WA’s Top Dogs Revealed: 6 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

WA OZTOPDOG Finalists:

Stanley

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Cavoodle

Suburb: Perth

Stanley, now three years old and seemingly seven years wiser in dog years, has become a beloved fixture at DFG Legal, charming neighbours, clients, and staff alike with his bow tie, greetings, and playful antics. Over the past 12 months, his daily presence has boosted office wellbeing, entertained with his morning zoomies and polite demands for laps, and provided comfort and joy to clients navigating stressful moments, making him an irreplaceable part of the office culture.

Theo

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Neapolitan Mastiff

Suburb: Perth

Working from home, Theo's calm and affectionate presence brings balance and positive energy to my daily routine, whether he's quietly watching the world go by or gently snoring nearby. At over 60kg, he may take up the most inconvenient spots in the room, but his steady, grounding nature turns every workday into a little more peaceful and special.

Maggie Gregg

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Border Collie

Suburb: Subiaco

Maggie, our beloved office dog and official Wellness Officer, has transformed our workplace with her calm, friendly presence, brightening days, reducing stress, and fostering connection among the team. Intuitive and affectionate, she offers quiet comfort to those who need it, encourages playful breaks that boost morale, and serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of kindness, balance, and mental wellness in the office.

Evie

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Malti Pom

Suburb: West Perth

In the high-stress world of family law, Evie, our small but mighty office dog, brings immense comfort and calm, offering staff and clients a gentle, non-judgmental presence that helps diffuse tension and restore mental clarity. Her intuitive companionship puts clients at ease, brightens the toughest days, and has become a symbol of the compassion and connection our team strives to provide.

Kyah

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: German Shepherd

Suburb: Karnup

Kyah, my Autism and PTSD assistance dog, is my superhero, my light in the dark, and my anchor in a world that often feels overwhelming, having saved my life multiple times and given me the courage to participate in everyday life. Beyond me, she selflessly helps others—alerting a woman in medical distress, visiting aged care and mental health facilities, and spreading joy and confidence wherever she goes—truly proving she is a hero to everyone she meets.

Buddy

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Newfoundland X Rough Collie

Suburb: Kwinana

Buddy volunteers with three charities, providing Animal Assisted Activities and donating blood three times a year to save dogs in emergency care, while offering comfort and stress relief to children, medical staff, aged care residents, university students, and corporate teams. His social, engaging nature helps children gain confidence in reading, allows medical staff to return to their shifts refreshed, and often evokes cherished memories for aged care residents.

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