The Search is on for the UK’s First School Dog of the Year!

The UK’s first-ever School Dog of the Year Award is now open for nominations with schools invited to recognise their canine companion’s extraordinary achievements.

Launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) and the National School Dog Alliance (NSDA), the award celebrates schools that have successfully integrated dogs into school life to enhance student well-being and educational outcomes.

Schools from all educational stages – including early years, primary, secondary, all-age and special schools – are encouraged to nominate their school dog for the award, which will be presented at a special ceremony at the Palace of Westminster in summer 2025.  The winning school will receive a trophy, together with a fantastic prize pack for their dog, including treats and a bespoke training package.  Runners-up attending the awards ceremony will receive goodie bags for their school and their dog.  All entrants will receive a certificate.

This exciting initiative is supported by children’s charity Kidscape, which provides practical support and advice to challenge bullying in both schools and communities and sponsored by protein ball manufacturer ‘It’s The Dogs’.

Dr Helen Lewis, Chair of the NSDA, commented: “This new award shines a spotlight on the innovative and responsible ways schools are integrating dogs into their learning environments and celebrates best practices in utilising school dogs across the UK.”

She continued: “For schools, this recognition is much more than a trophy. It is a demonstration of their willingness to take innovative approaches to improve student well-being and confirms that their school dog’s involvement in the daily life of their school is managed safely, ethically and with the welfare of both students and the dog in mind.”

Dr Marc Abraham OBE, vet and co-founder of APDAWG, added: “More and more schools are discovering the benefits a school dog can bring – whether in improving student well-being, fostering social and emotional development, or in strengthening human-animal relationships.

“By recognising schools that are leading the way in this area, we hope this will be a joyful occasion during which we can all celebrate of the value of dogs in education.”

Lucy Black, Head of Income and Partnerships at Kidscape said: “We support well-being initiatives for children and young people and are proud to partner with the NSDA and APDAWG for the 2025 UK School Dog of the Year Award. Alongside the physical and mental health benefits of having access to pets, the emotional support young people in schools receive from school dogs can help their feelings of anxiety and stress when dealing with a bullying situation.”

Matt Hunt, co-founder of the Protein Ball Company, said: “At It’s The Dog’s, we’re all about giving dogs the best – whether that’s through our all-natural, healthy treats or by supporting initiatives that celebrate their incredible impact. That’s why we’re so proud to be part of the UK’s first-ever UK School Dog of the Year Award. School dogs do so much to support students’ well-being, just as great nutrition supports dogs’ health. We offer huge thanks to APDAWG and the NSDA for championing this and can’t wait to meet the incredible dogs making a difference in schools.”  

Nominations are now open and can be submitted via the National School Dog Alliance website: https://www.nationalschooldogalliance.co.uk/competition/

The deadline for entries is 30 April 2025 – so don’t miss the chance to celebrate your school’s incredible four-legged friend!

Notes to editors:

About APDAWG

The All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) was set up in 2017 to explore, highlight and challenge dog-related activities, legislation and trends with the aim of improving the health and welfare of the UK’s dogs and dog owners – and wider society. APDAWG is chaired by Rosie Duffield MP, with vice-chairs Ruth Jones MP, Danny Chambers MP, and The Earl of Courtown. Many other cross-party parliamentarians, campaigners and animal organisations lend APDAWG their generous support.

About the National School Dog Alliance

Founded by experts in animal-assisted interventions, education and research, the National School Dog Alliance provides high-quality information to help teachers, managers and governors decide whether their school can provide a suitable environment for a school dog and how a school dog can enhance the well-being of both children and staff.

About Kidscape

Kidscape is an award-winning bullying prevention charity which provides training for both staff and young people in schools. The charity gives hope and help to thousands of children and families each year and work in schools and communities throughout England and Wales to help keep children safe from harm.

About The Protein Ball Co – It’s The Dog’s

Launched by human food maker The Protein Ball Co. It’s The Dog’s peanut butter balls cater for pet owners looking to treat their dogs to high protein, low carb and gut friendly snacks, ensuring they support a healthy weight and diet for dogs whilst providing important nutritional content.

For further information:

Rebecca George, George PR

Email: rebecca@georgepr.com

Tel: 07974 161108