At Hounds for Heroes, we know that life with a physical disability can bring new challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our highly trained assistance dogs offer practical help, increased independence and loyal companionship, helping you take on daily life with confidence.
Whether you're currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services, if you’re living with a physical disability, we may be able to help. It doesn’t matter how long you served or whether your condition is service-related, what matters is how we can support you now.
If you're wondering whether an assistance dog could make a difference, get in touch. We're here to listen, guide you through the process and help make it happen.
Eligibility & Who We Support
You may be eligible for a Hounds for Heroes assistance dog if you:
- Have served, or are currently serving, in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (regular or reserve) or in the UK Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard, RNLI, Mountain Rescue) we will require proof of your service to progress your application.
- Are aged 16 or over.
- Live full-time in the UK (we’re currently unable to offer aftercare in some remote areas, such as but not limited to the Isle of Man, Northern Island, Jersey or Guernsey).
- Have a confirmed physical disability or medical condition that could benefit from a dog trained to carry out at least three specific tasks, such as retrieving items, opening or closing doors, helping with dressing, or alerting others when you need help.
- Are able to care for a dog and meet its day-to-day needs.
- Have a home environment that’s suitable for the wellbeing of an assistance dog.
Find out how our dogs help
If you're supporting someone through the application process, or you're a case worker looking for more detail, you’ll find all the relevant information here. And if you have questions, just ask about a specific client's situation, we’re always happy to explore ways in which we could support.
Please don’t sit and wonder, ask us. Everyone’s circumstances are different and we’re here to help you understand what support is available. Reach out to us at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com
We’re focused on supporting people with physical disabilities. That means we’re not currently able to accept applications where the primary need relates to a mental or emotional condition, such as PTSD.
Hounds for Heroes is an inclusive charity for everyone. Our commitment to equity and diversity means we are a charity for people of all genders, sexual orientations, relationship statuses, races, ethnicities, nationalities, faiths or beliefs (or none), ages and backgrounds. Our Hounds are trained to assist people who having served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services are living with visible and non-visible disabilities and we welcome neurodiverse applicants. Key to our success is our ability to create places where people and dogs will flourish. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.