The awards celebrate and reward the hard work and dedication of those who go above and beyond in their mission to rescue and re-home animals in need.

Inspirational event celebrates outstanding charities and not-for-profit organisations

Pet insurance provider Petplan has announced that nominations for the Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Animal Charity (ADCH) Awards are now open.

The awards celebrate and reward the hard work and dedication of those who go above and beyond in their mission to rescue and rehome animals in need. The three award categories are Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year, Animal Charity Employee of the Year and Animal Charity Team of the Year.

For Petplan, the opening of the nominations also coincide with a £4 million milestone of support to Dogs Trust, where they have helped the UK's largest dog welfare charity to find loving homes for thousands of dogs over the past 10 years.

Petplan's James Branes said: "We are proud to make a difference by supporting the outstanding work of charities like Dogs Trust who play an invaluable role ensuring the welfare of dogs in the UK. Petplan provides much more than comprehensive pet insurance and works closely with over 1,200 animals charities, contributing tore than £2.5 million each year to help them rehome and continually deliver outstanding care to animals in need."

Last year the awards received over 5,500 nominations from charity staff, adopters and volunteers. The organisers hope to exceed that number this year.

Nominations opened on November 3 are will close on February 13, 2015. The awards will be announced at the Bournemouth International Centre on April 22, 2015. For further information and to make a nomination visit http://www.petplan.co.uk/charityawards/