Pet Awards Entry - Ginger and Tails

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The Colchester Pet Awards celebrate the animals who make a real difference to our lives, whether through companionship, courage, or simply being there when it matters most.

How it works

Choose a category and submit your entry using the form below
Entries close at 12pm on Saturday 6 June 2026
Each category will be reviewed by an independent judging panel
Winners will be announced in late June 2026

Please note: You are unable to save the form to submit later, so it’s recommended that you plan your entry before starting.

Enter the awards

Which category would you like to enter?(Required)

Please choose the category you would like to enter. You can enter more than one category, but each entry must be unique and submitted separately.If you're unsure which category fits best, choose the one that most closely reflects your pet’s story. Each entry is reviewed individually, so focus on telling your story clearly.

Community and Character Award

Sponsored by Level Best Enterprises

Some animals leave a lasting mark on the people around them through their character alone. This award celebrates animals who show exceptional resilience, compassion, bravery or emotional connection with their humans and wider community.

Stories may include animals who have recovered from illness or trauma, those who provide emotional comfort or support, or those who bring joy and connection to others through their presence.

Judges will consider:

Evidence of resilience, bravery or remarkable temperament
The positive impact the animal has had on their owner, family or wider community
The care and commitment shown by the owner
The overall emotional significance of the story

When entering, please include:

The background of your animal and what makes them special
Examples of how they have supported or influenced the people around them
Any challenges they have overcome
Photos that help bring their story to life

Rescue Success Story Award

Sponsored by RSPCA Essex Mid & North Branch CIO

Rescue animals often begin their journeys in difficult circumstances, but with patience, understanding and the right support they can thrive in loving homes. This award recognises those remarkable transformations.

It celebrates both the resilience of the animal and the dedication of the people who have helped them feel safe, settled and secure.

Judges will consider:

The animal’s journey from rescue to the present day
Evidence of welfare-led care and thoughtful support
Positive behavioural or emotional progress
Long-term commitment and stability in the home

When entering, please include:

Where and how your animal was rescued
The challenges they faced early on
How they have adapted and grown since joining your family
Photos that help show their journey

Behaviour Breakthrough Award

Sponsored by The Mayne Veterinary Clinic

Behavioural challenges can arise for many reasons. Fear, anxiety, past experiences or environmental changes can all affect how animals respond to the world around them.

This award celebrates animals who have made significant progress through patient, welfare-centred support and the commitment of the people helping them.

Stories might include progress with fear, reactivity, anxiety or confidence building.

Judges will consider:

The nature of the challenge the animal faced
The approach taken to support them
Evidence of meaningful behavioural or emotional progress
Commitment from the owner and any professionals involved

When entering, please include:

A description of the challenge your animal experienced
The steps taken to support them
The progress that has been made over time
Photos that help illustrate their journey

Young Handler Award

Sponsored by The Colchester Vets

Many young people form extraordinary bonds with their animals. This award recognises children and teenagers who show genuine commitment to animal care and who treat their pets with patience, empathy and respect.

It celebrates responsibility, learning and the positive relationships that can develop between young people and animals.

Judges will consider:

Demonstrated responsibility in caring for the animal
Understanding of the animal’s needs and welfare
Ongoing commitment and involvement in their care
Kind, respectful and compassionate handling

When entering, please include:

The age of the young handler
The role they play in caring for their animal
Examples of how they show responsibility and kindness
Photos that show their relationship together

Please note: Entries must be submitted by someone aged 18 or over. If you are entering on behalf of a young handler, you confirm that you are their parent or legal guardian, or that you have obtained appropriate permission from their parent or guardian to submit the entry and share the information provided.

Golden Years Award

Older animals hold a special place in our lives. Their years of companionship, loyalty and quiet presence often create the deepest bonds.

This award celebrates senior pets and the people who continue to support them with patience, love and thoughtful care as their needs change with age.

Judges will consider:

Length and depth of companionship
Quality of care provided in later life
Adaptations made to support ageing needs
The emotional significance of the relationship

When entering, please include:

Your animal’s age and how long they have been part of your life
Any changes or adaptations made as they have grown older
What makes your bond special after all these years
Photos that capture your journey together

Are you nominating your own pet or someone else’s?(Required)

Your name(Required)

First name Last name

Postcode(Required)

The Colchester Pet Awards are only open to those living in the CO1-CO7 postcode districts

Email address(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Used only to contact you if needed about your entry. It will not be used for marketing unless you opt in below.

Phone(Required)

Used only to contact you if needed about your entry.

Confirm Phone Number(Required)

Young handler's name(Required)

First Last

Pet's name(Required)

Pet species(Required)

Pet's age

Please tell your story in no more than 300 words.

You may wish to include what makes your pet special, any challenges they have overcome, and the impact they have had on you or others.

Tell us your pet’s story(Required)

Upload up to three photos of your pet – clear images are best. Images that help highlight your pet’s story are great.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: heic, jpg, png, Max. file size: 12 MB, Max. files: 3.

How did you hear about the awards?

Other

Please tell us where you heard about the awards

Keeping in touch

The awards have been created by Holly at Ginger and Tails, a small, independent pet care business covering south Colchester.

If you’d like to stay in touch, you’re welcome to sign up to the Ginger and Tails monthly newsletter below. I share practical pet care tips, seasonal advice to help keep animals happy and healthy, occasional updates about local pet initiatives and community projects, and a quick note on my current availability. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Please note: If you sign up, you will receive an automatic email asking you to confirm your addition to the mailing list. You will need to confirm to complete the process.

Newsletter sign up(Required)

Yes, I would like to sign up to the monthly Ginger and Tails newsletter

No, I would not like to sign up to the monthly Ginger and Tails newsletter

Terms and conditions of entry

Please read the award terms and conditions fully.

I confirm that I have read the award terms and conditions, that the information provided is accurate and I am happy for this entry to be used as part of the Colchester Pet Awards.(Required)

Yes