The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is inviting the public to nominate extraordinary pets and people for its annual Humane Awards.

Those who may be considered for this honor include humans who have worked on behalf of animal welfare and animals who have engaged in acts of heroism in the United States during the past year. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City on Thursday, November 1, at the historic Rainbow Room, where the awards will be presented.

Categories open for nominations include:

• ASPCA Dog of the Year (for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year).

• ASPCA Cat of the Year (for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year).

• ASPCA Kid of the Year (for a child under 14 who has rescued an animal or helps make the world a kinder place for animals).

• ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year (for a member of the municipal police force or other public service officer who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year).

• ASPCA Fireman of the Year (for a municipal firefighter who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year).

"The Humane Awards Luncheon is our way of recognizing the important role animals play in our lives, the significance of the human-animal bond, and the people who make animal welfare a central part of their lives," says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.

Nominations should be submitted via the ASPCA Website (www.aspca.org/nominate). Included on the submission form should be the nominee's name, street address, email address, and telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (75 words or less) of why the nominator thinks this person or pet deserves the award. 

Deadline for entries is Wednesday, August 15, at 12 PM noon (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA.

For more information visit www.aspca.org/nominate .