Most pet insurance claims are common—common enough to appear our annual top 10 list, like skin allergies, upset stomach and ear infections. But occasionally, we see a pet claim that stands out from the rest. For the most unusual of the unusual pet health stories we receive, there’s the Hambone Awards®, our annual campaign to honor the pet with the most surprising claim of the year.
This 17th year of wild claim submissions included unexpected animal encounters and an array of things that are not meant to be consumed by pets, all of which were covered by Nationwide pet insurance.
Meet the 2025 Hambone Award Nominees
Ziya, a Belgian Malinois from California, discovered a surprising adversary hiding in the Bay Area fog on his morning walk. This matador Malinois bravely defended his pet parents from an angry loose bull, receiving a kick to the jaw that dislodged a tooth and resulted in a trip to the doggy dentist.
Wash, a mixed-breed dog from Tennessee, excitedly munched down on a brood of cicadas as they emerged from the ground. His buggy buffet led to a veterinary visit for acute gastrointestinal distress (and a smelly situation for his family).
Salem, a shorthair cat from New York, was the leading suspect when his dad’s earbud went missing. Numerous sound checks, a runaround search mission with Find My iPhone and two veterinary visits couldn't crack the case of the missing earbuds, but his dad could rest assured knowing Salem was healthy and safe.
Ozi, a small mixed breed from California, changed the channel on his humans’ vacation plans by chewing up the TV remote control while they were out of town. When one battery was found mangled and the other one missing, he was brought to the emergency vet to make sure nothing was amiss.
Maddie, a bulldog in Virginia, came down with a mysterious illness that seemed to originate from the strange objects her family found on the floor. The cause? A preserved alligator that she’d chomped on, prompting an emergency veterinary visit.
Hazel, a Great Dane-St. Bernard mix-breed from New Jersey, spent several days keeping close watch on a mysterious hole in the yard. This led to a tussle with the occupant of said hole: A groundhog who took a bite out of Hazel’s paw, warranting a trip to the veterinarian.
Foxtrot, a Great Dane from Texas, snuck up behind her mom and snacked on a whole leftover Thanksgiving turkey leg—bone and all. As a result, they spent Black Friday at the emergency veterinarian.
Duke, a Lab mix from Ohio, was staying with a dog sitter when he got a little over enthusiastic about snack time—and swallowed an entire spatula head while licking off some peanut butter. He was unfazed by the experience but a trip to the veterinarian was needed to retrieve the utensil.
Boone, a golden retriever from New Jersey, also purloined some poultry when he nabbed a way-too-hot snack off the grill. His surprise chicken treat led to a burned throat and a trip to the veterinarian.
Bella, a Havanese pup from Illinois, did a little flower arrangement by turning her mom’s new bouquet into a buffet. She ended up with a very upset stomach, but a veterinary visit (and a photo of the flowers) helped ensure her recovery.
And this year’s Hambone Award trophy goes to…
For this year’s contest, voting was open to the public the week of August 5-12, 2025. More than 8,500 votes were cast to determine who would take home the bronze ham and the title of Most Unusual Pet Insurance Claim of the Year.
This year’s winner? Drumroll, please….
Ziya!
Ziya’s animal encounter captured the hearts—and votes—of folks across the nation. Ziya’s winning celebration? “A special dinner and some treats,” shares dog dad Tim A.
A special shout out to our runners up, Duke and Foxtrot.
Nominations are open for the 2026 Hambone Awards
Are you a Nationwide member with a truly unusual claim? Enter to be considered for a Hambone Award nomination!
Nominees must be currently enrolled in a Nationwide pet insurance policy and have submitted a claim in relation to their unusual event. Share your story here.
Add-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet