266 dogs are competing for the honor of being named 2018’s American Hero Dog, the highest honor a dog can receive.
But it’s now up to America to decide which of those dogs will take home that coveted prize.
Dog lovers across the country are invited to visit www.herodogawards.org and vote once per day for their favorite dogs in each of seven categories. Following the first round of voting, which ends April 25 with the selection of 21 semifinalists (the top three in each category), a second round, featuring a combination of public and celebrity voting, will narrow the field to the seven category finalists.
“Our best friends do so much to improve and even save our lives, and every dog owner knows about the extraordinary, unbreakable bond they share with their dog,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane’s president and CEO.
The winning dog in each category will be flown to Los Angeles and celebrated at a red carpet, star-studded awards gala on September 29, when this year’s American Hero Dog will be revealed.
The seven categories for 2018 are:
- Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, sponsored by the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis
- Military Dogs, sponsored by the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation
- Therapy Dogs, sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food, the official pet food of the 2018 Hero Dog Awards
- Service Dogs, sponsored by Modern Dog magazine
- Emerging Hero Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs
- Guide/Hearing Dogs. Zoetis is the corporate presenting sponsor of the Hero Dog Awards.
- Over the past seven years, Americans have cast millions of votes for more than a thousand dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Hero Dog.
The program reaches more than 1 billion people each year and draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world.
Winners in each category will earn $2,500 for their designated charity partner and the overall winner’s charity partner will win an additional $5,000 prize.
Key dates for the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards contest include:
- Nominations: October 25, 2017 – February 14, 2018
- 1st Round Voting: February 28, 2018 – April 25, 2018
- 2nd Round Voting: May 16, 2018 – July 11, 2018
- 3rd Round Voting: July 25, 2018 – September 5, 2018
- American Humane Hero Dog Awards gala event in Los Angeles – September 29, 2018
