The search is on for the UK’s first School Dog of the Year!

Is your school home to an extraordinary canine companion? 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 wellbeing 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. 

The initiative is supported by children’s charity Kidscape, which provides practical support and advice to challenge bullying in both schools and communities and is 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 wellbeing 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 wellbeing, 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 new award will inspire others to take on a school dog and that the awards ceremony will be a joyful occasion during which we can all celebrate the value of dogs in education.” 

Lucy Black, head of income and partnerships at Kidscape, said: “We support wellbeing 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 through our all-natural, healthy treats or by supporting initiatives that celebrate their impact. That’s why we’re 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’ wellbeing so we offer huge thanks to APDAWG and the NSDA for this initiative and can’t wait to meet the incredible dogs making a difference in schools.”  

In addition to Marc Abraham and Helen Lewis, the judging panel comprises experts from the education sector and the canine world, including Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine; Hannah Molloy, TV dog behaviourist and Rosie Duffield MP, chair of APDAWG.  Several dog-loving celebrities are also on the panel, including broadcasters Nicky Campbell OBE and Kirsty Gallacher; Welsh rugby star Duncan Jones and Welsh actor Leo Harris.

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!