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Pet adoption app Only Rescues has won the Pet Industry Federation innovation award for 2026 at the annual Business of Pets conference.
The mobile software business secured the highest overall score from delegates during the two-day event at the Cranfield Management Development Centre.
Sifting through 14 shortlisted finalists, voters evaluated each project based on its market potential, commercial layout, and total sector impact.
Founder Tara Hamdi launched the digital matchmaking service to connect prospective owners with domestic animals from national rescue centres.
The system features a matching questionnaire and a swipe-based interface to simplify the domestic rehoming process.
Enrichment device developer Petosu took second place with its DigDrum product, while small animal brand HayPigs secured third place for its custom guinea pig village houses.
Nigel Baker, Pet Industry Federation chief executive, said: “The Innovation Award is always one of the highlights of the Business of Pets Conference, and provides a glimpse into the future of our sector and recognising businesses that are developing exciting solutions to real-world challenges.
“Congratulations to our winner and to all the finalists who delivered pitches during the conference, and demonstrated the innovation, passion and ambition that continue to drive the pet industry forward.”
