Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter a deceased dog in the contest?
Absolutely. Dogs of Valor is about celebrating dogs and their amazing acts of courage. We welcome the nomination of any companion or working dog who heroically helped a person in need during 2007.
What makes a dog eligible to be entered in the Working Dog category?
A working dog is a dog who is specially trained to perform a task that helps or protects people. Below is a list of examples, but it is not exhaustive. If you still have a question after reading this FAQ page, please send an email to dogsofvalor@humanesociety.org.
Assistance dogs
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Mobility assistance
- Seizure alert
- Therapy
- Emotional support
- Other
Search and rescue dogs
- Trailing
- Tracking
- Air scent
- Water search
- Cadaver
- Disaster
- Avalanche
- Other
Detection dogs
- Bombs
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Narcotics
- Customs
- Other
Military dogs
- Ambulance
- Sentry
- Messengers
- Patrol aids
- Mine detections
- Sled and pack
- Special supply missions
- Other
Police dogs
Herding dogs
Can I enter more than one dog in the contest or one story that features multiple dogs?
Yes. You may enter as many dogs as you would like as long as they each fit the outlined criteria. If your story features multiple dogs, please enter one dog's name in the entry form where it asks for the dog’s name, then provide the other dog(s) information in the space provided for additional dogs
Can I nominate a dog who heroically helped another animal rather than a person?
We're sorry, but no. There are many amazing stories about dogs who have helped other animals. But because Dogs of Valor is about celebrating heroic dogs and the bond that people and dogs share, nominated dogs must have heroically helped a human in need.
Do I have to be the guardian of the dog I want to enter?
No. You do not have to be the guardian of the dog or even know the dog whose story you want to enter.
Why aren't other species eligible for this award?
Part of our mission at The HSUS is to celebrate all animals. For this awards contest we have chosen to focus solely on dogs because we want to honor the deep history we share with them and the many years they have stood by our side.
Can I enter the contest through the mail or by emailing you a story?
We're very sorry, but the only way to enter the contest is through the online process at humanesociety.org/dogsofvalor.
When does the contest end?
You may enter the contest up until 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 30, 2008.
Can I enter even though I do not live in the United States?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents can enter the contest.
I discovered a typo in my submitted summary. Can I edit it?
We're sorry, but once a summary is submitted it cannot be edited.
Can I delete my entry?
Once nominations are submitted, they cannot be deleted. However, in the event that the nomination may result in a safety concern, deletion may be considered. Email your name, nominated dog's name, and your circumstances to dogsofvalor@humanesociety.org.
What do I win if the dog I entered wins?
If you are a winning dog's guardian, you will receive a framed certificate and an original sterling silver dog tag by designer Kate Dwyer, founder/owner of California-based Bella Tocca Tags.
In addition, Grand prize winners will receive a $250 shopping spree at Humane Domain, The HSUS's online store, a copy of Tamar Geller's DVD learning series, Celebrate Your Dog! The Loved Way of Training, and her book, The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior.
Finalists will receive a Dog Face Wall Clock from Humane Domain.
If you nominated a winning dog, either a Valor Dog of the Year or a Finalist, but you are not the winning dog's guardian, you will be entered into a random drawing to win one of five autographed and illustrated editions of Marley & Me, by John Grogan.
I am having technical problems entering the contest. I have a question that is not answered here or in the contest rules. Can someone help me?
If you have read these Frequently Asked Questions and still have questions or are experiencing technical difficulties entering the contest, please contact us at dogsofvalor@humanesociety.org. When contacting us, please be specific about the technical problems you are having and include the name and email address you used when entering the contest and the name of the dog you entered.
Updated May 2, 2008
