Our annual, nationwide competition recognizes heroes on both ends of the leash. Congratulations to the 2025 Hero Dog winner Sgt. Bo!
Congratulations to 15th Annual Hero Dog Awards winner, Sgt. Bo! Watch the winner announcement on The TODAY Show
Celebrate Ordinary Dogs that Do Extraordinary Things
For 15 years, our nationwide competition has invited dog owners across the U.S. to nominate their canine heroes. Whether they’re service dogs helping people with disabilities, therapy dogs bringing comfort to those in need, or family pets who have shown unexpected bravery, we honor them all.
Meet the Heroes
Thank you to all five of the finalists chosen from an extraordinary group of 25 courageous canines representing the heart of the Hero Dog Awards — bravery in action, healing paws that bring comfort and second-chance stories that prove hope is never lost.
Finalist
Donald
Superpower: Intuitive guidance and life-saving protection.
Category: Service and Guide / Hearing Dogs
Finalist
Harrison
Superpower: Tracking down evidence.
Category: Law Enforcement & First Responder Dogs
Finalist
K9 Ultra
Superpower: Seamlessly transitioning from play-mode to mission-mode.
Category: Military Dogs
Finalist
Lieutenant Dan
Superpower: Spreading joy and confidence with every smile.
Category: Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs
Join Us as a Sponsor
Join us as a sponsor of the Hero Dog Awards to celebrate the country’s most heroic canines and align your brand with their inspiring stories. Sponsors receive recognition and marketing benefits throughout nominations and voting, as well as at the awards gala.
Hero Dogs Hall of Fame
Meet the hero dogs from past years and discover their inspiring stories
Common Questions About the American Humane Hero Dog Awards®
The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is an annual, nationwide competition that honors extraordinary dogs across five categories: therapy dogs, service and guide dogs, military dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs and emerging hero dogs.
The program has celebrated the human-animal bond for 15 years, recognizing ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things.
Nominations open each year on our website. Dog owners across the United States can submit their dogs in any of the five award categories.
From the nominations, 25 semi-finalists are selected and the public votes to narrow the field to five finalists. A blue-ribbon judging panel selects the overall winner.
Finalists and the winner are announced on national television.
The 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Award was presented to Sgt. Bo, a mixed breed therapy dog who served with the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Sgt. Bo comforted children and adults in schools, including in the aftermath of tragedy in the Nashville community. He was selected from among five finalists representing all award categories.
Yes. The Hero Dog Awards celebrates dogs of all breeds, sizes and backgrounds. Past honorees have included military working dogs, service & guide dogs, law enforcement & first responder dogs, emerging hero & shelter dogs, and therapy dogs. American Humane Society encourages nominations from across the country.
Yes. Contact our partnership team to learn more.