The Hero Dog Awards® are back! Our nationwide search celebrates the most courageous and inspiring dogs from across the country.
Congratulations to 15th Annual Hero Dog Awards winner, Sgt. Bo! Watch the announcement on The TODAY Show
Celebrate Ordinary Dogs That Do Extraordinary Things
For 16 years, our nationwide competition has invited pet parents across America to nominate their canine heroes. Whether they are service dogs helping people with disabilities, working dogs who help keep us safe, therapy dogs bringing comfort to those in need, or family pets who have shown unexpected bravery, we honor them all.
Nominate Your Hero Dog
Nominations are now open to celebrate hero dogs across the country. Here’s how to nominate:
- Choose the category that fits your dog
- Tell their story — big or small, every hero matters
- Upload a photo and video you love
- Submit your nomination
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs
Overcome the odds and perform extraordinary acts.
Sponsored by Trupanion
Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs
Provide critical law enforcement, rescue and detection capabilities.
Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs
Improve lives and ensure daily safety through specialized training.
Therapy Dogs
Aid physical, social, emotional and cognitive healing as credentialed companions.
Award Rules
Nominations for the 16th Annual Hero Dog Awards are open from June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026. Key points to know before nominating your dog:
- Open to legal U.S. residents (50 states and D.C.) who are at least 18 years old.
- You must own the nominated dog or be authorized by the owner.
- Dogs must be alive at the time of entry and permanently reside in the United States.
- Dogs can only be nominated in one category.
- Public voting from August 10, 2026 – September 18, 2026.
- The Hero Dog Awards winner is selected from category winners by a panel of judges.
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 celebration.
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. Pet parents 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 may be 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.
Help Celebrate America’s Hero Dogs
Follow us on social media for awards news and announcements. Together, we can share these powerful stories that remind us why dogs truly are our best friends.
Hero Dogs Hall of Fame
Meet the hero dogs from past years and discover their inspiring stories
