Search for the UK's top police dogs

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation – a UK welfare charity that supports and celebrates working and retired police dogs – is hosting its awards this year and is looking for inspirational tails of bravery and heart-warming stories of police dogs who have dedicated their lives to keeping the public safe.

The Thin Blue Paw Awards, supported by Animal Friends Pet Insurance, will be taking place in September to celebrate the achievements of the country’s four-legged policing heroes.

Nominations are now open online here and will close on 1st July. The winners will be selected by a panel of judges and both two-legged and four-legged guests will be invited to the glittering awards ceremony in September.

The categories are:

• Outstanding Bravery – for a serving police dog who has shown extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.
• Lifesaver – to celebrate a serving police dog whose work was invaluable in a life-threatening incident, for example locating a vulnerable missing person.
• Crime Fighting Duo – for a serving police dog and handler team who are constantly achieving outstanding operational results.
• Rising Star – to celebrate the achievements of a newly licensed serving police dog.
• Lifetime Achievement – to celebrate a retired police dog who made an exceptional difference during their service.

Thin Blue Paw trustee and event organiser Kieran Stanbridge said: “Our inaugural awards last year were a huge success and we received more than 100 nominations for incredible dogs.

“It was an honour to meet the winners and hear their inspiring stories of heroism and dedication and we can’t wait to see this year’s nominations although we know it’ll be very difficult to choose just five winners again.

“If you know a dog handler or police dog who has shown outstanding bravery, has committed their life to fighting crime and keeping the public safe, or has gone the extra mile in the line of duty, please nominate them today!”