Walk Details

About the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals

Join us for the Potter League’s Heart & Sole Walk for Animals on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI!

Heart & Sole is a beloved, dog-friendly tradition that brings together hundreds of animal lovers for a day of community, compassion, and fun. Enjoy a scenic ¾-mile Walk along Narragansett Bay, music, the Flea-less Market, food trucks, activities, contests, and plenty of four-legged company.

But at the heart of it all is the impact. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps the Potter League provide shelter, veterinary care, behavior support, spay and neuter services, wellness clinics, pet food assistance, humane education, and more. Through our programs and services, we impact the lives of more than 13,000 animals each year.

Walk on your own, start or join a team, fundraise in honor or memory of a beloved pet, or simply come out and be part of a day dedicated to animals and the people who love them.

Registration is free, and fundraising is encouraged. Together, we’re working toward a $100,000 fundraising goal for animals.

Prepare for the Event

Registration Information

Register as an individual, start a team, or join a team!

There is no registration fee to participate. Registration is available in two categories: Adult (18+) and Junior (17 & under).

Once registered, you’ll have your own fundraising page to personalize and share with family, friends, coworkers, and supporters. Visit our Fundraising Tips & Tools page for ideas, sample social posts, shareable graphics, downloadable resources, and more.

Adult participants who raise $50 or more and Junior participants (17 & under) who raise $25 or more will receive the official 2026 Heart & Sole Walk T-shirt. Additional prizes are available at higher fundraising levels.

Travel to the Event

Parking

Fort Adams State Park offers free on-site parking. When you arrive, follow Heart & Sole signage and directions from event staff and volunteers to the designated parking area.

Directions to Fort Adams

Event Day

Heart & Sole begins at 11:00 AM with registration, music, food trucks, the Flea-less Market, activities, photo opportunities, games, and more.

Walk

The Walk kicks off at 12:30 PM. The scenic ¾-mile route begins inside the Fort Adams parade field and takes walkers along the waterfront before returning to the festival area.

Festival Fun

Before and after the Walk, explore the Flea-less Market, visit sponsor and vendor booths, grab lunch from local food trucks, enjoy contests and activities, and spend the day celebrating the special bond between animals and people.

Festivities continue until approximately 2:00 PM.

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

Canine Carnival Corner

  • 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 vendor & sponsor booths in the Flea-less Market
    • Enjoy snacks and lunch from various food trucks.

Event Rules for Dogs

Friendly, leashed dogs who are comfortable in a busy environment with people and other dogs are welcome. For the health and safety of everyone attending, please keep the following in mind:

  • Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and under their handler’s control at all times.
  • Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Retractable leashes are not permitted.
  • We encourage comfortable, secure walking equipment and ask that aversive training tools, including electronic, prong, choke, and chain collars, be left at home.
  • Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
  • Dogs younger than six months are not recommended to participate.
  • Please use good judgment when deciding whether Heart & Sole is the right environment for your dog. Walk officials may ask that any dog whose behavior presents a safety concern be removed from the event.
  • Please clean up after your dog. Waste bags and disposal cans will be available, but we recommend bringing your own bags as well.
  • For everyone’s safety, cats and other small animals are not permitted.

For more information, visit our Heart & Sole FAQs.

Volunteer at the Event

Want to help make Heart & Sole happen? Event volunteers assist with setup, registration, activities, guest support, and more.

Volunteers may not bring their dogs while volunteering so they can remain focused on their assigned role.

For volunteer opportunities, contact Stephanie DeThomas, Volunteer Manager, at sthomas@potterleague.org or 401-846-8276 ext. 106.

Event Info for Sponsors & Vendors

Whether you’re joining us as a sponsor, vendor, or returning community partner, we’re excited to welcome you to Heart & Sole.

Visit our Sponsor & Vendor page for opportunities, applications, forms, and event information. Confirmed partners can also reference the Partner Event Guide for setup, booth requirements, insurance information, breakdown procedures, and more.

Can’t Join Us at the Walk but Want to Help?

You can still make a difference! Register and fundraise even if you can’t attend in person, support an individual or team, or make a general donation to Heart & Sole.

Online fundraising will remain open through October 31, 2026.

If you’d like to support a specific walker or team, use the participant and team search on the Heart & Sole site. If you prefer to make a general gift, simply use the Donate button.

Checks may also be mailed to:
Potter League for Animals
Attn: Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842