Now in their third year, the 2025 Awards are themed around ‘We Are All Animals’, in celebration of the new, non-fiction children’s book by the same name, which explores the fascinating similarities between humans and animals.

Featuring five different age categories from seven upwards, the awards aim to encourage people to express themselves though visual art or written word, and to open their minds to the connections between all species.

Founder of Humanimal Trust, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, said: “Since I was a child and throughout my career as a vet, I have thought of animals as our equals and our friends. We have far more in common than has ever been different between us. We are all animals and through our Creative Awards, we want to fire up everyone's imagination and empower them to explore these amazing connections.”

Over 250 entries were received in 2023 and 2024 from people around the world, and with the addition of a new category this year for professionals and students, the charity is anticipating an even bigger response.    

Entries can be anything from a short story or poem to artwork, photography or video, and each one will be judged by a panel consisting of Professor Noel Fitzpatrick; bestselling author and Humanimal Trust Patron, Christopher Lloyd; Managing Director of publishing company, What on Earth!, Nancy Feresten; and Intensive Care Consultant and Humanimal Trust Patron, Dr Matt Morgan. 

CEO of Humanimal Trust, Joe Bailey, said: “The entries we’ve received over the past two years have been truly incredible. The care and attention that has gone into each one has been remarkable. The love that people have for animals has really come to life, and fills it me with joy and hope. 

“This year, our awards are bigger and better than ever, with the addition of a new category for medical professionals and students, and some wonderful prizes on offer. Our fabulous judges are returning and will be joined by our Patron, Dr Matt Morgan.

“We would love to see more schools getting involved, so we have created new lesson ideas for each key stage and other resources with links to national curriculum subjects, which have been specifically designed to help teachers bring the competition into the classroom. 

“The theme of ‘We Are All Animals’ fits perfectly with what Humanimal Trust is all about. We strive to build a bridge between doctors, vets, allied professionals and researchers, so they are able to learn from each other for the benefit of all species. This is known as ‘One Medicine’ and only by educating the next generation of professionals about the similarities between all species - right from an early age - will One Medicine become the norm. We hope our Creative Awards will enable that to happen in a really positive and fun way.”

Entries for the Creative Awards 2025 should be submitted by 30 April and the winner and runner-up from each age category (7-9 years, 10-11 years, 12-15 years, 16 and upwards, and professionals and students) will receive prizes, including signed books and magazine subscriptions. 

Further information about the #CreativeAwards2025 can be found at www.humanimaltrust.org.uk