Frequently Asked Questions
The De-tails
What is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is our annual scenic ¾-mile walk and signature community fundraising event. It’s a celebratory day for you, your dog, your family, and friends to come together, enjoy fun activities, and raise critical funds to help animals in need.
When is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
The 36th annual Heart & Sole Walk for Animals will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Registration and festival activities begin at 11:00 am, and the Walk kicks off at 12:30 pm. This is a rain-or-shine event, so please plan accordingly.
The Pack
Who can participate?
Everyone! Heart & Sole is open to individuals, families, teams, and friendly, leashed dogs. You don’t need a dog to participate—just a love for animals. The ¾-mile route is partially paved and accessible, and strollers and wagons are welcome.
Can kids participate?
Yes! Heart & Sole is a family-friendly event, and young animal lovers are encouraged to walk and fundraise right alongside the adults. Registration is available in two categories: Adult (18+) and Junior (17 & under). A parent or guardian should register first and can then register their Junior participant(s). Participants age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult on event day.
Do I need a dog to attend?
Not at all. Many participants attend without dogs and still enjoy the festival atmosphere, vendors, activities, and scenic Walk.
Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed?
Yes. The ¾-mile route is partially paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Please keep in mind that portions of the route and festival grounds may include grass or uneven terrain.
Can I bring my pets to the Walk?
Friendly, leashed dogs who are comfortable in a busy environment with people and other dogs are welcome. Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and under their handler’s control at all times. For everyone’s safety, cats and other small animals are not permitted.
What should I know before bringing my dog?
Dogs must remain leashed at all times, and leashes may be no longer than six feet. Retractable leashes are not permitted. With lots of dogs, people, sounds, and activity throughout the day, we encourage comfortable, secure walking equipment that allows dogs to safely enjoy the event. We also ask that aversive training tools, including electronic, prong, choke, and chain collars, be left at home. Please make sure your dog can be safely and comfortably managed in a crowd throughout the event.
Are there restrictions on what dogs are allowed?
Heart & Sole can be a busy, stimulating environment with hundreds of people and dogs, so please use good judgment when deciding whether the event is a good fit for your dog. Female dogs in heat are not permitted, and dogs younger than six months are not recommended to participate. Walk officials may ask that any dog whose behavior presents a safety concern be removed from the event.
Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes, as long as each dog is friendly, leashed, and under your control at all times. Please be sure you can safely manage multiple dogs in a crowd.
Who is responsible for dog waste cleanup?
If you bring a dog, please clean up after them throughout the event. Waste disposal cans will be available on the festival grounds and along the Walk route. We will have some waste bags available, but we recommend bringing your own as well.
What wheels are allowed on the Walk route?
Strollers and mobility devices are welcome. For everyone’s safety, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and similar recreational wheeled equipment are not permitted on the festival grounds or Walk route.
Do I have to fundraise to participate?
There is no fundraising minimum required to participate, but Heart & Sole is one of the Potter League’s most important fundraising events, and we encourage every walker to set a goal and give fundraising a try! Every dollar you raise helps animals and supports programs for pets and people throughout our community.
Can I participate if I can’t attend the Walk?
Yes! You can register and fundraise even if you aren’t able to join us at Fort Adams on Walk day. Your fundraising page works just the same, and you can still qualify for fundraising prizes based on the amount you raise.
The Scoop
How do I register for the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
It’s easy! Click Register, and choose whether you’d like to participate as an individual, start a team, or join an existing team. Select Adult (18+) or Junior (17 & under) and complete the registration form. Be sure to set a fundraising goal and select your T-shirt size! Once registered, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize your fundraising page and share it with family and friends.
What does it mean to be a Team Captain?
Team Captains help recruit, organize, and motivate a team of walkers. You’ll create your team, invite others to join, encourage fundraising, share important Walk information, and help keep your pack excited along the way. Visit our Fundraising Tips & Tools page to download the Team Captain Packet.
Is there a registration fee?
No! There is no fee to participate in Heart & Sole. Instead, we encourage every participant to set a fundraising goal and help us reach our $100,000 event goal. Every dollar raised helps make a difference for animals.
How do I start or join a team?
During registration, you’ll have the option to start a team, join an existing team, or participate individually. If you create a team, invite friends, family, coworkers, or fellow animal lovers to join you and work together toward a team fundraising goal.
