Gradu-pets ceremony held at Queen's University Belfast
The event celebrated the four-legged friends who've helped their owners through their studies
Dogs, cats, and even a goat have taken part in a graduation ceremony at a prestigious Northern Ireland University.
The event was hosted at Queen's University Belfast this week to celebrate the four-legged friends who helped their owners through their studies.
Queen’s invited the gradu-pets to walk the red carpet before receiving their very own ‘pet-ificate’ in subjects such as Furensic Science, Anthropawlogy, Barkaeology and Mecatical Engineering.
Research has shown that spending time with animals can improve concentration levels and lower stress – two things that are particularly important as students navigate their studies. Following the University’s 2024 pet graduation, the first of its kind in the UK, the ceremony once again highlighted the often-unseen role pets play as companions and sources of comfort for students, particularly during exam time.
The Animal of the Year title went to Max Gray, who was honoured for gallantry in Public Service due to his bravery in local and international search and rescue efforts. Just as Queen's University of the Year award was voted for by students, Max was nominated entirely by graduates. In receiving his honorary ‘dog-torate’, Max was recognised for his specialist ability to locate missing and trapped people in emergency situations using his exceptional scent detection skills – skills that saw him deployed to Venezuela last month following a major earthquake.
Celebrating with Tilly, her 6-year-old Labradoodle, Law graduate Eimear Marie Kelly Ward said: 
"As a Pathway Programme student, I balanced my legal studies with caring responsibilities for my mother, who lives with epilepsy and a brain injury. My dog Tilly has been by my side since we welcomed her into our family in 2020, supporting me through sixth form and every stage of my university journey. Although she has never received formal service training, Tilly has an incredible ability to sense my mother’s seizures before they happen and reminds her if she forgets to eat or take her medication. Tilly has shared my caring responsibilities, as well as bringing joy, comfort and stability to our family as we managed a chronic illness. She didn't just watch me earn my law degree, she actively helped me cross the finish line and I'm so happy to see her be recognised for everything she's done for us."
Masters of Law graduate Hollye Hamilton was joined by her pygmy goat, Greta, "Greta was there for every stressful assignment, exam and dissertation meltdown, always ready to make me laugh, usually by causing a little bit of chaos. She reminded me to step away from my laptop, get outside and enjoy the little things in life (even if that meant chasing a mischievous pygmy goat around the yard). She may not have written a single essay or cited any references, but she was the best emotional support I could have asked for. If anyone has earned a graduation cap, it’s Greta!"
Professor Judy Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students added:
"At Queen's, we know that student success is rarely achieved alone. Behind every graduate is a network of support that helps them navigate both the opportunities and challenges of university life. For many students, that support comes from family, friends, staff and peers. For others, it also comes from the companionship of a much-loved pet.
"At Queen's, we are committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive, recognising that wellbeing and a sense of belonging are fundamental to learning and success. We know that, for some students, pets can provide comfort, routine and emotional support during periods of challenge, helping them maintain balance throughout their studies. This event recognises the many different forms that support can take and celebrates everyone who has helped our graduates reach this important milestone. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to all those who have been part of their journey."