If children are known for their outrageous remarks, you better believe pets are equally, if not more, outrageous. One of the few certain joys in life—aside from finding a missing sock in the dryer or recycling an empty pizza box—is owning a cat, dog, or another cute little creature that provides endless amusement. The communication—or lack thereof—between humans and their pets is both enchanting and ridiculous. Capturing that delightful chaos on camera transforms fleeting moments into enduring memories, which is essentially the pet-owner’s version of Instagramming a kale salad.
Photographing our beloved pets is universally recognized as an act of love—right up there with scratching behind their ears or letting them hog the bed. Pet owners have an undeniable obsession with capturing the essence of their furry companions, whether they’re deep in sleep, caught mid-yawn, or in a genuinely absurd pose. It’s a rite of passage that every pet owner must endure, armed with a smartphone, and an unhealthy amount of patience.
Enter the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, a cheerful contest founded by two dapper gentlemen—Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks—who seem to believe that laughter is the best way to promote animal welfare. Because honestly, who cares about saving the world when you could be chuckling over a chipmunk stuck in a garbage can? Previous years have showcased such artistic excellence as a monkey on a suspension wire, apparently enduring a private moment of pain—rest assured, no monkeys were harmed in this comedic escapade. The rousing success prompted the inception of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards, where you can showcase your pet’s shenanigans for a chance to nab a £2,000 ($2,650) prize. That’s right, folks: Go ahead and monetize your pet’s antics like a true entrepreneur!
Every entry in this competition lends a helping paw to Animal Support Angels, a U.K.-based charity—because if you’re going to make a fool of yourself by entering a contest, you might as well contribute to the greater good in the process. The 2024 winner features a dog attempting to defy the laws of physics by shoving his head through a cat door that could barely accommodate a hamster. And just last year, the crown belonged to a kitten captured in a clumsy moment, plotting the world’s cutest sneak attack on his brother. Tres hilarious, indeed.
However, let’s not forget the 2021 winners—the crème de la crème of pet photography that still reign supreme. Zoe Ross was the star of the show, presenting “Whizz Pop,” an unforgettable image of her exuberant labrador puppy, Pepper, who seems to have swallowed bubbles. Yes, you read that right; either this dog has developed an impressive skillset with bubble solutions, or the photographer displayed remarkable timing. Good luck finding an explanation anywhere else that makes less sense yet is totally relatable.
In the Best Dog Category, Carmen Cromer introduced us to “Jurassic Bark,” featuring her golden retriever, Clementine, whose hose-drenched visage is reminiscent of a T-rex. It’s a noble tribute to the prehistory of absurdity. Meanwhile, a cat named Jeff stole the spotlight in the Best Cat Category by photobombing his brother—a classic feline move, akin to sneaking in on your roommate’s Zoom call while in your pajamas. Because why shouldn’t chaos reign in the world of cute?
And let’s not forget the artistic endeavors of horse enthusiasts, with inspiring entries like “I Said ‘Good Morning’,” where a horse evidently apprehended the concept of conversing with humans by responding to a morning greeting with a comical expression. It seems equines, too, have mastered the art of facial expression—or perhaps it’s an indication that horses are the true philosophers of the animal kingdom.
So why do we indulge in this delightful madness? Per the event’s founders, it’s about creating positive awareness around animal welfare while also admiring the delightful disruption pets bring into our lives. In other words, you’re contributing to a noble cause by laughing at animals wearing silly hats, and contributing your two cents to the big bucket of good intentions. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my dog insists it’s time for another photo shoot. He has strategically stationed himself on my keyboard, clearly indicating he’s the star of the show.
