the People Behind the Paws

The hunt is on for Britain's most deserving dogs, and the humans who keep tails wagging, as entries open for the first Peamutt Butter Awards 2026.

Launched by dog peanut butter brand Peamutt Butter, the nationwide awards are looking for the heroes, characters and downright good dogs whose stories deserve their moment in the spotlight.

And it's not just the four-legged contenders getting their day.

The Peamutt Butter Awards 2026 will also celebrate the trainers working wonders, groomers going the extra mile and owners finding increasingly inventive ways to keep their dogs happy, entertained and out of trouble.

Whether it's a dog that has changed someone's life, a trainer who knows exactly what makes a pup tick or a daily walk that rarely goes to plan, Peamutt Butter wants to hear about it.

Entries are open across six categories:

Dog Trainer of the Year – celebrating trainers making a real difference through positive, reward-based training.

Dog Groomer of the Year – recognising groomers who go above and beyond for dogs and their owners.

The Nuttiest Dog Walk Award – for the UK's funniest, muddiest or most adventurous daily dog walk. The muddier the better.

Dog Hero of the Year – recognising a dog that has shown incredible bravery, loyalty or made a life-changing difference.

Man's Best Friend Award – celebrating the extraordinary bond between an owner and their dog.

Enrichment Champion Award – for owners who go above and beyond to keep their dogs mentally stimulated, whether that's games, activities or the weird and wonderful things they do to keep boredom at bay.

Every category winner will receive a year's supply of Peamutt Butter, including its much-loved Peamutt Squeezy and Peamutt Balls.

Entries will be whittled down to a shortlist in November, with finalists revealed in January 2027 and the winners crowned in February 2027.

But there's one more title up for grabs. Three standout stories will then go head-to-head – or nose-to-nose – for the ultimate Peamutt Butter Top Dog Award, with the winner decided by a public vote on Instagram in February.

Top Dog will take home a prize package worth more than £320, including a Pets at Home gift voucher, a Peamutt Butter bundle, a National Trust membership for a year of dog-friendly adventures, plus treats and goodies from Peamutt Butter's brand partners.

Helping to sniff out the winners will be Peamutt Butter ambassador and dog trainer Janey Baker, Richard Duerr from Peamutt Butter and Oakley, winner of the 2025 'Hunt for Peamutt' search, with guest judges joining the panel along the way, to be announced.

Richard Duerr, managing director of F Duerr's & Sons, makers of Peamutt Butter, said: “Dogs are brilliant. They make us laugh, get us out of the house, cause plenty of chaos and somehow become a massive part of the family. There are thousands of brilliant stories out there, from dogs doing amazing things to the trainers who go above and beyond for them. We want to hear them all.

“We always say every dog has its price. Peamutt Butter tends to do the trick in our house, but every owner has their own secret weapon. We can't wait to hear what gets the nation's dogs sitting nicely, coming back when called or finally giving up the sock.”

Janey Baker, dog trainer and Peamutt Butter ambassador, added: “One of the things I love about dogs is that no two are the same. They all have their own personalities, quirks and ways of keeping us on our toes.

“From incredible acts of bravery to hilarious dog walks that don't quite go to plan, everyone has a story about a dog in their life. The Peamutt Butter Awards are an excellent chance to share those stories and truly celebrate man's best friend, so we encourage everyone to enter.”

Peamutt Butter is a range of peanut butter treats made especially for dogs – perfect for rewarding, training, enrichment or a little good old-fashioned bribery. Because sometimes, every dog really does have its price.

Entries to the Peamutt Butter Awards 2026 are now open and free to enter online

Dog owners, trainers, groomers and anyone with a deserving canine contender can enter or nominate someone they think should be in the running.

Entries close on 13 November 2026. For more information, head to Peamutt Butter on Instagram or visit https://peamutt.co.uk

That's Christmas 365: Christmas Gifts for Pet Lovers. And Their Pets!

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Inspiring Vet Care Brings Local Veterinary Teams Together Nationwide

Pet owners understandably want to know that a trusted veterinary team is nearby when their animal needs help. 

Inspiring Vet Care combines that reassuring local relationship with the knowledge, technology and specialist support of a nationwide veterinary network.

The organisation supports more than 900 veterinary practices across the UK, with over 3,300 vets caring for more than two million animals. Its network also includes 12 specialist hospitals and more than 40 referral centres.

Although the practices form part of a large network, Inspiring Vet Care places considerable importance on local veterinary teams. Many clinics retain the familiar names by which they are known in their communities, along with their existing staff and personal approach to animal care.

This means owners can continue visiting vets and nurses who understand their pets, while local teams can draw upon expertise and facilities from across the wider organisation when necessary.

