Entrants could win a cash prize, trophy and a bag.

The Comedy Pet Photo Awards 2024 competition has opened for entries, for the chance to win a £500 cash prize.

The competition invites all pet lovers to share the funniest pictures or videos of their cats, dogs, horses, or any other pet to win the trophy and be crowned Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year. As well as the cash prize and trophy, the winner will also receive a photography bag from Thinktank.

This year, to encourage young photographers to get involved, competition entries will be completely free for under 16’s.

The entries will be judged by an expert and celebrity panel, including conservationist Kate Humble, comedian Mel Giedroyc, award-winning photographer Elke Vogelsang, animal photographer Gerrard Gethings and veterinary surgeon Emma Milne. They will also be considered by the competition founders, Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam.

The Comedy Pet Photo Awards, now in its fifth year, were introduced to raise awareness of animal welfare issues, and the valuable contributions that pets make to everyday life. They also aim to highlight as many animal welfare charities as possible.

As well as the Best Overall Photo, a winner will be chosen from each competition category. The categories are Dogs, Cats, Horses, All the Other Creatures, Pets who look like their owners, Junior and Video.

Last year’s winner was Michel Zoghzoghi, a wildlife photographer from Beirut, Lebanon. Mr Zoghzoghi’s entry, ‘A life-changing experience’ (pictured), featured his rescue kittens Max and Alex playing together.

After his win, Mr Zoghzoghi said: “As a wildlife photographer I never really considered sending photos to a pet competition until I discovered Comedy Pets.

“It’s witty, it’s fun and the photos are hilarious."

Michelle Wood, from Comedy Pet Photo Awards, said: "Our pets are truly the gifts that keep on giving; these creators of mayhem, mischief and magical moments bring so much joy and laughter to our world and Comedy Pets allows us to share this around the world and give people a sweet taste of silliness when a lot of the headline news is pretty grim."

The closing date for entries is 14 April 2024. Entries can be submitted via the website, with an entry fee per submission. Under 16’s can enter for free.

Images © Michel Zoghzoghi/Comedy Pets 2024 and © Chris Porsz/Comedy Pets 2024