#United States #Atlanta #animal welfare #Hill's Pet Nutrition #Wagsies Awards

Celebrating the 2025 Wagsies Winners

On November 5, 2025, Hill's Pet Nutrition and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement proudly revealed the winners of the 2025 Wagsies Animal Welfare Video Awards during their annual conference held in Atlanta. These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the incredible video marketing efforts of animal welfare organizations dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

The Wagsies, primarily focused on highlighting the stories of shelter and rescue pets, provide an essential platform that merges creativity with a call to action, demonstrating how compelling narratives can drive engagement and support for animal welfare initiatives. The awards celebrate the remarkable work of organizations that not only care for these animals but also share their heartfelt journeys with the public.

Highlights of the Awards

The event was rich with emotion and innovation, as each winning entry showcased unique narratives that resonated with both the public and professionals in the field. Carrick Massey, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Hill's US, emphasized the significance of these awards, stating, "These awards serve as a powerful platform to applaud the creativity and dedication of animal welfare organizations across the country. This year's winners showcase the stories of many resilient pets and draw our attention to the heroic care provided by shelter teams every day."

People's Choice Award

The People's Choice Award, a highly coveted honor determined through public voting, awarded Pasadena Humane for their touching video "Skinny Minnie." This story features Minnie, a cat who suffered injuries and displacement due to the Eaton fire. After receiving four months of dedicated care and support from the Pasadena Humane team, Minnie was joyfully reunited with her family. The award comes with a grand prize of $20,000, while the runner-up, One Tail at a Time, received $5,000 for their compelling video "Fostering," which encourages viewers to reconsider their hesitations about fostering shelter pets.

Professional Choice Award

In contrast, the Professional Choice Award, selected by esteemed marketing experts in the animal welfare domain, honored the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for their video titled "Gizmo." This heartwarming story depicts the journey of a Shih Tzu named Gizmo, who was found abandoned and matted. Through careful grooming and support from shelter staff, Gizmo transformed and now enjoys life with a loving family. This narrative serves as a beacon of hope for other pets in similar situations.

Category Awards

The accolades didn’t stop there, as five category winners were also celebrated:

• - Best Public Service Announcement: One Tail at a Time, "Fostering"
• - Funniest Video: Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, "Puppy Love is Blind"
• - Best Shelter Brand Awareness: Pasadena Humane, "Skinny Minnie"
• - Best Emotional Story: Greater Birmingham Humane Society, "Gizmo"
• - Best Adoption Story: Hawk Creek Animal Shelter, "Rotisserie's Story"

As Jim Tedford, President and CEO of The Association, poignantly remarked, "Each year, the Wagsies remind us of the profound impact that an emotionally compelling story can have on animal welfare. The 2025 entries have once again demonstrated exceptional talent in advocating for animals in need and driving community action, and we are thrilled to highlight their contributions alongside our friends at Hill's."

Hill's Commitment to Animal Welfare

The Wagsies play a crucial role in furthering Hill's commitment to animal welfare through their Food, Shelter & Love program, which has been operational since 2002. This initiative feeds pets in over 1,000 North American shelters daily, emphasizing the belief that proper nutrition, coupled with the unwavering support from shelter professionals, is key to ensuring pets lead happy, healthy lives and become more adoptable.

For those interested in learning more about the Wagsies and to view the winning videos, please visit HillsPet.com/Wagsies-Awards. Also, to explore the Food, Shelter & Love program, visit HillsPet.com/Shelter.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition

Founded over 75 years ago, Hill's Pet Nutrition has consistently prioritized science-led pet nutrition. Their mission is to strengthen the bond between pets and their humans. With nearly 200 veterinarians, PhD nutritionists, and food scientists on their team, Hill's is dedicated to creating innovative pet food solutions and championing the health of both pets and their families. For more information regarding their products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com.

About The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

Established in 1970, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement is the only international professional organization dedicated exclusively to animal welfare leaders. Their mission is to uplift and unify professionals in the animal care sector. To learn more, visit www.theaawa.org.