The PDSA Order of Merit is known as the animals’ OBE. It recognises animals that display outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society, above and beyond normal companionship – and represents an exceptional example of the special relationship between animals and humans.
The inaugural award, in 2014, recognised horses and dogs serving with the Metropolitan Police.
Recipients could include service animals, such as those in the police force, assistance dogs or medical detection dogs. By creating the PDSA Order of Merit, we can ensure that all extraordinary animal contributions to society can now be formally recognised and honoured, however and wherever they occur.
