Calling Cat Writers: Submit Entries for the Goodnewsforpets CWA Human Animal Bond Award
Hurray! Goodnewsforpets.com is once again sponsoring the Goodnewsforpets CWA Human-Animal Bond Award, and the full contest is now open. The award is open to new entrants and Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) members and includes a $500 cash prize, a framed certificate plus a publicity profile on Goodnewsforpets. To be eligible, work must be published or presented between January 1 and December 31, 2025. For full details, see the CWA special awards page here. The deadline for submission is midnight May 31st.
Lea-Ann Germinder with her beloved family cat Cocoa
“The human-animal bond with our cat companions is alive and well, as is demonstrated by the reported increase in cat ownership. We are thrilled to be sponsoring this award for the 10th year with CWA and look forward to the naming of the next recipient at the awards ceremony,” said Lea-Ann Germinder, Goodnewsforpets Editor + Publisher. Germinder is a longtime supporter of CWA, including guest speaking engagements on media relations, social media, and, more recently, on AI and what writers and content creators need to know.
The contest features over forty-six Muse Award categories as well as eight Special Awards (including the Goodnewsforpets.com Human-Animal Bond Award). The annual contest celebrates excellence in writing, photography, art, broadcasting, and more.
“The Cat Writers’ Association is proud to work with Goodnewsforpets once again for this most important award. It celebrates content that highlights the importance of the human-animal bond and the relationship between humans and their veterinarians. This is something CWA stresses in all its endeavors. If we didn’t have a close bond with our cats, the CWA probably wouldn’t exist. Thanks to Goodnewsforpets, we are able to reward the creator of the best content in this category,” said Andrea Dorn, CWA President and Conference Co-Chair.
Visit the CWA Contest Page for the Goodnewsforpets.com Award entry criteria, all the award categories, rules, and entry forms.
Conference/Awards Event to Be Held in Dallas November 5-7
The winner of the Goodnewsforpets CWA Human-Animal Bond Award will be announced at the 32nd CWA Annual Conference, November 5–7, 2026, near the DFW airport. According to CWA, this year’s program, prior to the awards ceremony, features two specialized workshop tracks—one for writers and content creators, and another for cat rescue professionals.
The two full days of hands-on workshops (November 6-7) include favorite traditions such as the Swag-Bag Stuffing Mixer, the Friday Night Mixer, and the Awards Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday evening. As we have attended many times, we know it’s a great time to make new contacts, catch up with your CWA colleagues, and get inspired. Goodnewsforpets has enjoyed so many of these CWA events over the years, and this one is sure to be special. Visit the CWA website for updates and to register here.
What is the Goodnewsforpets CWA Human-Animal Bond Award?
The Goodnewsforpets CWA Human-Animal Bond Award celebrates excellent writing about the bond between a cat and its human.
How long has Goodnewsforpets sponsored this award?
Goodnewsforpets has sponsored the award since 2016.
How many awards have been given?
There have been 10 awards given, including two two-time recipients. Read about last year’s recipient and the list of other winners here.
Barnes Wins 2025 Goodnewsforpets.com CWA Human Animal Bond Award