That combination can be especially valuable when an animal develops a complex condition requiring specialist investigation or treatment. A local vet may be able to refer the patient to colleagues with advanced expertise, modern diagnostic equipment or specialist hospital facilities.

The network provides care for a wonderfully varied collection of animals. Alongside familiar household companions such as cats, dogs and rabbits, some practices treat exotic pets, horses and farm animals.

Preventative healthcare is another important part of its work. Regular examinations, vaccinations, parasite protection and dental checks can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.

Its Pet Health Club is available through hundreds of participating practices. More than 900,000 pets are currently covered by the plan, which allows owners to spread the cost of routine preventative care through monthly payments. Benefits can include annual vaccinations, parasite treatments, six-monthly health checks and discounts, although exact provisions may vary between practices.

Technology is also making it easier for owners to manage their pets’ care. Through the My IVC app, clients at participating practices can book appointments, request repeat medication and keep track of their Pet Health Club membership.

Behind every statistic, however, are the vets, veterinary nurses, receptionists and support staff who meet worried owners and care for animals every day. Their work can include everything from welcoming an excited new puppy for its first check-up to supporting a family through a difficult diagnosis or farewell.

With its emphasis on innovation, value and care, Inspiring Vet Care aims to give local teams the resources they need while maintaining the personal relationships that matter so much to pet owners.

You can search for a participating practice by entering your postcode, town or clinic name through the Inspiring Vet Care online vet finder https://ivc.co.uk/find-a-vet

Incidentally, and we aren't sponsored, we use an Inspiring Care Vet practice. 

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Zoomies Without the Drama: Halo Dogs Opens a Private Secure Dog Park in Enfield

If your dog believes every walk is an audition for the 100-metre sprint, or thinks "come back here!" is merely a friendly suggestion, then Halo Dogs may have just created your new happy place.

The well-known London dog care specialist has officially opened a Private Hire Secure Dog Park in Enfield, giving dogs the chance to enjoy glorious off-lead freedom in a fully enclosed countryside setting, and giving owners the priceless gift of not having to chase a muddy Labrador halfway across a field.

Set within Halo Dogs' impressive 540-acre countryside estate, the new secure field is available for exclusive private hire. 

That means no unexpected canine gatecrashers, no awkward encounters with dogs that "just want to say hello," and no worrying about whether your four-legged friend will decide today is the perfect day to ignore every bit of recall training you've ever attempted.

Whether you have a bouncy puppy discovering the world, a rescue dog building confidence, a reactive dog that prefers a little personal space, or simply a whirlwind of energy that needs somewhere safe to burn off steam, the park offers a relaxed environment where dogs can simply be dogs.

Owners can use the space for everything from recall practice and training sessions to games of fetch, sniffing adventures or simply sitting back and watching their canine companion perform the legendary "zoomies" at full speed.

Halo Dogs is no newcomer to the world of canine care. Founded by Justin Kumaran in 2009 as a dog rescue centre, the business has grown over the past 16 years into one of London's best-known providers of luxury boarding, daycare, training and behavioural support.

The company has welcomed over half a million dog visits and continues to expand with facilities designed around canine wellbeing.

Justin Kumaran told That's Pets that every dog deserves the opportunity to run, play and explore safely, adding that the new park allows owners to enjoy quality time with their pets in a secure countryside environment built entirely with dogs in mind.

As more owners look for safe places where their pets can exercise without distractions, secure dog parks are becoming an increasingly popular option. They offer peace of mind while giving dogs something they absolutely adore, space to run, sniff every blade of grass, investigate mysterious smells and return home happily exhausted.

After all, a tired dog is usually a contented dog... and a contented dog is far less likely to redecorate your sofa with muddy paw prints or treat your favourite slippers as an afternoon snack.

For dog lovers around North London, Halo Dogs' latest addition looks set to become a paws-itively popular destination.

https://www.halodogs.co.uk/dog-rescue-rehabilitation-charity

Ukrainian Animal Welfare Champion Receives Prestigious Naturewatch Foundation Award

Ukrainian animal welfare advocate Maryna Surkova has been honoured with a Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin for her work tackling animal cruelty and strengthening animal welfare laws.

A leading Ukrainian animal welfare advocate has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to protecting animals and strengthening animal welfare laws across Ukraine.

Maryna Surkova, President of the Association of Animal Protection Organisations of Ukraine (AZOU), has been awarded a prestigious Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin in recognition of her years of dedication to tackling animal cruelty and improving the lives of animals throughout the country.

