The following rules are to be adhered to concerning animals being nominated:

1. That they can be either a companion, working, service, or therapy animal.
2. That They must be based in Australia or New Zealand. However, the reason for the nomination can take place outside of these countries.
3. That government owned animals require written permission from the chain of command, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
4. That nomination not made by the owner will need written permission of the owner, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
5. That a maximum of two supporting statements may be attached if desired.
6. That nominations can include supporting material including media cuttings and photos of the animal.

The following criteria will be used by the selection panel and is to be taken into consideration when nominating the animal:

1. Can the animal’s actions be attributed to:

• The saving of a human life and or lives and or from sustaining life changing injuries?
• The protection of Australian boarders?
• Supporting an individual and making their life more manageable?
• Impacted on media and or public perception?
• Supporting other elements, in order to achieve a successful outcome?
  

2. All entries will be assessed on the reasons

3. Posthumous nominations will be considered.

4. The selection panel will consider the following:

• The animals background, have they triumphed against adversity i.e. came from an animal shelter
• The owner’s background, have they shown remarkable courage or coped with tragedy of illness.

5. Has the animal been recognised by any other organisation or awards process?

6. The emotional impact of what the animal has done.

This policy ensures the structured and transparent nomination process for the Animal Distinguished Service Medallion, reflecting the high standard of service and dedication that animals provide to society.

1. The nominated animal’s action and service must meet the awards condition absolutely and unconditionally.

2. The action and serviced has been recorded, documented and certified.

3. Detailed independent witness account to the action must be submitted, preferably with corroboration.

4. Decision should be based on the Panel’s investigation and research to conclusively prove/disprove evidence provided.

5. Undue media influence or sensationalism should be considered.

The secretary will convene a meeting of the Panel when necessary to deal with the business of the Panel, for the consideration of nominations or when requested to do so by the President. The business of the meetings may be conducted by electronic communication. Members will not be required to attend meetings in person. Decisions may be ratified by email. At least one meeting will he held annually in November each year.

The secretary will submit minutes of meetings to all board members as soon as practical. Each Panel member has one (1) vote. A majority of votes decide the success or rejection of the nomination. Where the vote is tied, the President will cast the deciding vote.

Members who have a conflict of interest in any business may at the Presidents discretion take part in the discussion but may not exercise their vote on the matter. The panel will have a maximum of 10 members at any one time. Nominations/replacements will be voted on by the Executive Committee at the annual meeting.

The Animal Award once issued to the handler/owner becomes that persons property.

Wherever possible, the Animal Medal should be issued to the animal at a dignified ceremony. Wherever possible a VIP should present it.

The animal recipient can wear the medal on parades and ceremonies, placement being on around the animal’s neck or attached to a coat. A separate pin will be issued to the recipient’s human handler/owner.

AWAMO has funded this project. With an initial production of 50 medallions. A duplicate can be purchased for display or loss at cost. This item will not be for sale to the public.

An application form can be downloaded Annex.2 with details including eligibility. Due diligence in processing to ensure that an animal satisfies the criteria before any action for the issue of a medal will be undertaken. This processing must include an independent witness not related or associated with the animal.

The Committee is to undertake due diligence in processing the nomination to ensure that an animal satisfies the above criteria before any action for the issue of a medal is undertaken. This processing must include:

A formal application

A description of the occurrence. A medal can be initiated by an application in writing signed and submitted to the selection committee.

Guidelines for nomination include:

In the case of a service animal, its handler or other service member.

An independent witness to the event.

Any person who can satisfy the issuing authority that they are a competent authority on the nomination of the animal in question.

A special award can be issued by the President of AWAMO for any suitable international recipient or to a museum or similar to help promote the award. 

The following rules are to be adhered to concerning animals being nominated:

1. That they can be either a companion, working, service, or therapy animal.
2. That They must be based in Australia or New Zealand. However, the reason for the nomination can take place outside of these countries.
3. That government owned animals require written permission from the chain of command, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
4. That nomination not made by the owner will need written permission of the owner, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
5. That a maximum of two supporting statements may be attached if desired.
6. That nominations can include supporting material including media cuttings and photos of the animal.

