Alison Sweeney is being recognized for more than her on-screen work.
The Hallmark leading lady is earning praise for being a “true animal lover,” building a reputation as a passionate advocate for rescue pets and adoption efforts. Through her involvement in awareness campaigns and hands-on support, Sweeney is being honored by Helen Woodward Animal Center for using her platform to shine a light on pets waiting for homes and inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
Sweeney Receives the 2026 Humane Award From HWAC
“Alison Sweeney visits Helen Woodward Animal Center!” wrote the Helen Woodward Animal Center in the caption of their May 2 post. “@alisweeney is our 2026 Humane Award recipient and we were so honored to give her a tour around the Center!”
The caption concludes, “Thank you Alison, for all you have done to help give pets the second chance they deserve! 💙”
The following day, the animal center shared a video on their Instagram of Sweeney receiving the award.
“Today’s honoree, Alison Sweeney, has always been a passionate animal advocate…” A member of the Helen Woodward Animal Center began at the podium.
Another member of the center continued, “I’ve given this award away for 25 years, 26 years, and it’s always amazing to me the graciousness that people accept them. And they come from all over,” he said. “Right now, it is with the greatest honor that I’m able to give this award to somebody I think is a really wonderful animal lover.”
Sweeney was then called up to the podium to accept her award.
She explained that her and her husband “have been rescuing animals, and dogs, in particular,” their entire marriage.
“We navigate this life together of rescuing dogs and helping our children, our son and our daughter, be animal lovers, too. And we’re so grateful for meeting people like you who feel the way that we do about our animals and how lucky we are to have them in our lives,” Sweeney said.
She also went on to detail another group that her and her husband participate in called “Pilots and Paws,” which she explained is “an amazing organization that helps, the pilots are able to take dogs from place to place…”
Sweeney concluded, “It’s just, every story, every dog that you connect with, all these little puppies that are here today… You all have such beautiful hearts for what you’re doing, and I just can’t thank you enough for including us in this journey with you and for making this so special for everyone who’s a part of it.”
Sweeney Is a Dedicated Philanthropist
GettyThe actress is involved in a number of charity organizations.
Along with supporting the Helen Woodward Animal Center, she has also served as an Ambassador for American Humane to support Pups4Patriots, a program pairing shelter dogs with veterans. She is the Remember Me Thursday campaign for pet adoption. Additionally, she works with Stand Up To Cancer and has supported hunger relief with Feeding America.
During an interview with TV Guide from 2009, Sweeney discussed how important causes like Feeding America are to her as a mom. “It’s so important to be able to provide for my children. It’s one of the basic necessities in life. You realize as a parent it’s your responsibility to provide your child with basic needs, basic nutrition, a roof over their heads.”
She continued, “I just can’t imagine what it would feel like to be a parent and to know your child is hungry. I just cannot imagine what that must feel like for them. Obviously, you want to give them the best. You want to provide them with everything, and you do what you can. I’m glad we can do what we can to help.”
