Hero Paws was founded by three ex-military dog handlers
—Jaime, Sam, and Amber.
—who knew exactly what life looked like for working dogs on the front lines. But what struck them wasn’t just how hard these dogs worked—it was what came after. While the military has dedicated facilities and specialist teams to help ease the transition from service to civilian life, not all forces are as fortunate. Many dogs are discharged without a clear plan for their future, and the standard of aftercare just doesn’t match the level of service these animals have given.
There’s no military pension waiting for them.
And although the MOD provides limited funding for things like medication, hydrotherapy, or physiotherapy, it rarely covers long-term needs. Even when rehoming is an option, it’s not always a simple process—especially for dogs with that little bit extra: extra drive, extra needs, extra time. These dogs don’t just need a home—they need space to decompress and adjust. Unfortunately, extended stays in working kennels often do more harm than good, making that transition even tougher..
What was missing was a structured, consistent path for these dogs to transition from service life to civilian life. There was no standardised training or decompression programme to help them adjust, no behavioural support for those struggling, and no environmental training to prepare them for life as a pet. For dogs carrying the weight of service-related stress or drive, this absence can lead to real challenges—and for adopters, a steep learning curve with little to no guidance.
There was also no aftercare plan, no follow-up, and no safeguard for where these dogs ended up. And crucially, little to no long-term consideration was given to their ongoing needs. These aren’t just dogs with a past—they’re dogs with futures that deserve protection. Lifelong care, support, and oversight shouldn’t be optional—it should be the gold standard.