The award was presented in Kyiv on 9 June 2026 by Naturewatch Foundation Campaign Manager Natalie Sorokpud during the annual Zoo-Conscious (Zoosvidomi) Forum. The event brought together animal welfare organisations, shelter representatives, veterinarians, businesses, policymakers and international partners to discuss the future of animal protection in Ukraine.

Maryna has become one of the country's most respected voices on animal welfare law and enforcement. Working closely with police forces, prosecutors and animal welfare organisations, she has helped ensure that cases involving animal cruelty are investigated properly and that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Her work has also played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between animal welfare groups and law enforcement agencies, helping to ensure that legislation designed to protect animals is put into practice effectively.

As a longstanding partner of Naturewatch Foundation, Maryna has supported a range of initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare standards, including specialist police training programmes focused on investigating crimes against animals.

Speaking after receiving the award, Maryna told That's Pets: "Our organisations have worked together for many years, and during that time we have implemented a number of important initiatives to improve animal welfare in Ukraine, including training police officers to investigate crimes against animals and supporting local animal welfare organisations. It is especially meaningful to receive this recognition from colleagues who understand how challenging, yet important, this work is."

Sarah Carr, Chief Executive Officer of Naturewatch Foundation, praised Maryna's dedication and commitment.

"Naturewatch Foundation awards our Challenge Coin to celebrate the remarkable work of people working determinedly to improve animal welfare and tackle animal cruelty. My thanks to Maryna for her important work and unwavering commitment to animal welfare, and my congratulations on receiving one of our Challenge Coins."

Natalie Sorokpud added that Maryna's determination and professionalism have helped transform the way animal cruelty cases are viewed and investigated in Ukraine, creating lasting change that will benefit animals for generations to come

The Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin is one of the charity's highest honours. A maximum of just four awards are presented each year, recognising individuals whose efforts go above and beyond in advancing animal welfare and supporting the organisation's mission.

Maryna's award serves as a powerful reminder that dedicated individuals can make a real difference in the fight against animal cruelty, even in the most challenging circumstances.

https://www.naturewatch.org

World Veterinary Day: Celebrating the People Who Keep Our Pets Healthy

Every year, World Veterinary Day gives us the perfect excuse to pause, reflect, and say a huge thank you to the people who spend their working lives looking after the animals we love.

From emergency surgeries and routine vaccinations to reassuring worried pet owners who are convinced their cat is “definitely dying” because it refused breakfast once, veterinary professionals do far more than many people realise.

For pet owners across the UK, vets are often the unsung heroes of everyday life.

More Than Just Emergencies

Many people only think about the vet when something goes wrong. A limping dog, a poorly rabbit, a cat with a suspicious dislike of its litter tray—suddenly the local surgery becomes the most important place in town.

But veterinary care is about far more than emergencies.

Regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, weight management, and early diagnosis all help pets live longer, healthier lives. Prevention is often far cheaper—and far less stressful—than treatment after a problem becomes serious.

That annual health check might seem routine, but it can spot hidden issues before they become major concerns.

Vets, Nurses and the Whole Team

World Veterinary Day is also a reminder that veterinary care is a team effort.

Veterinary nurses, reception staff, practice managers, lab teams, and support staff all play a vital role. They are the calm voices on the phone, the reassuring faces in the waiting room, and often the people handing over tissues when difficult decisions have to be made.

Anyone who has ever sat in a vet’s waiting room with a nervous dog, an angry cat, or a hamster in a shoebox knows just how valuable that kindness can be.

The Rising Cost Conversation

Let’s be honest, vet bills can be a shock.

Many owners are surprised by the cost of treatment, especially for emergencies or specialist care. Modern veterinary medicine now includes advanced imaging, specialist surgery, cancer treatment, physiotherapy, and long-term chronic care that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.

This is why pet insurance is increasingly worth serious consideration. It may not be the most exciting monthly payment, but when faced with a four-figure bill for an unexpected operation, it suddenly feels like a very sensible decision.

Being a Better Pet Owner

Supporting your vet also means being a responsible owner.

Keeping vaccinations up to date, maintaining a healthy diet, providing exercise, monitoring behaviour changes, and not relying entirely on “someone on Facebook said…” are all part of good pet care.

Google can be helpful. Your vet is better.

Usually.

A Thank You That Matters

Veterinary work can be emotionally demanding, physically exhausting, and often underappreciated. Yet vets and veterinary teams continue to show up every day because they care deeply about animal welfare.

So this World Veterinary Day, whether your pet is a pampered pug, a rescue cat, an opinionated parrot, or a rabbit who rules the household, take a moment to appreciate the people who help keep them healthy.

They deserve more than just gratitude.

Although perhaps fewer emergency appointments caused by dogs eating socks would also help.