Hero’s Ruck
Linking Pets to Vets
Hero’s Ruck is an annual charity ruck march in Kent, Ohio. All proceeds help veterans and first responders adopt a dog or cat from the Portage APL for free.
Hero’s Ruck 2026: Saturday, November 7
Sign-ups: 9:00 AM at the Kent Central Gateway Veterans Memorial, E. Erie Street (between S. Depeyster St. and Haymaker Pkwy), Kent, Ohio 44240
Ruck begins: 9:15 AM
Long ruck: starts at the Freedom Trail on Middlebury Rd near St. Rt. 261, check-in at 7:15 AM
Join us for the ruck, ceremonies, a shared meal, a DJ, and community organization tables. Online registration closes November 6 at 8 PM.
How Veterans and First Responders Get a Free Pet
Funds raised by Hero’s Ruck cover the adoption of a dog or cat from the Portage APL, at no cost to the adopter.
Who is eligible
- Veterans who provide a copy of their DD-214 showing honorable service
- First responders who show a badge or other proof of the city and unit they work, or worked, for
What every pet includes
- Vaccinations
- Spay or neuter
- Microchip
- Training for specific needs on some dogs, depending on available funds
Questions about adopting? Use the contact form below and we’ll help you get started.
Ways to Help
Ruck
Register for the ruck and walk in honor of those who served.
Sponsor
Put your business behind the cause and in front of the community.
Volunteer
Lend a hand on event day, from sign-ups to water stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a free pet through Hero’s Ruck?
Any honorably discharged veteran with a copy of their DD-214, and any current or former first responder who can show a badge or other proof of service. Pets are adopted from the Portage APL.
What is a DD-214?
The DD-214 is the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It shows a veteran’s service dates and type of discharge, and it confirms honorable service.
Does the adoption cost anything?
No. Hero’s Ruck proceeds cover the adoption. Each dog or cat is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.
Can a pet help a veteran with PTSD?
According to the VA National Center for PTSD, owning a dog can lift your mood, reduce stress, provide companionship, and give you a reason to get outdoors and meet people. A pet is not a substitute for PTSD treatment. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
What is a ruck march?
A ruck march is a walk carrying a rucksack, or backpack, a long-standing part of military training. Hero’s Ruck brings the community together to walk in honor of those who served.
Who organizes Hero’s Ruck?
Hero’s Ruck Linking Pets to Vets is a charity of The American Legion Post 496 Kent, Ohio, working with the Portage APL.
How else can I help?
Sponsor the event, volunteer on ruck day, or donate online. Every contribution goes toward pets for veterans and first responders.
Contact Hero’s Ruck
Reach out about volunteering, sponsorship, adopting a pet, or any other questions.