You don’t need a pet? Think twice with Comedy Pet Photography Awards 2022 finalists

Comedy Pet Photography Awards has just announced its 2022 finalists. It’s one of those competitions that always put a smile on my face, just like its sister contest dedicated to wildlife “comedians.” And just as always, the selection of shortlists will brighten up your day and make you get another (or your first) four-legged or feathered friend.

Among the top finalists this year, there is a llama looking like me on a Friday afternoon when the work week catches up. There’s a dog looking like he’s about to hit a Drive Thru, and couple of headless cats that look like a nightmare and a comedy show at the same time. of course, there’s also the usual nonsense of laughing horses and grinning dogs – always funny!

The folks behind this crazy competition are Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, both professional photographers. their goal was to celebrate the positive and vital role that pets have in our lives, but also to encourage engagement around animal welfare.  This year, thanks to the partnership with Animal Friends Pet Insurance, Comedy Pets is donating £35,000 to animal welfare charities. £10,000 goes to three separate charities each: Dean Farm Trust, London Inner City Kitties and Wild at Heart Foundation. The remaining £5000 goes to the overall winner to donate to a charity of their choice.

The 30 shortlisted images and videos were chosen from hundreds of entries submitted to the competition from nearly 70 different countries.  And now, the panel of judges now “only” have to sift through them to pick the funniest ones.

There’s one novelty this year: for the first time, the public gets to be a judge too! You can now vote for your favourite Finalist image in the Animal Friends People’s Choice Award.  Voting is open now on the website, and you also have a chance to enter a free prize draw with £250 up for grabs. Voting closes on 22 August 2022.

The Comedy Pet Winners will be announced on 13 September. The overall winner will be rewarded with a £2000 cash prize and a bespoke trophy for the best photo, plus the aforementioned £5000 charity donation. Enjoy more of this year’s finalists below, and make sure to visit the contest’s website for more information and to cast your vote.