Nominees for ‘most unusual pet insurance claim’ are here — each vet story is more outrageous than the last

Pets are unpredictable, and this pet organization is making sure they are rewarded for it.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO

Dog bites a cardboard tube. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Carol Yepes)

Pets are adorable, but also the biggest troublemakers. If getting their way out of mishaps with puppy dog faces was not enough, a pet organization has launched a whole award to honor their pesky misadventures. The 17th Annual Hambone Award by Nationwide is now open for votes, which spotlights the most unusual pet insurance claims of 2025. The company announced the riveting list of ten finalists who are set to contend for the ultimate prize, and their misadventures are nothing short of hilarious. Besides the quirks, the award highlights the significance of pet insurance health coverage, ensuring every pet receives the care it deserves, according to Cleveland.com.

A naughty two-month-old puppy plays tug of war with an old towel. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | MDV Edwards)

On Monday, Nationwide unveiled the list of finalists, drawing from their hysterical veterinary stories. Fortunately, every pet story ended with a vet run and full recovery, thanks to insurance coverage, in addition to memories worth laughing about forever. Contenders for the 17th Annual Hambone Award range from cats swallowing up an AirPod to a dog fighting off a bull to protect his family. Amusing would be an understatement. Top of the list is Ziya, a Belgian Malinois from California who was rushed to the vet clinic for a broken tooth endured while defending his family from a loose bull.

Vet checking ear of labradoddle during routine checkup. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Maskot)

A mixed-breed pup from Tennessee, Wash, could not resist a cicada buffet and dove right in, causing a sudden diet shock. Whereas, Salem, a New York cat, had the whole neighborhood in a tumult after he swallowed an AirPod, which made for two vet visits. Not just the top three, the entire list of pet contenders stinks of trouble. Ozi, a Yorkie from California, gobbled up a whole TV remote while his family searched for a missing battery. A Virginia bulldog, Maddie, ate a taxidermy alligator and was rushed to the vet in an emergency. Foxtrot, a Texan Great Dane, gave Thanksgiving dinner a new twist after he swallowed an entire turkey leg and needed emergency bone removal at the clinic.

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Duke, a Labrador mix in Ohio, was lured in by peanut butter and swallowed a spatula head. An X-ray later, the spatula was removed through endoscopy. A Great Dane-St. Bernard Mix from New Jersey, Hazel, was too curious about a yard hole that resulted in a groundhog attack and a vet run. Boone, a Golden Retriever from New Jersey, indulged in a hot chicken bone and burned his mouth. Bella, a Havanese pup in Illinois, was attracted to a bouquet covered in pollen and got sick. Fortunately, the pet insurance covered the expenses for the pup’s treatment. The winner shall be voted on through Tuesday, August 12, and the results will be out a week after.

Springer spaniel with TV remote and owner. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | tirc83)

“All nominated pets made full recoveries, and their families received reimbursements for eligible vet expenses,” said Dr. Emily M. Tincher, the chief veterinary officer for Nationwide. She emphasized the Hambone Award’s role in providing recognition to veterinary professionals who tackle every unprecedented mishap to ensure pets’ safety. The prize winner will be awarded the Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card, while the two runners-up will receive only gift cards.