About Hero Paws

Hero Paws Support Military, Police and all Forces dogs and their families in Retirement and Beyond

Many people are unaware that retired service dogs do not receive any financial support upon their retirement from the force they served with. This usually means the responsibility for their care and vet bills fall solely to their ex-handler or new owner.

Due to their working history, many of these dogs struggle to get pet insurance, or can only access it at a high cost, leaving their adopters to manage ongoing vet bills that can run into the thousands.

Hero Paws provides much needed financial support to these unsung dog heroes and their owners to enable them to have a long and happy retirement.

What Hero Paws Do

Hero Paws, work tirelessly to turn their vision into reality: A ‘mission’ by way of a fully equipped retirement and education retreat where forces and service dogs can decompress, recover, and transition from service life onto a well-earned retirement home. 

With your support, they’ll build a space that relieves the pressure on the services these dogs come from, and increase their ability to provide dogs with the best possible options after their service life.

These dogs have spent their lives serving with unwavering loyalty and dedication. Now it’s our turn to serve them.

Hero Paws’ Vision

For the Dogs:

They need to adjust and adapt to their new civilian role.

They would offer a calm, structured environment where retired service dogs can decompress and transition to civilian life. Whether they’re dealing with behavioural issues, high drive, or just the stress of years of service, the retreat provides the space and time they need to adjust. Here, these dogs can relax, recuperate, and find their new purpose in life with dignity and care. With professional support, behaviour modification, and lifetime care, they ensure that every dog’s future is secure – no matter what.

For the Humans:

But it’s not just about the dogs.  Hero Paws is committed to ensuring the best life after service for every one of their canine warrior partners. It’s about the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving. Hero Paws Retreat is also a place for the handlers, families, and veterans who need a space to regroup, recharge, and find support. Our drop-in room offers a comfortable space to chat, grab a coffee, and share stories with others who truly understand. You don’t have to be “dog-focused” to find peace here, whether you need a quiet space, a listening ear, or just a moment of calm, Hero Paws is here for you.

Support

When military and service dogs leave service, it can be a difficult transition for both the animal and the guardian. Hero Paws provide the education, resources, and ongoing support needed to ensure that both the dogs and the humans who cared for them can move forward with confidence. The Hero Paws team offers guidance on training, behaviour modification, and long-term care options, so when the time comes that a handler can no longer care for their dog, they can rest easy knowing their loyal companion is in safe hands.