Drone SAR for Lost Dogs Isle of Wight has been named Volunteers of the Year for the Southern Region at the prestigious Animal Star Awards 2025.
The team formed less than a year ago, on 25th June 2024, and their recognition at a national level marks a significant achievement in such a short time.
Celebrating the human-animal bond
Founded in 2016 by Mary Burgess, the Animal Star Awards were created to recognise the powerful relationship between people and animals, and the individuals who make a difference to both. In 2022, Mary was awarded a Points of Light award by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson for her services.
The Drone SAR for Lost Dogs Isle of Wight team is part of a wider national network, Drone SAR for Lost Dogs UK. Their work combines drone technology with community dedication to reunite missing pets with their families.
Deeply honoured by local and national support
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight team said,
“We feel so deeply honoured and so thankful to receive the award. We are so passionate about helping lost dogs and other animals to be reunited with their families.
“To see the relief on lost pet owners’ faces when their loved family member is found makes every flight undertaken, every search in all weathers, every late night so worthwhile.”
They added,
“We are totally overwhelmed and it is a very humbling experience to be recognised, especially as regarded as ‘the new team on the Island’.
“We are so thankful for all the support and encouragement we receive from our Island community.”
Local partnership to raise awareness
The team also announced a new partnership with Jolleys Pet People in Newport, who have chosen Drone SAR for Lost Dogs IW as their Charity of the Year.
The team said,
“Jolleys will be helping to raise awareness on the Island of the volunteer work we do and collect donations to support us, which is invaluable to us.
“Every penny raised will be spent on helping us get much-needed equipment to help our lost pets safely home. As a new team, this is an enormous help which we are so grateful for.”
Founder takes top Southern Region prize
The overall Animal Star Award of the Year for the Southern Region went to Graham Burton, founder of Drone SAR for Lost Dogs UK.
Graham was recognised for his outstanding achievements and his foresight in supporting the launch of an Isle of Wight branch. He identified the need for more resources locally to help lost pets and animals find their way home.
It was a night of shared success for both the UK-wide and Isle of Wight Drone SAR teams—one that highlights the growing impact of their compassionate and skilled volunteer efforts.
