Calling Isle Of Wight Animal Lovers! RSPCA Seeks Island's Most Adorable Pets

Do you own the Isle of Wight's most adorable pet? It could be entered for a national award!

Whether it's a cute pooch or a pussy cat, RSPCA Isle of Wight is on the look out for its virtual One Fun Day.

The Home Pet Show is an all-animal event designed to showcase people’s animal friends and the special bonds they share.

Winners of the Isle of Wight heat will receive prizes and be put forward to regional finals with the potential to be crowned best in show at a nation-wide live Zoom final.

It'll be hosted by national RSPCA CEO Chris Sherwood and a celebrity guest.

The Isle of Wight heat will be judged by "a panel of animal lovers", including Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely, Zebaria Fisher, lecturer from the Animal Care Department at the Isle of Wight College and RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch Manager, Suzanne Pugh.

Islanders are invited to celebrate their pets and show their love for animals by entering them into one or more of the six fun virtual categories:

Best Rescue

The embodiment of why we #adoptdontshop. We want to hear all about what you can achieve together with patience, love and determination.

Best Trick

A video or link to the trick you both most enjoy performing together.

Best Friends

Celebrating the special bond between animals and their human friends, or each other.

Golden Oldie

Your much loved, mature animal friend in their autumn years.

Best Baby

Here's looking at you, kid. Your best, bonnie baby.

Peas in a Pod

Pets that look like their owners.

RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch Manager Suzanne Pugh said:

“Why not have some fun and enter your pet into our virtual show – there are some great prizes on offer and you will be helping to raise money for animals in need on the Isle of Wight. We can’t wait to receive people’s entries, last year the Island scooped two animal champions and we would love to see an Island pet make it all the way to the national final again!”

Bob Seely said:

“We know that during lockdown domestic animals have played a particularly important role in providing companionship for a great many people so this is a very timely celebration of the special relationship between pet and owner. I look forward to judging some great entries.”

Island heat winners will be invited for refreshments and a VIP behind the scenes tour of the RSPCA Isle of Wight animal rescue centre and will take home a goody bag filled with treats for pets and their human companions.

For those chosen to represent the Isle of Wight at the regional heats in June, there will be the chance to win one of 12 hand-crafted animal keepsakes, £20 and a hamper.

The regional winners will then go on to the national final via Zoom on 19 June, where the Best in Show 2021 will be announced and the winner presented with a £250 John Lewis voucher.

The competition and local heats open today (17) - visit the RSPCA Isle of Wight Facebook page for details or go to www.rspca.org.uk/onefunday to enter - making sure to select the Isle of Wight local heat.

It costs £2.50 to enter a category, with all proceeds going towards the Isle of Wight RSPCA branch to support its vital work of caring for animals in need.

The closing date for entries is midnight on June 14, 2021.