VIC’s Top Dogs Revealed: 7 Pooches Compete for OZTOPDOG 2025 Glory

The wait is over! people2people Recruitment, in partnership with Dogs Connect, is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 OZTOPDOG competition and launch the public voting for the coveted People's Choice Award.

Now in its landmark fifth year, OZTOPDOG celebrates the incredible dogs who bring joy, comfort, and camaraderie to offices and home workspaces across the nation. From loyal office companions to hardworking service dogs, the finalists truly make the workplace a happier, healthier place.

This year's theme, "Dogs at Work," highlights the growing role of canine colleagues in reducing workplace stress, improving morale, and combating isolation - vital benefits at a time when more than 75% of Australians report moderate to very high stress levels.

New research from people2people reveals:

• Despite only 14% of workplaces having dogs, 60% of employees say dogs boost morale even more than Friday drinks.
• 76% say dogs ease feelings of isolation when working remotely.
• Yet, 28% of workplaces have recently reduced or scrapped dog-friendly policies.
• A remarkable 3 in 10 employees would consider a pay cut to bring their dog to work every day — with 62% accepting a 5% cut and 20% willing to give up free snacks and coffee instead.
• Other benefits employees would forgo for dog-friendly policies include gym/wellness stipends (19%) and flexible working hours (7%).

"These findings underscore how much dogs mean to employees' wellbeing and work satisfaction," said Mary Savova, Recruitment Manager at people2people. "With OZTOPDOG, we want to celebrate these amazing dogs and inspire workplaces to embrace the positive impact they bring."

Meet the 2025 OZTOPDOG Finalists!

Every dog nominated is a finalist in the People's Choice Award, making every wag of the tail count. Now it's time for the public to decide who will take home the People's Choice. Voting is open now, and closes at 9am AEST on Wednesday the 27th of August 2025. Cast your vote at www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog. Winners will be announced on Wednesday the 27th of August 2025 at 12.30pm AEST - streaming live across Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Instagram. Award Categories in 2025:

• Top Office Dog: For dogs who lift office spirits every day
• Top Dog with a Job: For working dogs or community helpers
• People's Choice: Open to every entrant and decided by public vote

VIC OZTOPDOG Finalists:

Roxie

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Boston Terrier

Suburb: Prahran

Roxie, now 5.5 years old, has been bringing comfort and joy to patients, families, and staff at The Alfred Hospital for the past 18 months, offering everything from quiet companionship in palliative care to uplifting the spirits of long-term patients. Her visits are met with heartfelt gratitude, and many describe her as the best medicine of all, leaving a lasting pawprint with every fortnightly visit.

Bentley

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: English Springer Spaniel

Suburb: Somerville

Bentley, our beloved office dog and self-appointed wellness coach, brings warmth, joy, and calm to our workplace, encouraging breaks with walks, offering cuddles, and lifting spirits with his infectious happiness. Known as the neighbourhood's unofficial mascot, he's a local celebrity at the nearby café and a cherished part of our team, brightening every day with his friendly presence.

Barkly

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Sunbury

Suburb: German Shepherd

Barkly, my devoted service dog since he began training at eight weeks old, has been a lifeline in managing my PTSD and depression after a 2016 accident, offering comfort, detecting panic attacks, and guiding me safely across roads. Loved by everyone he meets, Barkly also volunteers with me at primary schools, where his gentle and calming nature brings joy to children with autism, seniors, and our entire community.

Jlo

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Suburb: Newhaven

JLo, my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is more than just my companion at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum—she's a quiet source of comfort for veterans, staff, volunteers, and visitors alike, always knowing when someone needs a moment of connection. For me, as I live with stage 4 cancer, she's been invaluable in keeping me moving, lifting my spirits, and reminding me daily of the power of simple joys and steadfast companionship.

Reginald

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Golden Retriever

Suburb: Ocean Grove

At our skydiving drop zone, Reginald—the unofficial mascot and emotional support pup—brings warmth and calm to nervous first-time jumpers and seasoned skydivers, greeting them with tail wags and cuddles before their leap. Always ready to welcome them back on the landing field, he turns every skydive into a brighter, more joyful experience.

Maisie

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Australian Shepherd

Suburb: Mooroopna

Maisie, my little sidekick in training, spends her days at Mooroopna Veterinary Practice with her adoptive Labrador parents, Manny and Brutus, busily protecting the yard from magpies, "helping" with the washing, digging holes, and keeping everyone entertained. Between games of tetherball, dips in the pool, and her signature zoomies, she brings endless laughter to the team—especially when she catches her own tail like the queen she knows she is.

Maple

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Toy Spoodle

Suburb: Epping

Bringing Maple to work brightens everyone's day, lifting the mood of staff, patients, and even the postman, and she has become a much-loved part of the clinic. With her cheerful presence and intuitive sense of the clinic's rhythm, Maple provides comfort, joy, and companionship, offering patients a welcome distraction in what can often be a stressful and emotional environment.

To vote go to: https://www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog 

PR Contact:  Lisa Solomons | 360 PR | e: lisa@360pr.com.au | p: 0416 175 518