The following rules are to be adhered to concerning animals being nominated:

1. That they can be either a companion, working, service, or therapy animal.
2. That They must be based in Australia or New Zealand. However, the reason for the nomination can take place outside of these countries.
3. That government owned animals require written permission from the chain of command, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
4. That nomination not made by the owner will need written permission of the owner, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
5. That a maximum of two supporting statements may be attached if desired.
6. That nominations can include supporting material including media cuttings and photos of the animal.

The following rules are to be adhered to concerning animals being nominated:

1. That they can be either a companion, working, service, or therapy animal.
2. That They must be based in Australia or New Zealand. However, the reason for the nomination can take place outside of these countries.
3. That government owned animals require written permission from the chain of command, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
4. That nomination not made by the owner will need written permission of the owner, supporting the nomination and accepting that they agree that AWAMO may use the information for marketing to promote the charity and its work.
5. That a maximum of two supporting statements may be attached if desired.
6. That nominations can include supporting material including media cuttings and photos of the animal.

The following criteria will be used by the selection panel and is to be taken into consideration when nominating the animal:

1. Can the animal’s actions be attributed to:

• The saving of a human life and or lives and or from sustaining life changing injuries?
• The protection of Australian boarders?
• Supporting an individual and making their life more manageable?
• Impacted on media and or public perception?
• Supporting other elements, in order to achieve a successful outcome?
  

2. All entries will be assessed on the reasons

3. Posthumous nominations will be considered.

4. The selection panel will consider the following:

• The animals background, have they triumphed against adversity i.e. came from an animal shelter
• The owner’s background, have they shown remarkable courage or coped with tragedy of illness.

5. Has the animal been recognised by any other organisation or awards process?

6. The emotional impact of what the animal has done.

This policy ensures the structured and transparent nomination process for the Animal Distinguished Service Medallion, reflecting the high standard of service and dedication that animals provide to society.

1. The nominated animal’s action and service must meet the awards condition absolutely and unconditionally.

2. The action and serviced has been recorded, documented and certified.

3. Detailed independent witness account to the action must be submitted, preferably with corroboration.

4. Decision should be based on the Panel’s investigation and research to conclusively prove/disprove evidence provided.

5. Undue media influence or sensationalism should be considered.

The secretary will convene a meeting of the Panel when necessary to deal with the business of the Panel, for the consideration of nominations or when requested to do so by the President. The business of the meetings may be conducted by electronic communication. Members will not be required to attend meetings in person. Decisions may be ratified by email. At least one meeting will he held annually in November each year.

The secretary will submit minutes of meetings to all board members as soon as practical. Each Panel member has one (1) vote. A majority of votes decide the success or rejection of the nomination. Where the vote is tied, the President will cast the deciding vote.

Members who have a conflict of interest in any business may at the Presidents discretion take part in the discussion but may not exercise their vote on the matter. The panel will have a maximum of 10 members at any one time. Nominations/replacements will be voted on by the Executive Committee at the annual meeting.

The Animal Award once issued to the handler/owner becomes that persons property.

Wherever possible, the Animal Medal should be issued to the animal at a dignified ceremony. Wherever possible a VIP should present it.

The animal recipient can wear the medal on parades and ceremonies, placement being on around the animal’s neck or attached to a coat. A separate pin will be issued to the recipient’s human handler/owner.

AWAMO has funded this project. With an initial production of 50 medallions. A duplicate can be purchased for display or loss at cost. This item will not be for sale to the public.

An application form can be downloaded Annex.2 with details including eligibility. Due diligence in processing to ensure that an animal satisfies the criteria before any action for the issue of a medal will be undertaken. This processing must include an independent witness not related or associated with the animal.

The Committee is to undertake due diligence in processing the nomination to ensure that an animal satisfies the above criteria before any action for the issue of a medal is undertaken. This processing must include:

A formal application

A description of the occurrence. A medal can be initiated by an application in writing signed and submitted to the selection committee.

Guidelines for nomination include:

In the case of a service animal, its handler or other service member.

An independent witness to the event.

Any person who can satisfy the issuing authority that they are a competent authority on the nomination of the animal in question.

A special award can be issued by the President of AWAMO for any suitable international recipient or to a museum or similar to help promote the award.