PDSA Gold Medal

Who has received the PDSA Gold Medal?

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. No human or, for that matter, animal is aware of their heroic capability until placed in an extraordinary situation requiring extraordinary action. The PDSA Gold Medal recognises this.

Quite simply the PDSA Gold Medal is the highest honour for outstanding animal bravery and exceptional dedication in civilian life. Eligibility is open to any animal instrumental in saving human or animal life when its own life is in jeopardy or to any animal killed or seriously injured while carrying out official duties in the face of armed and violent opposition.

The Medal bears a depiction of a laurel wreath and the words: For Gallantry or devotion to duty’. Instituted in 2002, the Medal is now widely recognised as the animals’ George Cross.

To date all 21 recipients awarded the PDSA Gold Medal have been dogs. Each of these canine heroes has proven that they are indeed man’s best friend.

Award recipients

Ellie and Jones
German Shepherd crosses
Awarded October 2012
For saving the life of their owner through exceptional devotion to duty. Read more about Ellie and Jones

Dexter
Awarded April 2011
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry, despite serious injuries, while carrying out official duties in the face of violent opposition. ‘

Police Dog Anya
German Shepherd
Wiltshire Police Force
Date of award - 06 July 2010
'For devotion to duty and life-saving bravery in the face of danger, when faced with a knife-wielding assailant, on Thursday 14 January 2008.'

Frodo
Beagle
Date of award - 06 July 2010
'For life-saving bravery and determined devotion to his owner and family, when alerting them to a house fire on Friday 30 May 2008.'

Oi
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Date of posthumous award - 06 July 2010
'For lifesaving bravery and courageous devotion to her family in the face of armed assailants on the 18 June 2008.'

George
Date of posthumous award – 11 February 2009
‘For bravery and devotion when protecting the lives of five children in him home town of Manaia, North Island, New Zealand, when they were threatened by two Pit Bull Terriers.’ Read more about George

Bosnich
Date of award – 28 July 2009
‘For life-saving devotion when pensioner Mark Corrie was missing for two days on the Cumbrian Fells.’ Read more about Bosnich

Ghillie
Date of award – 19 December 2007
‘For gallantry and life-saving devotion on 19 December 2005 while out walking near him home in Kirkwall on Orkney.’ Read more about Ghillie

Vinnie
British Transport Police
Date of award – 3 July 2007
‘For gallantry in the service of humanity, immediately following the terrorist attacks on London on Thursday 7 July 2005.’ Read more about Vinnie

Billy
City of London Police
Date of award – 3 July 2007
‘For gallantry in the service of humanity, immediately following the terrorist attacks on London on Thursday 7 July 2005.’ Read more about Billy

Hubble Keck
Metropolitan Police
Date of award – 3 July 2007
‘For gallantry in the service of humanity, immediately following the terrorist attacks on London on Thursday 7 July 2005.’ Read more about Hubble Keck

Bamse
WWII ship’s mascot
Date of posthumous award – 22 July 2006
‘For saving the life of two members of the crew of Royal Norwegian Navy minesweeper, The Thorodd, and for his unstinting devotion to duty as ship’s mascot during WWII.’ Read more about Bamse

Dylan
Search and Rescue
Date of award – 27 June 2006
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty, while carrying out official duties with the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue Dog Association.’ Read more about Dylan

Cracker
Search and Rescue
Date of award – 27 June 2006
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty, while carrying out official duties with the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue Dog Association.’ Read more about Cracker

Zoltan
Cleveland Police
Date of award – 5 April 2006
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry, despite serious injuries, while carrying out official duties in the face of violent opposition.’ Read more about Zoltan

Blue
West Yorkshire Police
Date of award – 5 April 2006
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry, despite serious injuries, while carrying out official duties in the face of violent opposition.’ Read more about Blue

Orca
Canine Partner
Date of award – 5 April 2006
‘For saving the life of him owner, Cheryl Alexander, through exceptional devotion to duty.’ Read more about Orca

Endal
Canine Partner
Date of award – 13 November 2002
‘For saving the life of his owner, Allen Parton, through exceptional devotion to duty.’ Read more about Endal

Metpol Delta Monty
Metropolitan Police
Date of award – 12 November 2002
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry, despite serious injuries, while carrying out official duties in the face of violent opposition.’ Read more about Metpol Delta Monty

Bulla
Leicestershire Police
Date of posthumous award – 12 November 2002
‘For displaying outstanding gallantry in the line of police duty, and in the face of violent opposition.’ Read more about Bulla

Who decides?

Awards are approved by PDSA Council following receipt of an official citation, supported by a corroborative witness statement or a character statement.

To request more information about PDSA Gold Medal please use the Animal Award contact form.