Updated

Your pet may not be a human star, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a Hall of Famer.

Animal owners in Washington state are now able nominate their pride and joy to be in the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Hall of Fame.

The WSVMA accepts nominations annually for the honors and decides winners based on four categories.

A pet can take the crown in any of the following categories: hero, given to a non-professional animal that has saved a human life; companion, given to a non-professional animal that has provided extraordinary benefit to humans and society; professional, given to an animal professionally trained to assist humans such as police, military or search-and-rescue dogs; or therapy, given to an animal beneficial to hospices, nursing homes, prisons or other facilities.

Past winners include “Sapphire,” a black Bouvier who saved her owner’s life; “Opie,” who worked to help people at places like nursing homes, hospitals and shelters; and “Nitro,” a German shepherd who served in the Bellingham Police Department for 10 years.

Click here to view WSVMA's past winners.