PDSA celebrates remarkable animals at special awards event
17 September 2026
Leading vet charity PDSA held a special event to celebrate recipients of this year’s PDSA Animal Awards Commendations and their guests.
The PDSA Commendations celebrate animals whose actions go beyond everyday companionship, celebrating remarkable examples of loyalty, devotion, bravery and support shown to people in a wide range of circumstances.
Guests at the event held at Bow PDSA Hospital were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital, led by Sandra Kenny, Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader, who also presented Commendation certificates to five recipients.
Among those recognised were:
- Military Working Horse Invader, of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, represented by Lance Corporal of Horse Ryan Martin, for loyalty, dedication and service to his regiment and the nation.
- Urban Search and Rescue dog Jarvis, represented by Ryan Ainger and Graham Currie of Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, for bravery, devotion and dedication to duty in life-threatening emergencies.
- Assistance Dog Jen Jen, represented by Jenny Needham, for loyalty and devotion in providing emotional and physical support to her owner.
- Mobility and Medical Alert Assistance Dog Ocho, represented by Chloe Hammond, for providing emotional, physical and life-saving support to his owner.
- Working Therapy Dog Sara, represented by Nicky McCallum, for providing emotional comfort and support to vulnerable children, elderly residents and the wider community.
PDSA Events Manager Lucy Grierson said: “This is the first time we’ve held an event like this for our Commendations recipients, and it was a really lovely afternoon. Attendees were delighted to receive their awards as well as the opportunity to have an exclusive insight into the work of PDSA.”
This is the first of two special events taking place to celebrate the 2026 PDSA Commendations. A further three recipients will receive their awards at Manchester PDSA Pet Hospital later this month.
