Carlow people encouraged to nominate local businesses for dog-friendly venue competition

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 their 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.

From now until 6th May, Petmania is inviting people in Carlow 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.

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.

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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:

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. " 

Entries for these categories are open at www.petmania.ie/ruby-heart and will close on 6th 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.