*Note: The deadline for nominations has been extended to July 14, 2025. Submit your favorite hero dogs now!

Do you know any heroic dogs? Every year, the American Humane Society runs a contest to find the most heroic dogs in the nation. Nominations are now open, but you’ll have to hurry: they close June 30, 2025. This amazing contest has been running for 15 years and celebrates heroic dogs from all walks (get it?) of life.

Keep reading to learn more about this contest and see how to nominate your favorite furry heroes!

What Are the American Humane Society Hero Dog Awards®?

The Hero Dog Awards® are annual awards given to outstanding dogs in fields like therapy, law enforcement, military support, and service and guiding. They also recognize dogs who have overcome terrible situations through the Emerging Hero & Shelter Dogs category. For over 15 years, the program has selected amazing dogs and featured them on Good Morning America and other news sites.

“Through the Hero Dog Awards, we celebrate the incredible bond between humans and animals,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “We are proud to mark 15 years of sharing uplifting stories about heroes on both ends of the leash and giving these remarkable dogs the recognition they deserve.”

The Hero Dog Awards are run by the American Humane Society, an animal welfare nonprofit founded almost 150 years ago. They run countless programs aimed at helping animals in need around the country. That includes providing free veterinary care after disasters like the recent LA fires, training service dogs to support wounded warriors, and certifying film productions as upholding animal welfare standards through the No Animals Were Harmed program.

How to Nominate Your Local Heroes

You can nominate dogs in five different categories:

• Law enforcement & first responders
• Service & guide/hearing dogs
• Emerging hero & shelter dogs
• Therapy dogs
• Military dogs

Entry is open through June 30, and each dog can only compete in one category. There are a few rules, including that the dog must be alive and live permanently in the United States.

After entries close, there will be a public voting period from August 4th through September 15th. After that, a panel of judges will make the final decision and select this year’s hero dogs.

Did we mention that there will be a televised award show and gala in Palm Beach to celebrate the winners? If you’re the proud owner of a nominated dog, pencil the gala into your calendar for next January.

Take a Moment to Recognize the Past Winners

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, take a scroll through the past winners. Meet Bo, 2024’s Law Enforcement winner, who is a member of the Gastonia Police Department’s K9 unit and has helped catch robbery suspects and found a missing elderly patient and a child with autism. Read about Ethan, 2022’s winning shelter dog, who made an amazing recovery after being abandoned, starving, and near death. Or Maverick, the 2023 therapy dog winner, who specializes in escorting children to military funerals and helping service members on suicide watch. Or Little Man, 2021’s search and rescue hero dog, who was pulled from the wreckage of a tornado and went on to rescue survivors of other disasters.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to that nomination page and give your local heroes the recognition they deserve!

Did You Know?