Walk Details
About the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
Join us for the Potter League’s 35th annual Heart & Sole Walk for Animals on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI!
Enjoy a fun-filled dog walk, music, a sponsor & vendor marketplace, food trucks, special activities for dogs and kids, and a festive atmosphere celebrating the special bond between animals and people.
The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is a beloved tradition, and in addition to raising essential funds to support our lifesaving work, it’s an opportunity for animal lovers to come together in creating a more humane Rhode Island for people and pets alike.
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds providing food, shelter, veterinary care, and more to the thousands of animals who come to Potter League for Animals every year. In addition to the Walk, there will be a roster of fun-filled activities—including a Flea-less Market, contests, and prizes—to enjoy.
Lace up your sneakers and grab the leash because it's time to walk to save lives! The animals are counting on us, and we are counting on you!
Start a tail-wagging fundraising team or go solo! Your participation and fundraising for the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals help the Potter League care for thousands of homeless animals each year and gives them the second chance they deserve. Our goal is to raise $125,000 to help every animal receive the best care and find a loving home!
Prepare for the Event
Registration Information
Register as an individual, start a team, or join a team!
There is no registration fee to attend. All walkers are encouraged to fundraise or make a donation to the Walk to help us reach our goal and make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.
Pre-registered walkers will receive a welcome packet in the mail with helpful tips, resources, and event information.
Once registered, you have the option to create your personalized fundraising page and send the link to friends and family, asking for their support. Qualify for great prizes and share your pics/videos and story on social media using the hashtag #HeartAndSoleWalk2024 while helping the Potter League continue providing essential services to homeless, sick, and injured animals in our community. You can also use a downloadable donation form to track your donations of cash or check. Raising money online is easy and the fastest way to reach your fundraising goal.
All participants who raise a minimum of $50 ($25 for youth 15 & under) will receive a signature Heart & Sole Walk for Animals T-shirt. The more money you raise, the more fun prizes you can earn!
Travel to the Event
Parking
Fort Adams is located at the north end of the peninsula, which is Fort Adams State Park. The Park has ample free parking and may be accessed by both car and boat. Directions to Fort Adams.
Event Day
All non-registered walkers must check in to enter the event. A donation to the Potter League is suggested.
Walk
The Walk kicks off at 12:30 p.m. The 0.75-mile route begins from inside the Fort parade field, exiting from the north gate, taking you along the picturesque Narragansett Bay with unobstructed views. The route continues to the southwest gate into the interior ditch, past the east gate, and back to the north gate. The route begins and ends at the same spot.
Pet Festival
In addition to the walk, all registered walkers can take advantage of many free activities at the pet festival.
Heart & Sole Contests in the Center Arena
Schedule Coming Soon!
FurFair Fun Zone!
- Play a round of Pup Pong, Mouse Toss, and more!
- If your dog loves balls, their dreams will come true in the Pup Ball Pit.
- Create a tie-dye doggie bandana
- Play a round of collar toss
- Honor the memory of a pet with a tag on Meg's Memorial Tree.
Other Happenings
- Kids Corner with crafts and games for kids.
- Fantastic Raffle to benefit the animals with items donated from Heart & Sole sponsors and local businesses.
- PLFA Tents:
- Problem pooch? Finicky feline? Ask a PLFA training & behavior expert.
- Have you adopted a dog from PLFA? Get a complimentary PLFA alumni bandana!
- Learn about our Foster Care Program and other programs & services.
- Learn how to grow with the PLFA Foster Care team.
- Visit over 30 vendor & sponsor booths in the Flea-less Market
- Enjoy snacks and lunch from various food trucks.
Event Rules for Dogs
For the health and safety of all dogs and people participating in the Heart & Sole Walk, please observe the following rules for canines attending the event:
- Participating dogs must be currently licensed with proof of Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. You do not need to bring proof with you; if an incident occurs, you must be able to produce proof in a reasonable amount of time.
- For safety reasons, “extend-a-leashes” or retractable leashes will NOT be allowed. Dogs must be kept on a regular leash at all times. Leashes should be no more than six feet in length while in the parade field. This event gets very crowded, and longer leashes can be extremely hazardous.
- Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
- Walk officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so that this event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Dogs younger than four months should not participate.
- Be sure you and your dog are conditioned for this event, especially if you plan to walk.
- Be considerate and pick up after your dog.
- No cats or other small animals.
Volunteer at the Event
Want to help out at the Heart & Sole Walk? You must be 18 or over to volunteer. Contact us at zscott@potterleague.org for a list of open positions. If you want to volunteer at the event, you WILL NOT be able to bring your dogs with you.
Event Info for Sponsors
Whether you are new to the Heart & Sole Walk or one of many returning sponsors to our largest fundraiser, we can’t wait to welcome you to this year’s event! Day-of information and FAQs are available here.
Can’t Join Us at the Walk but want to help?
We will miss you but appreciate you lending your support by fundraising as a virtual walker, donating online or by sponsoring one of our fundraisers. Checks can be sent to the Potter League at 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842, Attn: Walk for Animals. Thank you!
If you want to sponsor a specific walker, you can find a full listing on the leaderboard or put the individual or team name in the search bar above. If you prefer not to register but wish to make a general donation, please use the donate button above. Thank you!
Text to Donate
It’s simple! To donate, text the word “POTTER” to 50155 and follow the steps to make a secure donation from your phone.