The Animal Shelter Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of ASF’s Round of A-Paws Awards, an annual celebration honoring excellence in animal welfare.
Now in its third year, these prestigious awards recognize community members, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the well-being of homeless animals in our community.
ASF is committed to acknowledging the dedication and passion of individuals and groups who work tirelessly to create a more compassionate community for all animals. This year’s awards feature five categories, each highlighting different aspects of animal welfare advocacy.
Nominations for the 2026 Round of A-Paws Awards are open from September 1, 2026, to September 22, 2026. To submit a nomination, please complete the nomination form.
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
Please read carefully before submitting any nominations.
Nomination Eligibility:
Nominators may recognize community members, businesses, and organizations that have made a positive impact on animal welfare in Leon County, Florida. Nominees do not need to reside or be located in Leon County; however, the contributions for which they are being nominated must directly support the well-being of animals within Leon County. Nominee eligibility is contingent upon meeting this requirement.
Nomination Limit:
A nominator is allowed to nominate more than one individual, business, or organization for an award category, but is not permitted to submit the same individual, business, or organization for multiple award categories. Nominations by the same individual for different awards is permitted.
Nomination Process:
Each nomination must be submitted through the official nomination form. The form must be completed in full, providing detailed information about the nominee and the specific achievements or contributions relevant to the award category. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Nominators should review the list of available award categories carefully and select the most appropriate category that aligns with the nominee’s achievements.
- Ensure the nominee meets all the specific criteria outlined for the chosen award category.
Nomination Deadline:
All nominations must be submitted by no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Award Announcement:
Honorees will be announced during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 1-7, 2026, highlighting the invaluable contributions of those dedicated to improving animal welfare.
NOMINATION CATEGORIES & CRITERIA
Animal Advocate Award
The Animal Advocate Award recognizes the achievement of an individual who demonstrates outstanding advocacy in the life of an animal in the shelter’s care. Tallahassee Animal Service Center staff, fosters, and volunteers advocate year-round for animals in care of the shelter. From responding to animals in need and helping bring them safely into the shelter’s care, providing individualized care and enrichment, featuring adoptable pets on social media, organizing playgroups, and creating photoshoots, to opening their homes to provide care, comfort, and stability while an animal awaits adoption, advocating for needed training or medical care, educating and assisting community members in support of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, and taking adoptable pets into the community to gain greater exposure, shelter animal advocates go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals every single day.
Animal Welfare Champion Award
The Animal Welfare Champion Award recognizes a public official who champions and supports animal welfare initiatives in the community, while also promoting responsible pet ownership. This award recognizes the dedication and advocacy of the official in promoting positive change for homeless animals in the care of the shelter and fostering a more compassionate animal community. It serves as a symbol of appreciation for their efforts in making a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals.
Helping Hand Award
The Helping Hand Award recognizes an individual who has made a positive impact in the lives of homeless animals through their efforts and dedication to providing care, shelter, and support to animals in need. The recipient of the award is chosen based on their commitment to improving animal welfare, innovative programs and services, and impact on the community.
Community Partner Award
The Community Partner Award recognizes a business or organization that has made a significant and positive impact in the lives of homeless animals through their advocacy, resources, and promotion of responsible pet ownership. By actively supporting shelters, rescue groups, or animal welfare initiatives, the recipient of this award has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the well-being of animals in need within the community. Their collaborative efforts and dedication to raising awareness about animal welfare issues have not only made a tangible difference in the lives of homeless animals, but have also inspired others to join in the cause of creating a more compassionate and responsible community for all creatures.
Founder’s Award
The Founder’s Award is the highest honor bestowed by ASF and recognizes an individual, business or organization that has shown exceptional dedication, commitment, and leadership in making a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals demonstrated through advocacy, community engagement, and promotion of responsible pet ownership.
Past honorees of ASF’s Round of A-Paws Awards
ANIMAL ADVOCATE AWARD
2024 – Patricia Cooper
2025 – Joey Best
ANIMAL WELFARE CHAMPION AWARD
2024 – Commissioner David O’Keefe, Leon County
2025 – Commissioner Jack Porter, City of Tallahassee
HELPING HAND AWARD
2024 – Cathy Ellsworth
2025 – Madison Glaser
COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD
2024 – Be The Solution
2024 – Camp Mojo’s
2025 – Tally Cat Café
2025 – Animal Aid
FOUNDER’S AWARD
2024 – Julie Montanaro
2025 – Dr. Sandi Huffman