How do I set up my fundraising page?
Your fundraising page is automatically created when you register. After you log in, click My Fundraising Tools and choose Edit My Page or Fundraising Dashboard. From there you can update your story and details, add a profile photo, create a custom URL, import email contacts, and send fundraising emails. Remember to save your edits!
I’m done editing my page—what do I do next?
Start by making the first gift to your page if you haven’t already. Then share your fundraising link with friends, family, coworkers, and your social networks. Tell people why you’re walking and ask them to support your goal. Visit our Fundraising Tips & Tools page for sample posts, shareable graphics, fundraising ideas, and more.
How do I get interactive on social media?
Share your Heart & Sole journey on social media! Follow and tag @potterleague, share photos and videos, celebrate fundraising milestones, and tell your friends why you’re walking. Use #HeartAndSoleWalk2026 so we can follow along and share the fun.
You can also visit our Fundraising Tips & Tools page for Heart & Sole social graphics, sample posts, and other shareable resources.
Can I also set up a Facebook fundraising page?
Yes! You can connect a Facebook fundraiser directly to your heartandsolewalk.org fundraising page so activity and donations sync with your Heart & Sole fundraising total. Be sure to connect your Facebook fundraiser through your Fundraising Dashboard rather than creating a separate fundraiser directly through Facebook. View step-by-step instructions for connecting your Facebook fundraiser.
How do I add cash and checks to my online total?
Sign in to your Fundraising Dashboard, click Donations in the left sidebar, then select Enter donations of cash and checks. Enter the donor information and gift amount, and the donation will be added to your fundraising total. Cash and checks must still be turned in to the Potter League in advance or brought with you on Walk day to receive credit toward fundraising prizes.
I am registered but not fundraising online—what do I do with cash and checks that I collect?
Download the Offline Donation Form and bring it with your donations to the Walk or to the Potter League in advance. Please include donor names and contact information so gifts can be properly recorded and acknowledged. We do not recommend mailing cash.
Is there a fundraising deadline?
To qualify for fundraising prizes, donations must be received by Sunday, October 11, 2026. Online fundraising will remain open through October 31, 2026, so you can continue raising funds and collecting donations after the Walk to support the Potter League.
What if I need help with my fundraising page?
For technical help, fundraising ideas, or questions about your page, email walkforanimals@potterleague.org or call 401-846-0592. We’re happy to help!
The Fundraising
This is my first time fundraising—do you have tips?
Absolutely! Visit our Fundraising Tips & Tools page for fundraising ideas, sample social posts, shareable graphics, downloadable resources, and other tools to help you reach your goal.
Can I ask a business for support?
Absolutely! Businesses can be wonderful partners in helping you reach your fundraising goal. If you or your team plan to approach a business for support—such as a charitable sales promotion, donation-based class or event, restaurant fundraiser, donated item, or other third-party fundraising activity—please contact the Heart & Sole team at walkforanimals@potterleague.org before making the ask.
This helps us coordinate requests so local businesses are not overwhelmed and gives us an opportunity to answer questions or help make sure your fundraiser is set up appropriately. Third-party fundraising activities should clearly communicate how proceeds will benefit your Heart & Sole fundraiser, partner with reputable businesses or organizations that align with the Potter League’s mission, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, permits, and requirements.
What if my team raises money together through a separate fundraiser?
If your team holds a group fundraiser, special event, workplace collection, or other activity where proceeds are intended for the team as a whole rather than a specific participant, contact the Heart & Sole team at walkforanimals@potterleague.org. We can help make sure the funds are credited appropriately to your team fundraising total.
How do employer matching gifts work?
Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees, which may double—or even triple—the impact of a gift. Encourage your donors and team members to check whether their employer offers a matching gift program. If documentation or verification is needed from the Potter League, email walkforanimals@potterleague.org and we’ll be happy to help.
How do I print out my gift history list?
Go to your Fundraising Dashboard and click Reports on the top toolbar to review and print your donor history.
The Big Day
Can I register the morning of the Walk?
Yes! You can register on event day beginning at 11:00 am. There is no registration fee, but we encourage every participant to make a donation or fundraise in support of the Potter League. Visit the Registration Tent when you arrive and our team will help get you started.
What’s the schedule?
