The countdown is on to nominate the rescue shelters, volunteers, foster carers, businesses and rescue pets making a difference, with nominations for the inaugural Rescue Pet Awards closing at midnight on 30 September 2026.

Organised by Only Rescues, the new awards have been created to recognise the people and organisations behind rescue, from the teams working tirelessly in shelters to the foster carers opening their homes, volunteers giving their time and businesses providing vital support.

There are also two categories dedicated to the animals at the heart of it all, Rescue Dog of the Year and Rescue Cat of the Year, celebrating rescue pets whose stories have made a lasting impact on the people around them.

With 17 categories in total, the awards recognise the breadth of the rescue world. Categories include UK Shelter of the Year, International Shelter of the Year, Volunteer-Led Shelter of the Year, Foster Carer of the Year, Rescue Volunteer of the Year and Rescue Influencer of the Year, alongside awards recognising veterinary practices, groomers, pet food and insurance providers, retailers, pet care brands and others supporting rescue.

Tara Hamdi, founder of Only Rescues, said: “Rescue centres and the people working in them are doing an extraordinary job, often in incredibly difficult circumstances. They are the people who are there every day, caring for animals who have nowhere else to go and working tirelessly to give them a better future.

“We created the Rescue Pet Awards to give that work the recognition it deserves. We also wanted to celebrate the incredible network around rescue, from foster carers and volunteers to vets, groomers and businesses that support shelters and rescue pets in so many different ways.

“And, of course, we couldn't have an awards celebrating rescue without celebrating the pets themselves. There are so many incredible stories out there, and we want to hear them.”

Nominations are free and close at midnight on 30 September 2026, with the winners announced at the inaugural Rescue Pet Awards at the Andaz London Liverpool Street on 24 November 2026. The evening will be hosted by internationally recognised dog behaviour expert and television personality Victoria Stilwell.

The awards are supported by an impressive line-up of sponsors and partners from across the pet and professional services industries, including Agria Pet Insurance, Butternut Box, Marro, Simply Jasper's, Gatehouse Awards, Mackle Petfoods, Tug-E-Nuff, Nobull, Tarragon Wealth, Glowcroft, 42BR Barristers, PATS - Pet and Aquatics Trade Show, PetRemedy, WildWash and The Animal Focused Alliance.

To nominate or find out more about the Rescue Pet Awards, visit www.therescuepetawards.com.