2023 "Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill" Contest

Matteo

Matteo is training to be a therapy dog & hopes to pass his assessments with OHS so his human can instruct courses as a volunteer and use that experience with Matteo to visit schools, hospitals and more!

Seen here visiting the Animals in War Memorial in Ottawa, Matteo shares his human’s passion for Law Enforcement, proudly sporting his own tactical harness with his name on the back and a maple leaf beside it!   He also sports a maple leaf flag on the front of all three of his tactical harnesses! (you can see it on his IG @Puppers.Matteo)

Matteo loves to teach dog etiquette at the park and sometimes will stand up for other dogs & break up fights, so fittingly his harness is also outfitted with a “PAW PATROL” patch to distinguish his service to the Canadian pups!!

He is also equipped with his own mini-sidearm and handcuffs to show that he has his use of force training; but because he is a good boy, he can always diffuse a bad situation with his kindness and smile!

Matteo hopes to one day join the Parliamentary Protective Service constabulary with his human as a therapy dog team to conduct official business and provide support to anybody and everybody on the Hill.

Penelope

The large wooden doors on the west side of Parliament’s West Block are reserved for special guests and dignitaries, which is why it is the only entrance suitable for Penelope. Although she is a mutt (likely with bits of Australian Shepard, Collie, and Blue Heeler) from a Mennonite farm in Southwestern Ontario, she has climbed the political ladder and is a staple of Parliament Hill. 

She can be found several times per week playing off-leash on the lawn in front of Centre Block and wandering the grounds of Parliament Hill. But when the bells start ringing, she rushes back to these large wooden doors to get inside in time for votes.

Sprocket

It doesn't get much more Canadian than snow and Sprocket loves to dive head-first into it. Whether it's chasing a ball or just the snowflakes themselves, there's nothing better, or cuter, than a face full of snow.

Mikey

Mikey was rescued from the streets last Halloween through Ottawa Kitten Rescue (hence the name Michael Myers).

He was found in rough shape and tested positive for FeLV+ but has since made an amazing recovery and his diagnosis hasn’t stopped him from being his fearless self.

He has the most outgoing, dog-like personality and can’t get enough of people.

Did we mention he has extra thumbs? Extra pets for pouncing

Monsieur Rameau

Monsieur Rameau is not a cat. He's a dog in a cat's body. Not just a purrrdy face, he is very social, will stoop to any lengths for a belly scratch and... will bring the ball back!

Vocal and very "talkative", he is the cat to watch: with his thumbs, he is just a finger away from dominating the human race. His influence is already being felt in Saint Jean, where he is a celebrity always being asked for updates...and more photos on social media!

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani (a.k.a. "Shohei Meowtani") is named after the cutest and most talented baseball player in the MLB, objectively speaking.

And while this charming 11 month old Siberian kitten isn’t as talented (yet), his cuteness is overwhelming to all who meet him. In terms of looks, the extra tufts of fur on his paws and ears get a lot of attention.

But you might be shocked to know his personality is the best part about him, with a temperament that allows his humans to hold him like a baby and kiss him on the face for an unreasonable length of time.

Please consider Shohei for the title of Cutest Cat on Parliament Hill and if he wins, you can come visit him and verify that all of the information provided is the unbiased truth.

Caspian Marius

Adopted from Magic World of the Dwarf Rabbits, Caspian is no doubt majestic.

Caspian is an adorable fluffball of a rabbit with the gentlest personality and without question the Cutest Pet on Parliament Hill. He loves to give kisses and socialize by sitting on laps any time of the day.

Caspian enjoys carpet exploration often expressed through his speedy binkies and is happy to flop out after a long day of endless affection.

Pablo

Pablo is a very talented bilingual axolotl, who speaks English and Spanish.

This salamander loves to start every day by drinking hot coffee and perusing his copy of Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms to keep current on parliamentary procedure.

His favourite outfit is the Senate Speaker's black tricorn hat and robes.

They don't make them any cuter than Pablo!

Petunia

You could say Petunia is no ordinary chicken. She is the Regal Queen of her flock. Her calm, yet firm temperament is apparent when she makes her appearance outside her castle. She is a Silkie, named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin, appropriate for Queen Petunia.

Not only does Petunia feed Canadians with her delicious farm fresh eggs, she also provides an endless supply of cuteness with her fluffy wings and impeccable hairstyle. All pets should aspire to be more like Petunia.