The Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories: therapy dogs, service and guide dogs, military dogs, law enforcement and first responder dogs, and emerging hero/shelter dogs. 

Beginning in June, Americans nominated hundreds of inspiring dogs from across the country and five semi-finalists in each of the five categories were chosen. After a competitive public voting process, the field of 25 was narrowed down to five incredible finalists. The winner, Bo, was then selected by a blue-ribbon judging panel. Bo is a year-and-a-half-old Bloodhound in the Law Enforcement and First Responder category who has rescued several missing people and helped police apprehend criminals using his keen sense of smell and tracking skills.  

The Hero Dog Awards Gala was hosted by longtime American Humane Society ambassadors, Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley. During the event, American Humane Society also announced a significant rebrand, including a refreshed logo, a new website, and an updated tagline: “Rescue. Care. Protect.” To reflect the organization’s expanding global efforts in animal welfare and conservation, it has also introduced an international arm as Global Humane Society. 

“The Hero Dog Awards offers an opportunity for Americans to come together and celebrate remarkable dogs who make a lasting mark on our lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “We were thrilled to honor Bo and the Hero Dog Awards finalists and to kick off the new era of American Humane Society.”  

Thank you to our sponsors, American Airlines, Coleman All Natural Meats, Lulu’s Fund, Pets Best and Sam Rose, who have generously sponsored our award categories for the event.  

For more information about the
American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, 
visit HeroDogAwards.org.  

About American Humane Society
 

American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals.

For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube 
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