Congratuations Australian Pup & Handler 2025

This year’s event marks a special homecoming. The Australian Pup & Handler Competition (APHC) began here in Naarm back in 2017, founded by Tycho as a celebration of community, play, and authenticity. Since those first playful steps, APHC has travelled across Australia, bringing together pups, handlers, and allies from every corner of the country. To return to Melbourne in 2025, where it all started, felt both nostalgic and deeply energising.

Celebrating our 2025 titleholders

Lycan (VIC) brought boundless energy, warmth, and heart to the stage. His fantasy performance declaring “I want to be a pup” captured the joy, humour, and vulnerability that define the pup experience. From his first APHC in 2022 to this year’s crowning moment, Lycan has embodied the curiosity, playfulness, and connection that lie at the core of our community.

Kitty Katastrophy (VIC) dazzled audiences with a spirited number from Chicago that balanced glamour and grit, showcasing her signature charisma and confidence. Beyond the stage, her heartfelt speech reminded us that community is a “doing” word — a living, active choice to show up, contribute, and care. A queer woman of colour with more than 15 years in the kink and pet-play scenes, Kitty has long been a leader, educator, and advocate for representation and inclusion.

Together, Kitty and Lycan represent the next chapter of our national title family — champions of kindness, courage, and connection whose reign will no doubt inspire others across Australia and beyond.

Recognising all our contestants

Each year, APHC reminds us that the titles are only part of the story. The competition weekend brings pups and handlers from every state together to share ideas, laughter, and lived experiences. This year’s field of contestants,

• Handlers: Huw (SA) and Kitty Katastrophy (VIC); and
• Pups: Cobalt (VIC), Lycan (VIC), Blitzie (VIC), Axel (VIC), Leo (NSW), and Chase (SA);

showed exactly why Australia’s pup and handler community is so vibrant and supportive. Every competitor contributed something unique, whether through heartfelt speeches, creative performances, or quiet acts of support behind the scenes.

Special moments on stage

The evening also featured the attendance of International Puppy 2025, Orion Star, whose presence highlighted Australia’s strong connection to the global pup and handler community. A-PAH President James shared an update on the organisation’s growth and offered a passionate reminder for everyone to get involved in shaping the national scene, a message that echoed throughout the night.

Throughout the show, the sense of collaboration and inclusion was clear. Pup Chase (VIC) provided Auslan interpreting, ensuring accessibility for all attendees; Pup Biro managed the live stream and stage AV with precision and care; Pups Garrett and Panther led the production team as head producers and Neliak worked hard along side them as co-producer. The evening’s hosts, Pup Luca and Liam Clark, kept the energy high and the audience engaged from start to finish. Their combined efforts helped make APHC 2025 one of the most polished, inclusive, and heartfelt competitions to date.

Gratitude and community

A-PAH extends heartfelt thanks to our judging panel:

• Leo (WA)
• Zeo (QLD)
• Pepper (VIC)
• Sparky (SA); and
• Switchstress Margo (NSW)

for generously sharing their experience, wisdom, and time. Judging is never easy, especially when the field is filled with such passion and heart, and we deeply appreciate their thoughtful deliberation.

We also thank the Victorian Pride Centre for hosting this year’s event — a space that embodies the visibility, diversity, and inclusion our community thrives on. To all the volunteers, production crew, and sponsors who made the weekend possible: your effort and enthusiasm keep this event alive year after year.

Looking ahead

As our new titleholders begin their journeys, A-PAH looks forward to supporting them as ambassadors for the pup and handler community in Australia and abroad. Their reign will be filled with opportunities to connect, educate, and celebrate the joy that pup play brings to so many people.

The Australian Pup & Handler Competition isn’t just a title night; it’s a reminder of how strong, resilient, and caring our community can be when we come together. Whether you attended in person, watched online, or cheered from afar - thank you for being part of APHC 2025.

Photos and highlights from the weekend will be shared in the coming days. Until then, join us in congratulating Lycan and Kitty Katastrophy,  our Australian Pup and Handler for 2025!