Celebrating Excellence in Animal Welfare: The 2026 Wagsies Award Winners Announced

Overview of the 2026 Wagsies Awards

On October 28, 2026, Hill's Pet Nutrition and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement proudly unveiled the winners of the highly anticipated Wagsies Awards during a special ceremony at The Association's annual conference held in Chattanooga. These awards recognize the exceptional video marketing initiatives implemented by organizations in the animal welfare sector, showcasing their creativity and commitment to raising awareness about pets in need.

The Significance of the Wagsies Awards

The Wagsies serve as a testament to the pivotal role that storytelling plays in the animal welfare arena. By utilizing engaging video content, these organizations have successfully captured the essence of their missions and have been able to connect with their communities on a deeper level. Carrick Massey, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Hill's, emphasized the power of storytelling in inspiring action and creating connections among individuals who share a love for animals.

2026 Wagsies Winners and Highlights

This year's ceremony honored several outstanding organizations, recognizing both finalist groups and award winners. A total of ten finalists were selected, each receiving $1,000 to support their continued efforts in animal welfare. The finalists included:

- Anderson County Animal Rescue Foundation
- Central Missouri Humane Society
- Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
- Nevada Humane Society
- Pasadena Humane
- Roice-Hurst Humane Society
- SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center
- Silverstray Social
- SPCA Florida
- SPCA of Texas

People’s Choice Awards

Among the awards presented, the People’s Choice Award was particularly special as it was determined by public voting on Hill's website. Two organizations earned this recognition, each within different budget categories:
1. Under $2M Operating Budget: Central Missouri Humane Society, for their heartwarming video titled "Who is CMHS?" which highlights their dedication to the community and the animals they serve.
2. Over $2M Operating Budget: Pasadena Humane, recognized for their emotional narrative in "Timmy," detailing the incredible recovery of an injured dog who found a loving home thanks to their dedicated care.

Professional Choice Awards

In addition to the People’s Choice awards, the Professional Choice Awards were given to outstanding videos chosen by industry experts:
1. Under $2M Operating Budget: Roice-Hurst Humane Society for their imaginative approach in "Dealin' Man Dan's Fur-Ever Lot," likening adoptable pets to unique car models.
2. Over $2M Operating Budget: SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center for their engaging video "This is SICSA 2026," showcasing their wide-ranging support for pets and their families through community initiatives.

The Importance of Recognizing Animal Welfare Efforts

Jim Tedford, President and CEO of The Association, expressed pride in the continued excellence demonstrated by animal welfare organizations through these awards. He remarked on the critical importance of their work in supporting the communities they serve, emphasizing that the Wagsies not only celebrate their achievements but also raise awareness about the significant contributions these organizations make to the lives of both pets and their human companions.

Hill’s Commitment to Animal Welfare

The Wagsies Awards highlight Hill’s Pet Nutrition's broader commitment to animal welfare. The company’s Food, Shelter & Love program has helped over 17 million cats and dogs find forever homes and has provided more than $300 million in nutritional support to shelters and rescues. Hill's emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and support for animal welfare efforts around the country.

Conclusion

The 2026 Wagsies Award winners shine as inspiring examples of how creativity and passion can amplify the voices of those advocating for our furry friends. The showcase of compelling stories not only engages but also encourages communities to contribute to the welfare of animals everywhere. For those interested in viewing the winning videos and learning more about the efforts made by these organizations, visit HillsPet.com/Wagsies-Awards to see the impactful work recognized in this year's awards.