Hounds for Heroes is a UK assistance dog charity providing specially trained assistance dog partnerships for physically disabled serving and former members of HM Armed Forces and UK Emergency Services.
Our dogs help people regain independence, confidence and quality of life by supporting everyday tasks and providing trusted companionship. Each dog is individually trained to meet the needs of their future partner and is supported throughout their working life.
Founded by Royal Navy veteran Allen Parton, Hounds for Heroes was inspired by his own life-changing experience with an assistance dog. Following his recovery journey, Allen recognised the difference a highly trained dog could make and wanted others who had served their country or communities to have access to the same support.
Based in Hampshire and working across the UK, we carefully train, match and support assistance dog partnerships that help people live more independently. From our breeding and training programme through to partnership and aftercare, our focus is always on creating successful, lasting partnerships.
Every assistance dog costs around £26,000 to train and place, with lifetime partnership costs reaching approximately £50,000. This investment ensures our dogs and partners receive the specialist training, support and aftercare needed to build successful, long-lasting partnerships.
Unlike many charities, our commitment continues long after a dog is partnered. We provide ongoing support throughout each dog's working life, ensuring both dog and partner receive the guidance they need to thrive together.
Our work is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, fundraisers, sponsors, trustees and partners. Together, they help us continue changing lives through the power of assistance dogs.
Hounds for Heroes Awarded Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze and Silver Award
Hounds for Heroes is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award for 2025 and Silver Award for 2026 — recognising our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
These awards are a significant achievement, reflecting our dedication to honouring and assisting those who serve or have served, as well as their families. It acknowledges our work in creating a supportive environment for veterans, reservists, and military families, and our commitment to upholding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
At Hounds for Heroes, our mission is to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured or disabled service personnel and veterans, helping them to regain independence, confidence, and companionship. Receiving the ERS Bronze Award and Silver Awards highlights how deeply our values align with the Armed Forces community we serve every day.
“We are honoured to receive the Bronze Award and now Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces family, through our assistance dog partnerships.
We’re proud to stand alongside other employers who actively champion the Armed Forces Covenant and are dedicated to ensuring that those who have served our country receive the support, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Our thanks to SERFCA for helping us through the process”.
Learn more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme: Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK.
We are a Registered Charity and operate only through the generosity of the public. Our accounts are lodged annually after audit with the Charity Commission and along with the Trustees’ Annual Report are available for all to read.