The fun begins at 11:00 am with registration and festival activities including music, the Flea-less Market, food trucks, photo opportunities, games, and more. At 12:30 pm, everyone will gather for the scenic ¾-mile Walk along the waterfront. Festivities continue after the Walk and wrap up at approximately 2:00 pm.
What happens if it rains?
The Heart & Sole Walk is rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring any gear your dog may need.
Will there be food or drinks available?
Yes! Food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site with items available for purchase. Additional giveaways may also be provided by participating sponsors and vendors.
Are bathrooms available?
Yes. On-site restroom facilities are available inside Fort Adams State Park for participants and guests.
Is there a lost-and-found?
Yes. Lost or found items can be turned in or retrieved at the Information Tent during the event.
Need help on event day?
Stop by the Information Tent or look for volunteers in Potter League shirts for assistance with donations, directions, or general questions.
The Spot
Where is the event held?
Fort Adams State Park
80 Fort Adams Drive
Newport, RI 02840
Once inside the park, follow event signage to the Heart & Sole Walk festival area and Registration Tent.
Where should I park?
Free parking is available on site at Fort Adams State Park. Follow event signage and directions from event staff to the designated Heart & Sole Walk parking area.
The Cause
Where does the money go?
Funds raised through the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals help the Potter League provide compassionate care for animals and essential resources for pets and the people who love them throughout Rhode Island and beyond. Your support helps make possible shelter and adoption services, veterinary care, spay and neuter services, behavior support and training, pet food assistance, wellness clinics, humane education, and more. Every dollar raised helps us be there for animals and our community when they need us.
How else can I support if I can’t attend?
You can still make a difference even if you can’t join us at Fort Adams! Register as an Adult or Junior participant and fundraise from wherever you are, support an individual or team with a donation, or make a general gift to Heart & Sole. Online fundraising will remain open through the end of October, so there are plenty of ways to support the Walk even if you can’t attend in person.
The Prizes
How are prizes awarded to individuals and team members?
Fundraising prizes are earned by individual participants based on the amount each person raises. If you participate as part of a team, your personal fundraising total determines your individual prize eligibility and is also added to your team’s overall fundraising total. Teams themselves do not earn collective prizes, although the top three fundraising teams will receive special recognition at the Walk.
To receive individual credit for a donation, the gift should be reflected on that participant’s fundraising page.
What prizes can I earn?
Every individual who raises $50 as an Adult participant or $25 as a Junior participant (17 & under) will receive the official 2026 Heart & Sole Walk T-shirt. Additional prize levels are available for higher individual fundraising totals, all the way up to $5,000+. The more you raise, the greater the impact you make for animals—and the more prizes you can earn.
How do I collect the prizes I’ve earned?
Fundraising prizes will be available for pickup at the Prize Tent on Walk day. When you check in and turn in any remaining donations, you’ll receive a prize level slip based on your individual fundraising total. Bring your slip to the Prize Tent to pick up the prize you’ve earned.
Participants who qualify for Levels 2–7 will also receive the Level 1 Heart & Sole T-shirt. Prize levels are based on your individual fundraising total as of October 11, 2026.
The Donations
Where should I mail donation checks?
Please include a completed Offline Donation Form with mailed donations or bring with you on Walk day.
Potter League for Animals
Attn: Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
Please do not mail cash. Cash donations should be brought directly to the Potter League or turned in at check-in on Walk day.
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make checks payable to Potter League for Animals. In the memo line, include Heart & Sole Walk for Animals along with the name of the participant or team that should receive credit for the donation.
What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?
If a donation check is made payable to you personally, endorse the back of the check and submit it to the Potter League with a completed Offline Donation Form so the gift can be properly recorded and credited to your fundraising total.
What information should I include with cash or check donations?
Please provide the donor’s name, mailing address, gift amount, and the name of the participant or team that should receive credit. Complete donor information helps us properly record gifts and send charitable gift acknowledgments.
Are gifts to the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals tax-deductible?
The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Charitable donations made in support of Heart & Sole are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their tax or financial advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
Federal Tax ID (EIN): 05-0301553
Sponsor & Vendor FAQs
When can we set up?
Setup begins at 8:30 am, and all booths should be ready by 10:30 am. Vehicles must be out of the staging area by 10:00 am.
Where should I pull up my vehicle to unload?
When you arrive at Fort Adams, enter through the east gate and wait for a Potter League representative to greet you. You will then be directed or escorted to your assigned booth space.
