Altaris Business Awards names 2026 Pet and Animal Care winners and finalists

Altaris Business Awards has announced the winners and finalists of its 2026 Pet and Animal Care Awards in Doncaster, spotlighting businesses across equine care, dog walking, rescue, retail and end-of-life services. The awards highlight how specialist animal services are expanding around personalized care, owner communication and animal welfare.

Why it matters: - The awards recognize businesses that support animals and owners across care, enrichment, retail, rescue and end-of-life services. - The winners reflect a broader pet and animal care market that now spans specialist behavior work, rehoming, boarding, cremation and retail. - The list highlights businesses built around trust, clear advice and practical support for owners during everyday care and loss.

What happened: - Altaris Business Awards announced the winners and finalists of the 2026 Pet and Animal Care Awards in Doncaster, United Kingdom. - The awards honor businesses serving animals and their owners through specialist care and related services. - Winners include Vitalis Light, Pets2impress Ltd, RDJ Rescue and Rehoming CIC, Aughton Meadows Pet Crematorium, Farm Cottage Boarding, Otis and Friends Dog Walking, Juno Pets and Home Cat Care by G. - Finalists include Vitalis Light, RDJ Rescue and Rehoming CIC, Aughton Meadows Pet Crematorium, Otis and Friends Dog Walking and Amy’s Cozy Animal Care.

The details: - Vitalis Light won Best in Equine Care. - Pets2impress Ltd won Animal Behaviourist of the Year. - RDJ Rescue and Rehoming CIC won the Rising Star Award. - Aughton Meadows Pet Crematorium won Family Business of the Year. - Farm Cottage Boarding won the Innovation in Pet and Animal Care Award. - Otis and Friends Dog Walking won Best Dog Walking Service. - Juno Pets won Pet Retailer of the Year. - Home Cat Care by G won the Customer Satisfaction Award. - Vitalis Light was also a finalist for Innovation in Pet and Animal Care Award. - RDJ Rescue and Rehoming CIC was also a finalist for Family Business of the Year. - Aughton Meadows Pet Crematorium was also a finalist for Customer Satisfaction Award. - Otis and Friends Dog Walking was also a finalist for Rising Star Award. - Amy’s Cozy Animal Care was also a finalist for Best Dog Walking Service. - The awards field covered equine support, canine behavior, reptile rehoming, personalized boarding and compassionate end-of-life services. - The entries also pointed to personalized routines, carefully matched walking groups, stimulating activities and regular updates to owners. - The announcement cites investment in facilities and staff training, reptile welfare education, veterinary input into pet retail and bereavement support as part of the sector's service model.

Between the lines: - The awards frame pet care as a service business built on expertise, not just affection for animals. - The mix of winners suggests stronger demand for specialized, highly personalized services. - Recognition for rescue groups, family firms and retail operators shows the sector's range, from community-based support to commercial care.

What's next: - Altaris Business Awards invites people seeking more information about the 2026 Pet and Animal Care Awards to contact the organization. - The recognition may help winning and finalist businesses build visibility with pet owners and local communities.

The bottom line: - Altaris Business Awards used the 2026 Pet and Animal Care Awards to spotlight businesses making animal care more specialized, personal and trust-based.