Australia’s Top Dogs Revealed: Winners of people2people’s OZTOPDOG 2025 Announced

The votes are in, the tails are wagging, and the results are official! people2people Recruitment, in partnership with Dogs Connect, is delighted to announce the winners of the fifth annual OZTOPDOG Awards, recognising the incredible dogs who make Australian workplaces and home offices happier, healthier, and more connected.

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

Meet the 2025 OZTOPDOG Winners:

Top Office Dog: Awarded for their unmatched ability to lift spirits and bring joy to the office every single day.

WINNER: Jlo

Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Suburb: Newhaven, VIC

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.

2nd PLACE: Maple

Breed: Toy Spoodle

Suburb: Epping, VIC

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.

3rd PLACE: Stanley 

Breed: Cavoodle

Suburb: Perth, WA

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. 

Top Dog with a Job: recognising a hardworking service or community dog whose dedication inspires all.

WINNER: Nina

Breed: Labrador

Suburb: Deebing Heights, QLD

Assistance dog Nina is a vibrant, loving, and loyal Labrador who can detect the chemical changes in her owner's body before an epileptic seizure, alerting her with a bop or nudge to move to a safe place. Her incredible dedication has already led to over 150 seizure alerts this year, often waking in the middle of the night to prevent serious injury or even death.

2nd PLACE: Miss Ollie

Breed: Yellow Labrador

Suburb: Kiama, NSW

In 2025, Ollie continues to make a remarkable impact, supporting local hospitals, five high school well- being departments, and various community mental health initiatives, including Life Line and RU OK days. She also maintains regular involvement with Macarthur Paediatric Practice, the Canine Court Companion Program, and Wollongong Library, consistently promoting mental health and well-being across her community. 

3rd PLACE: Maxi

Breed: Labradoodle

Suburb: Trott Park, SA

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. 

People's Choice Award: Decided by thousands of votes from across the nation, celebrating Australia's favourite workplace pooch.

WINNER: Dexter

Breed: Mini Foxie

Suburb: Cronulla, NSW

I was mentally drained and struggling with anxiety and depression when I found Dexter at three months old, and the impact he's had on my life has been phenomenal. Now six months old, he goes everywhere with me—from riding on the motorbike in his helmet and goggles to sitting on my shoulder while I shop—bringing me calm, joy, and countless smiles from everyone we meet.

2nd PLACE: Kruz

Breed: Mini Foxie

Suburb: Sutherland, NSW

Every day, Kruz brings joy, laughter and spreads happiness to his loyal followers. Through his posts, he is on a mission to break the stereotype and show the true nature of his misunderstood breed. His yearly calendar supports and raises money for animal rescues, making tails wag and lives better.

3rd PLACE: Delilah

Breed: Labrador

Suburb: Toormina, NSW

Delilah supports students across the school with attendance, engagement, and positive behaviour, leading to significant improvements, including a 67% reduction in negative behaviours, better attendance, and higher literacy and numeracy levels. She works closely with students who have complex health, physical disability, and mental health needs, making a remarkable impact on their school experience. 

Mary Savova, Recruitment Manager at people2people, says the competition continues to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary role dogs play in workplace culture, "OZTOPDOG has grown into a true celebration of the bond between people and their dogs, and how these relationships enrich our working lives. From office mascots to service dogs, every entrant this year reminded us of the unique joy and wellbeing benefits dogs bring. Congratulations to our winners and a big thank you to all the amazing dogs who took part."

The Power of Dogs in Workplaces

New research from people2people Recruitment reveals just how much employees value dogs at work:

• Despite only 14% of workplaces allowing dogs, 60% of employees say dogs boost morale 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.
• Remarkably, 3 in 10 employees would consider a pay cut to bring their dog to work every day — with 62% accepting a 5% cut, and others even willing to forgo free snacks (20%), wellness stipends (19%), or flexible hours (7%).

"These findings show just how much employees value having dogs in their work environment. By celebrating our OZTOPDOG winners, we hope to inspire more workplaces to consider dog-friendly policies and embrace the positive impact they bring," adds Mary.

The people2people OZTOPDOG 2025 winners were announced today at 12.30pm AEST, streamed live across Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Instagram.

www.people2people.com.au

About people2people: people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005. At people2people recruitment, their focus is on identifying potential today to build careers and businesses of tomorrow. Recruitment expertise includes accounting & finance, business support, executive, government, human resources, legal, marketing & digital, property, sales, supply chain management and technology. 

For further information or interview requests, please contact: 

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