NSW’s Top Dogs Revealed: 8 Pooches Compete for OZTOPDOG 2025 Glory

The wait is over! people2people Recruitment, in partnership with Dogs Connect, is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 OZTOPDOG competition and launch the public voting for the coveted People's Choice Award.

Now in its landmark fifth year, OZTOPDOG celebrates the incredible dogs who bring joy, comfort, and camaraderie to offices and home workspaces across the nation. From loyal office companions to hardworking service dogs, the finalists truly make the workplace a happier, healthier place.

This year's theme, "Dogs at Work," highlights the growing role of canine colleagues in reducing workplace stress, improving morale, and combating isolation - vital benefits at a time when more than 75% of Australians report moderate to very high stress levels.

New research from people2people reveals:

• Despite only 14% of workplaces having dogs, 60% of employees say dogs boost morale even more than Friday drinks.
• 76% say dogs ease feelings of isolation when working remotely.
• Yet, 28% of workplaces have recently reduced or scrapped dog-friendly policies.
• A remarkable 3 in 10 employees would consider a pay cut to bring their dog to work every day — with 62% accepting a 5% cut and 20% willing to give up free snacks and coffee instead.
• Other benefits employees would forgo for dog-friendly policies include gym/wellness stipends (19%) and flexible working hours (7%).

"These findings underscore how much dogs mean to employees' wellbeing and work satisfaction," said Mary Savova, Recruitment Manager at people2people. "With OZTOPDOG, we want to celebrate these amazing dogs and inspire workplaces to embrace the positive impact they bring."

Meet the 2025 OZTOPDOG Finalists!

Every dog nominated is a finalist in the People's Choice Award, making every wag of the tail count. Now it's time for the public to decide who will take home the People's Choice. Voting is open now, and closes at 9am AEST on Wednesday the 27th of August 2025. Cast your vote at www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog. Winners will be announced on Wednesday the 27th of August 2025 at 12.30pm AEST - streaming live across Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Instagram. Award Categories in 2025:

• Top Office Dog: For dogs who lift office spirits every day
• Top Dog with a Job: For working dogs or community helpers
• People's Choice: Open to every entrant and decided by public vote

NSW OZTOPDOG Finalists:

Blondie

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog Award

Breed: Afghan Hound

Suburb: Surry Hills

My dog Blondie inspired me to create LOVEDOG, a boutique store in Surry Hills offering unique products for pets and their owners. Rescuing her four years ago was love at first sight, and seeing the joy she brings to everyone motivated me to develop products that celebrate our bond.

Olive

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog Award

Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Suburb: Sydney

Olive works at a law firm with her mum, where she has become an unexpected but much-loved part of the team, bringing a gentle reminder to pause and reset in a high-pressure environment. From warming laps during stressful calls to trotting down the hallway with a wagging tail, her calming presence and playful energy can brighten even the busiest days.

Frosty

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog Award

Breed: Australian Red Cattle Dog

Suburb: Central Coast

Frosty is a good boy who, when not keeping me company while I work as a lawyer, can be found playing ball, going to the beach, doing obedience and agility, or attending school at Pet Resorts Terrigal, living each day with inspiring energy and enthusiasm. Over the last year, he has progressed in his office duties from working the printer to taking on more of a marketing and PR role.

Ginny

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog Award

Breed: Cavoodle

Suburb: Kogarah

In our busy specialist practice, Ginny is more than just a dog, she's our resident therapist, team mascot, and the most popular staff member. With her beady eyes, enviable eyelashes, and gentle nature, she brings calm, comfort, and an incredible ability to put people at ease.

Mo Whiskers

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog Award

Breed: Chinese Hairless Crested x Poodle

Suburb: Bankstown

Mo is a very special boy who helps me in my role as a TAFE animal care teacher, assisting students with their handling assessments and offering calm, comforting snuggles. He thrives on attention, happily repeating tasks like heart rate checks and sits all day, making him an invaluable workmate who prepares students for low-stress animal handling in their future careers.

Delilah

Category: 2025 Top Office Dog Award

Breed: Labrador

Suburb: Toomina

Delilah supports students across the school with attendance, engagement, and positive behaviour, leading to significant improvements, including a 67% reduction in negative behaviours, better attendance, and higher literacy and numeracy levels. She works closely with students who have complex health, physical disability, and mental health needs, making a remarkable impact on their school experience.

Luna

Category: 2025 Top Dog with a Job 

Breed: Cocker Spaniel

Suburb: Homebush West

Luna, our dedicated termite detection dog, is an indispensable asset to our team, using her remarkable nose to pinpoint live termites with accuracy and detect hidden infestations before they cause damage. Her presence not only improves the speed and reliability of inspections, saving clients time, money, and stress, but also brings a calming reassurance to homeowners.

Miss Ollie

Category: 2025 Top Dog with a Job 

Breed: Yellow Labrador

Suburb: Kiama

In 2025, Ollie continues to make a remarkable impact, supporting local hospitals, five high school well-being departments, and various community mental health initiatives, including Life Line and RU OK days. She also maintains regular involvement with Macarthur Paediatric Practice, the Canine Court Companion Program, and Wollongong Library, consistently promoting mental health and well-being across her community.

To vote go to: https://www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog 

About people2people: people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005. At people2people recruitment, their focus is on identifying potential today to build careers and businesses of tomorrow. Recruitment expertise includes accounting & finance, business support, executive, government, human resources, legal, marketing & digital, property, sales, supply chain management and technology.

PR Contact:  Lisa Solomons | 360 PR | e: lisa@360pr.com.au | p: 0416 175 518