AVMA, AVMF join search for America's hero dogs

Published on
information-circle This article is more than 3 years old

The AVMA and American Veterinary Medical Foundation have signed on as charity partners with the American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards contest.

Hero Dog Awards is a national event recognizing the special bond between dogs and people and celebrating the extraordinary achievements of individual dogs while educating the public about responsible dog care.

"Championing American values of caring, compassion, and hope, the Hero Dog Awards celebrate the animals we love and the people who interact with them on a daily basis," said AHA President Robin R. Ganzert, PhD.

As two of several charity partners, the AVMA and AVMF have a chance to receive a share of $50,000 in grants awarded by the AHA to support their work.

The AHA Film & Television Unit began accepting Hero Dog nominations in March. Dogs may be nominated in eight categories: law enforcement and arson, service, therapy, military, guide, search and rescue, hearing, and emerging hero.

Nominations close May 31, and voting by the general public begins June 1. Finalists in each category will be judged by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of celebrities and animal experts to determine the winning American Hero Dog.

All finalists will be flown to Hollywood, Calif., where they will walk the red carpet and be recognized in a video tribute at the black-tie awards show Oct. 1, when the winning American Hero Dog will be announced.

Rules and entry information about the contest are available at www.herodogawards.org.