Therapy Dogs
Celebrate credentialed therapy dogs that help those in need of physical, social, emotional and cognitive healing.
2024 therapy dog finalist Dayo, a 9-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, brings comfort to children in palliative care, hospital patients and students across California.
Nomination Deadline: June 30, 2025
What Makes These Dogs Heroes?
Dogs in this category are credentialed Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) dogs that help transform lives as part of therapeutic plans to aid with physical, social, emotional and cognitive challenges.
Therapy dogs have been shown to help enhance the lives of people in need such as children who have experienced abuse or neglect, patients undergoing chemotherapy or other difficult medical treatments, and military veterans and their families who are struggling to cope with the effects of wartime military service. Studies have found that AAT lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and enhances a patient’s ability to achieve physical and psychological wellness.
Is Your Dog a Hero? Share Your Story
Share what makes your dog extraordinary by nominating them for the Hero Dog Awards. Simply pick the category that fits your dog, share their story and upload up to five of your favorite photos. We’ll select category finalists, and the public will help vote for the winner.
