SA’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

SA OZTOPDOG Finalists:

Zeb

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Suburb: Adelaide

Zeb, Australia's only dog accredited to enter a courtroom, supports victims and witnesses of crime—especially children—by providing comfort, reassurance, and companionship throughout the criminal justice process. Trained by Guide Dogs SA/NT through the Facility Dog Program, he has been a much-loved presence at the South Australian courts and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions since 2022, with his first formal court work supporting a 15-year-old girl before she gave evidence.

Gus

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Golden Retriever

Suburb: Adelaide

Gus, our golden retriever puppy, is the heart of our workplace, greeting clients with tail wags, lifting team morale with cuddles, and instinctively offering comfort when someone needs a boost. From belly-up lounging in the staff room to cheering us on in meetings, he's transformed our work culture and become our beloved team mascot.

Maxi

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Labradoodle

Suburb: Trott Park

Before Max, I had lost all independence and couldn't go out or be left alone for fear of fainting and injuring myself, but from the moment he arrived as my assistance dog, my whole life changed. From day one he instinctively alerted to my fast heart rate, and with early scent training, he quickly mastered the skills that allow me to live safely and independently again.

Matilda

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Vizsla

Suburb: Cumberland Park

Matilda, my one-year-old narcotics detection dog in training with South Australian Detection Dogs, is learning to search for cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and marijuana, and is already working in real-world environments. Recently, we've focused on school settings, where she's received excellent feedback from staff and educators who value having such a service available.

Iris

Category: 2025 Top Dog With A Job

Breed: Labrador

Suburb: Morphett Vale

Iris, an internationally qualified Facility Dog through Guide Dogs Australia, has been supporting students and staff at Wirreanda Secondary School since 2020, working with an average of 350 students annually and recording 3,814 interactions with the school community. Surveys show her impact is profound—91% of students report feeling calmer and more focused after working with her, while 87% of staff say her presence helps them manage situations more effectively.

Bruce

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Fox Terrier Maltese Cross with a few other breeds thrown in

Suburb: Plympton

Bruce, the much-loved 17-year-old "Resident Good Boy" of Gary J Smith Real Estate, has been part of the team for nine years, offering calm support through market highs, lows, and countless office changes. Though he's slowed down, he remains the heart of the office—still demanding his daily walk and treats from his chosen favourites, who must drop everything to oblige.

Chase

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog

Breed: Siberian Husky

Suburb: Unley

My Husky Chase, our resident "Furnancial Adviser," brings pawsitive energy, flawless pawfessionalism, and fluffy charm to the office, boosting morale and turning even the ruffest days into fun. Whether he's greeting the team, begging for pats, leading strategic nap sessions, or stealing the spotlight in meetings, Chase's role as top office dog is truly priceless.

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