About the Organisation
Hero Paws is a registered charity that supports and champions the cause of all working dogs across various sectors, including military, police, prisons, conservation and search and the security sector. They offer an unbiased process that aids all dogs to retire whether that be from failed training, unable to meet their current training standards or they have come to the end of their service. Hero Paws offers to help bridge the gap from service to general population and to rehoming. Offering continued support and guidance to make sure the dogs live out the retirement they deserve.
They are proud to have prevented the unethical euthanasia of dogs, as well as the relieved stress off families and the services taking in the animals. The organisation also serves to reduce the pressure and guilt from handlers once dogs have come to the end of service. The charity also continues to educate the general public around safeguarding, canine ethics and behaviour.
The need for this vital service is forever expanding with over 3000 police dogs, 800 prison service dogs and 1000 military dogs (amongst others) now in need of rehoming and support. Therefore, the charity has plans to open a sanctuary supporting more elements of the force and service world, creating an environment free from fear and anxiety for all dogs to retire and decompress prior to being rehomed.
Request details
Hero Paws has innovative and inspiring aspirations to bring their retirement retreat to fruition for these dogs. The vision of a sanctuary that can house approximately 200-300 dogs in housing pods, rather than traditional kennels. The aim of this, being to acclimatise the dogs into becoming home animals. They are also therefore seeking a piece of land of approximately 80 acres, to allow for ‘free runs’ for these dogs. They also wish to engage veterans and other volunteers with the running of the service. Creating a holistic opportunity for both adults and animals.
With a couple of avenues to explore, and in order to help them gain funding, they could benefit greatly from the following pro bono support:
- Architectural Design: Visuals to be created that represent the vision of the sanctuary.
- Land Search: For an area of land in Scotland.
- Property Advice Consultation: The advice of a professional to explore the potential of acquiring an existing Equestrian Centre, and a review around how to change the use of the space to accommodate the dog retreat instead.
Timeline
ASAP