American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, has announced the official start of the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards campaign. The 12th annual, year-long campaign seeks to identify and honor the best of our best friends and will culminate this fall with the star-studded “American Humane Hero Dog Awards” gala on November 11, in Palm Beach. The event reaches and is eagerly followed by millions of animal lovers around the world every year.

Last year, five dogs from Connecticut were in the running, and maybe we’ll see even more in this year’s competition. Dog owners across the country are invited to visit HeroDogAwards.org and nominate their heroic hound in one of seven categories. This fall, the top dog in each category will appear at the gala and one of the seven will be named the American Hero Dog of the year—the most prestigious honor a canine can receive. 

The seven categories for 2022 are: Law Enforcement and Detection Dogs, Military Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Shelter Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs and Guide/Hearing Dogs. Following the nomination period, which ends on March 16, 21 semifinalists (the top three in each category) will be chosen in a first round of voting by the public. The second round, featuring a combination of public and celebrity judge voting, will narrow the field to seven category finalists who will then vie, through a final round of public and celebrity judge voting, for the title of 2022 American Hero Dog.

“Whether they protect us on the battlefield, help us with medical challenges or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a hard day, dogs save and improve our lives every day,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane’s president and CEO.

For more information, visit HeroDogAwards.org and AmericanHumane.org.