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Awards

Blue Cross Awards

Honouring Bravery, Service and Companionship

The Blue Cross Award is one of the most prestigious international honours recognising the courage, selflessness and service of animals.

First established in London in 1897, Blue Cross began as Our Dumb Friends League, caring for working horses on the streets.

The organisation opened its first animal hospital in Victoria, London, in 1906 and later created the Blue Cross Award to celebrate the bravery of animals serving alongside soldiers in times of war.

Today, the Blue Cross Award recognises not only war animals but also pets and service animals whose deeds make a lasting difference to human lives.

In 2017, Blue Cross UK appointed AWAMO as its representative for Australia and New Zealand, giving us the honour of presenting awards locally.

Alongside this, AWAMO has also been invited by the UK’s PDSA headquarters to review Australian nominations for the Dickin Medal, often referred to as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

In 2023 AWAMO developed an Australian and New Zealand version called the Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award to better represent our country's animals.

Supporting New Zealand War Animals

Like their Australian counterparts, the New Zealand Defence Force does not have a formal duty-of-care for retired service dogs. This is not unique - neither the Australian nor the British Defence Forces provide retirement schemes for military working dogs.

Recognising this gap, AWAMO, which has previously funded the establishment of war animal memorials in New Zealand at Waiouru and Pozieres, provides financial and practical support for retired NZDF service dogs.

This initiative is not intended to criticise any institution but simply to address a real need. AWAMO funds have been used for veterinary care, including medications such as worming and flea treatment, as well as comfort items like beds, blankets, coats, and toys.

In 2019, AWAMO extended this support to retired NZDF canines who meet the program’s criteria. The New Zealand AWAMO representative, Captain Bruce Page of Linton Camp, manages and distributes the funds.

Initial funding comes directly from AWAMO headquarters in Australia, with ongoing support generated through the sale of AWAMO purple poppy war animal merchandise in partnership with the National Army Museum, Waiouru.