The country’s most heroic dogs will have their day in a special event billed as the “Oscars for Dogs” and “television’s biggest night of the year” for animal lovers and star gazers. Hallmark Channel announced plans today for the 7th Annual Hero Dog Awards, premiering in a national broadcast Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.

A lineup of stars including Jay Leno, Billy Crystal, Vivica A. Fox, Richard Marx, James Denton and Beth Stern will be on hand to help showcase the animals being honored.

Dogs in categories including law enforcement/arson dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs and others will be vying to be named the top “American Hero Dog.”

Please click here for full details on the nominated dogs and categories, along with a more comprehensive lineup of celebrity participants and additional material on the program and the awards.