Animal Welfare Video Awards Announce 2026 Winners
Four organizations won top prizes for digital campaigns that help cats and dogs find their forever homes.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Pets — General
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Hill's Pet Nutrition and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement have announced the winners of the 2026 Wagsies Animal Welfare Video Awards. Ten organizations were selected as finalists, with four top prizes awarded for excellence in digital community engagement.
Why it matters
These awards recognize organizations that successfully use video to inspire pet adoptions and secure community support. By rewarding creative storytelling, the program highlights effective strategies for shelters to connect with potential adopters and donors.
Finalists received $1,000, while top tier winners earned between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on their operating budget threshold of $2 million. Awards were decided through either public voting or expert panel evaluation.
The players
Hill's Pet Nutrition
A pet food manufacturer known for its specialized diet lines and long-standing history of providing nutritional support to animal shelters.
The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
A professional organization that works to support animal welfare leaders through education, networking, and industry recognition programs.
The details
The People's Choice category winners were determined by public voting conducted on the Hill's website, reflecting popular appeal and community reach. In contrast, the Professional Choice winners were selected by a panel of animal welfare marketing experts based on technical criteria. These efforts support a broader mission that has provided over $300 million in food and helped 17 million pets find new families.
Timeline
The 2026 Wagsies Animal Welfare Video Awards were announced in 2026.
The Home Front
This program reflects the growing reliance on digital storytelling to bridge the gap between animal shelters and prospective adopters. It highlights a move toward data-driven, community-focused marketing strategies that are increasingly common in the modern pet adoption landscape.
If you are looking to adopt a new pet, keep an eye on the social media pages of these award-winning shelters as they often share the most up-to-date and engaging information about animals in their care. Supporting shelters that excel in digital communication can help you find reliable information about local adoption processes and pet needs.
The takeaway
Creative video content remains one of the most effective tools for helping shelter pets find their forever homes. Check your local shelter's website or social media feed to see how they are highlighting adoptable animals in your area.
Further reading
For more on effective community engagement, visit the Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petage.
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