Animal Hero Award: Hero
The Animal Hero Award: Hero is presented to animals that have saved or preserved a life/lives.
The following must be included with each nomination:
- A completed application/nomination form with examples of how the animal has helped to save or preserve the life of a person or other animal
- A letter of support from the animal’s veterinarian on practice letterhead
- Any of the following: additional letters of support, photographs, videos, newspaper articles, or other evidence of the good work of the animal
A Delaware connection (for the owner and/or veterinarian) is required.
- Submission of nomination implies release of photographs/videos and information for the purposes of publicity. Please do not send originals as they will not be returned.
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: OCTOBER 1
Award recipients will be notified by email in mid-October. Awards will be presented during the DVMA Fall Conference luncheon on October 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Bally’s Dover Casino & Resort in Dover, DE.

2024 Award Recipient
Gilligan
Presented to Gilligan in recognition of her bravery and amazing character when alerting her family to an intruder in their home, preventing a more serious scenario.