Hero Dog Awards Finalists Announced

Service Dog Donald (American Humane)

(Press Release) South FL (August 5, 2025)—Today, American Humane Society—the country’s first national animal welfare organization— is announcing the incredible semi-finalists for its annual Hero Dog Awards and encouraging the public to vote for their favorites. 
 
The Hero Dog Awards is a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories: law enforcement and first responder dogs, service and guide dogs, therapy dogs, military dogs, and emerging hero dogs. Winners are ordinary canine companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives as first responders, aiding their human best friend with sight or hearing and overall inspiring their communities.  

---

“We congratulate the incredible dogs who are nominated for the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “The canine heroes represent courage, strength and love and their stories illustrate the uplifting healing power of the human-animal bond. We look forward to sharing their stories with America and encourage all to vote for the heroes on both ends of the leash.” 
 
People across the U.S. can vote for their four-legged champions at americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards.
 
The following dogs are semi-finalists:  
 

• Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs 
  • Bubba from Washington, D.C. 
  • Harrison from Caldwell County, NC 
  • Mac from Gaston County, NC   
  • Peyton from Washington, D.C.  
  • Tiller from Norfolk, VA 

 

• Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs 
  • Baldwin from Wayland, MI 
  • Canela from Oviedo, FL 
  • Donald from Fort Myers, FL 
  • Justice from Seffner, FL  
  • Willow from Las Vegas, NV

 

• Therapy Dogs 
  • Sgt. Bo from Nashville, TN 
  • Jager from Barnegat Township, NJ 
  • Quentin from Tampa, FL 
  • Rigby from Tuxedo Park, NY 
  • Rudy from Los Angeles, CA

 

• Military Dogs 
  • Abby from Yuma, AZ  
  • Ffancy from Barnegat, NJ 
  • Joker from Enid, OK 
  • Misha from Willow Hill, PA 
  • K9 Ultra from Matawan, NJ 

 

• Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs 
  • Lieutenant Dan from New Richmond, OH  
  • Leo from Pittsford, NY 
  • Linda from Coral Gables, FL 
  • Parker from Canton, GA 
  • Roxz from Milwaukee, WI 

 
For more information about the American Humane Society Hero Dog Awards®, visit  americanhumane.org/hero-dog-awards. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].