Therapy Dogs
The Hero Dog Awards® celebrate therapy dogs who provide comfort and healing for those in need.
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 dogs help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and enhance a patient’s ability to achieve physical and psychological wellness.
Stay Tuned for the Semi-Finalists
Nominations for the 2026 Hero Dog Awards are now closed — thank you to everyone who shared their hero’s story.
Voting starts August 10. Follow along to meet the semi-finalists and vote for your favorite heroes!
Meet 2025 Hero Dog Sgt. Bo
Last year’s Hero Dog Award winner Sgt. Bo and his handler shared their inspiring story on the Robin’s Nest podcast.
Once a stray in Nashville, Sgt. Bo’s life was transformed through rescue into one of extraordinary service as a therapy dog with the Metro Nashville Police Department. Known for his calm presence and gentle spirit, Sgt. Bo supported children and adults during moments of crisis, helped de-escalate traumatic situations and provided comfort when words fell short. Sgt. Bo’s journey reflects the powerful healing potential of rescue animals and the critical role therapy dogs play in trauma-informed care.