Fundraising Guidelines – The Legal Bit

Doing it right. Doing it safely. Doing it with integrity.

Fundraising for Hero Paws means standing by the same values our dogs served under, responsibility, professionalism, and accountability. Before you begin, please read the following carefully.

Permission & Locations 🐾

If you’re organising a dog-friendly event in a public place, ensure:
The venue is dog-friendly
You have permission from the landowner or local authority


No permission, no go.

Planning ahead prevents problems on the day.

Street Collections & Collection Boxes

If you plan to collect money in public spaces, you must obtain approval from your local council.

  • Street collections require a council-issued licence and must follow their guidelines
  • Licences are limited and in high demand, so apply early

For collections on private land (such as a shop, pub, supermarket, or workplace):

  • Written permission must be obtained from the owner or manager


🚫 Door-to-door collections are not permitted
Important:

  • Collectors must display an official Hero Paws badge when fundraising in public
  • Badges are not required for static counter-top collection boxes (e.g. in a shop or pub)
  • Hero Paws does not collect or empty fundraising boxes — this is the responsibility of the organiser
  • All proceeds must be sent directly to Hero Paws (cheques payable to Hero Paws)


Alcohol

If alcohol is being sold or supplied at your event, a licence is required.

The simplest option is to:

  • Host your event at a licensed venue (such as a pub), or
  • Arrange for a local licensed bar to provide alcohol at your venue

No licence = no alcohol.

Food Safety

If food is being sold or provided, you must comply with food safety regulations.

To ensure you’re operating correctly, contact the Food Standards Agency for guidance. Safety first — always.

Hero Paws Branding

Hero Paws’ name, logo, and charity details must be used correctly.

  • Please contact the Hero Paws Fundraising Team before using our branding
  • Approval is required to ensure accuracy and consistency
  • We can provide approved wording such as:
    “Raising funds in support of Hero Paws”

This protects both you and the charity.

Staying Safe

The safety of everyone involved — people and dogs — is paramount.

Please consider:

  • First aid provision for humans and dogs
  • Clear layouts and controlled spaces
  • Safe handling of dogs at all times

Hero Paws cannot accept responsibility for accidents or incidents at fundraising events. If you are carrying cash:

  • Plan safe routes
  • Avoid carrying money alone
  • Consider having a second person or a personal alarm

For further guidance on health and safety, contact our fundraising team.


Insurance

Your event must be adequately insured.

  • Check that your venue insurance covers your event
  • If the public is attending, you will need public liability insurance
  • If fundraising through work, check whether your employer’s policy covers you

Unfortunately, Hero Paws is unable to provide insurance cover for fundraising events.

Responsible Dog Ownership

All dogs attending events must be handled responsibly.

  • All poop must be scooped
  • Bring plenty of poo bags and encourage others to do the same

Clean, controlled, and respectful — just as our dogs were trained to be.rst — always.

Keep Your Fundraising Legal

Fundraising is regulated by law. Failure to comply can result in penalties for both you and Hero Paws.

If you are ever unsure:

  • Stop
  • Check
  • Contact us for guidance

We are here to support you — and to ensure every fundraiser upholds the standards our dogs served under.