Over 1 million in aid to care for pets, RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation marks 20th year

RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation Celebrates 20-Years, More than $1 Million in Aid Provided to Help Care for Pets Across Rhode Island. The charitable arm of the RI Veterinary Medical Association, the Companion Animal Foundation was the first veterinary-based assistance program of its kind established in the United States

With its mission to ensure all pets have access to compassionate veterinary care, the RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation (CAF) has reached a significant milestone. This month, the CAF is celebrating its 20^th anniversary and more than $1 million in aid provided to care for pets across Rhode Island.

Established in 2004 to help cover the cost of routine health care and vaccines and provide treatment for illness and injury for pets of low-income owners, the CAF is the charitable arm of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA). It was the first veterinary-based assistance program of its kind established in the United States and has since been used as a model for other programs in the country, including one established by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

This unique program’s success has given Rhode Island’s most needy pet owners access to what can be life-saving care for their beloved pets. Without CAF support, the loving bond Sonya has with her small dog Gigi could have been lost forever. Gigi was diagnosed in early 2024 with an intestinal blockage, and CAF funding paid for the surgery needed to save her life. This is but one example of why the program is so special, and how it makes a positive impact for pet owners across the Ocean State. 

“In those early days, I don’t know that any of us envisioned the Companion Animal Foundation reaching this level of impact, but I can say every single person involved over these two decades cares deeply about the welfare of animals,” says Dr. Cathy Lund, the architect behind CAF, the founder of City Kitty Veterinary Care for Cats, and a longtime member and past president of RIVMA. “None of the care provided to what has been thousands of pets would have been possible without the generous support of our community. It’s an incredibly powerful thing to consider.”

In addition to Dr. Lund, the Companion Animal Foundation was founded by Dr. Gary Block, Dr. Courtney Rebensdorf, Dr. Hank Wietsma, Jim DeRentis, Wayne Kezirian and Randy Kass.

Funded by philanthropy, the CAF’s voucher program, initiated by former board member Jeannie D’Agostino, is central to the organization’s mission. The program provides eligible pet owners with a certificate valued at $125 that can be used to take their pet to a participating veterinarian. Participating veterinarians are members of RIVMA and committed to removing financial barriers to pet care. 

Additionally, RIVMA member practices disperse CAF funding to eligible pet owners in need via grants recommended by its veterinarians. Together, the model has helped increase the number of pets receiving treatment year-over-year. 

More than 40 veterinary practices across Rhode Island are part of CAF’s program. To learn more about the Companion Animal Foundation, the resources available to pet owners, or to make a donation in support of its mission, visit www.RIpets.org.