Can I drive my vehicle onto the grass?
Please do not drive onto the park grass without an escort or direction from Potter League staff. Your escort will guide you to your booth space and help ensure a safe, clear route through the event area.
When does my vehicle need to be moved?
All vehicles must be unloaded and out of the staging area by 10:00 am. Once you have finished unloading, please move your vehicle to the designated sponsor and vendor parking area before completing your booth setup.
Where can sponsors and vendors park during the event?
Parking arrangements will be coordinated with Potter League staff. Please follow event signage and staff directions when you arrive. Sponsor and vendor parking is typically located on the parade field.
Do I need a license or permit to sell at the event?
Yes. Vendors selling goods are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any required retail licenses and permits necessary to sell in Newport, Rhode Island. Please make sure all required licenses and permits are current and in place before the event.
Do I need to provide proof of insurance?
Yes. All vendors are required to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) by October 1, 2026. If you have not already submitted your certificate, please email it to walkforanimals@potterleague.org before the deadline.
Who sets up the tent or canopy?
If you are renting or using a complimentary canopy provided through the Potter League, it will be set up before vendor arrival. If you are bringing your own canopy, you are responsible for bringing, setting up, and securing it. Please plan to bring weights and stakes to help keep your canopy safely secured throughout the event, as conditions at Fort Adams can be windy.
When should my booth be ready?
Participants often begin arriving before the official event start, so please have your booth completely set up and ready for visitors by 10:30 am.
Can I choose my booth location?
Booth locations are assigned by the Potter League based on the overall event layout. While we’re happy to consider special requests when possible, the Potter League reserves the right to determine all tent and booth placement. Larger spaces may be available upon request.
Will I have access to electricity or water hookups?
No. Electrical and water hookups are not available at the event. Please plan your booth setup accordingly and bring everything you’ll need for the day.
Can I share my booth with another sponsor, vendor, or organization?
Booth spaces may not be shared with another business or organization unless you have received prior approval from Potter League staff.
Are there guidelines for giveaways at our booth?
All giveaway items should be safe and appropriate for both children and pets. If you plan to distribute pet treats, please always ask the pet’s owner before offering anything to their animal, as some pets may have allergies, dietary restrictions, or other medical needs.
Is there a required raffle prize for sponsors or vendors?
We encourage sponsors and vendors to consider donating an item with a retail value of $25 or more for the Heart & Sole Walk raffle, although it is not required. Donating an item is another opportunity to showcase your business while helping raise additional funds for the Potter League. Nonprofit organizations are exempt from this request.
Can I use Potter League or Heart & Sole branding?
Please contact us before using Potter League logos or Heart & Sole event branding in your promotional materials. Sponsors and vendors must receive written permission from the Potter League before using our logo or branding.
Can we bring our own dogs?
Yes, provided your dog is friendly and comfortable in a busy environment with people and other dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet, remain under your control at all times, and be up-to-date on vaccinations. Retractable leashes are not permitted. Female dogs in heat should remain at home, and dogs younger than six months are not recommended to attend.
With lots of activity throughout the day, we encourage comfortable, secure walking equipment and ask that aversive training tools, including electronic, prong, choke, and chain collars, be left at home. You are also responsible for cleaning up after your dog.
Do I need to stay for the entire event?
Yes. Sponsors and vendors are expected to remain set up and staffed for the full event, from 11:00 am–2:00 pm. Please do not begin packing or breaking down your booth while the event is still underway.
When can we pack up our booths?
Booth breakdown may begin at 2:15 pm or once the event has officially concluded, whichever is later. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, please wait for direction from Potter League staff before beginning breakdown. Please do not bring vehicles into the event area until directed to do so by Potter League staff.
The Extras
Where can I find fundraising resources?
Visit our Fundraising Tips & Tools page for the Fundraising Toolkit, Team Captain Packet, Offline Donation Form, shareable graphics, sample social posts, fundraising ideas, and more.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact the Heart & Sole team by email at walkforanimals@potterleague.org or by phone at 401-846-0592.
Downloadable Resources
Heart & Sole FAQs
Everything walkers and fundraisers need to know about registration, fundraising, Walk day, prizes, and more.
Vendor/Sponsor Event Guide
Important event-day information for Heart & Sole sponsors and vendors, including arrival, setup, booth guidelines, requirements, and breakdown.