Voting Now Open for 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®

American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, has announced that public voting is now open to nominate the furry finalists for its 2023 Hero Dog Awards. Voting will close on August 24, 2023 and the finalists in each category will be showcased at the 13th Annual Hero Dog Awards Gala taking place at The Breakers Palm Beach on Friday, November 10, 2023. The event will be televised live on the A&E and fyi networks Thanksgiving weekend.

“Whether they protect us on the frontlines, help us with medical challenges, or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a long day, dogs save and improve our lives in infinite ways,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Each year there are 25 worthy canine nominees, and this year is no exception. Last year more than 1 million votes were cast from across the country, and we can’t wait to see which of these precious pups will be our finalists!” 

There are five nominees in each of the five categories listed below. There will be one winner in each category based on public voting, and one overall winner announced at the gala event. To vote, visit herodogawards.org/nominees. 

The 2023 Hero Dog Awards nominees are:

    • Service and Guide/ Hearing

              ◦ Willow; Las Vegas, NV

              ◦ Justice; Seffner, FL

              ◦ Moxie; Ballwin, MO

              ◦ Saint; Rockledge, FL

              ◦ Zeus; Weirton, WV

    • Emerging Hero and Shelter

              ◦ Fergie Mak; Largo, FL

              ◦ Raina; Perkasie, PA

              ◦ Siva; Manassas, VA

              ◦ Dodger; Encino, CA

              ◦ Pepper; Franklin Park, NJ

    • Therapy

              ◦ Maverick; St. Robert, MO

              ◦ Oscar; Coral Springs, FL

              ◦ Lily; Rochester, MN

              ◦ Georgia X; Gardendale, AL

              ◦ Melia; Wentzville, MO

    • Military

              ◦ Buda; Oceanside CA

              ◦ Ramos; Westwood, MA

              ◦ Fritz; Fountain, CO

              ◦ Mmaui; Colorado Springs, CO

              ◦ Gino; Fort Stewart, GA

    • Law Enforcement and First Responder

              ◦ Diva; Newport Beach, CA

              ◦ Jackson; Carlisle, PA

              ◦ Poppy; Columbia, SC

              ◦ K9 Riegel; Troy, TX

              ◦ Dzasper; North Richland Hills, TX

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.