Rhode Island Foundation awards nearly $500,000 in grants for animal welfare

Uses include funding low-cost vet care for pets of low-income households, preparing animals for adoption and wildlife rehabilitation

The Rhode Island Foundation announced it has awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to dozens of animal welfare programs across the state. The funding will support a range of uses including low-cost vet care for pets of low-income households, preparing animals for adoption and wildlife rehabilitation.

“The generosity of our donors and the commitment of our grantee partners is expanding humane education, increasing care options for shelter animals and pets owned by low-income households, and improving the quality of animal care in Rhode Island,” said Adrian Bonéy, who oversees the Foundation’s Program for Animal Welfare (PAW). “Their work is producing innovation, new approaches to animal welfare and increasing the number of animals receiving direct care across Rhode Island.” 

The single largest recipient is the Potter League for Animals, which received a total of $100,000. The grants include $20,000 to support veterinary care at its Animal Resource and Adoption Center in Middletown; $10,000 for humane education programming in Newport County, $30,000 to subsidize surgeries and transportation at its Spay and Neuter Clinic in Warwick and $40,000 to purchase medical supplies for its Pets In Need clinic in East Providence.

“We believe that by supporting the most vulnerable pet owners, they, in turn, are not forced to make difficult decisions about paying for veterinary care over other necessities. These programs keep families whole by providing pet food, temporary housing, veterinary care, behavior advice, and other essentials that keep pets out of shelters,” said Potter CEO Brad Shear.

The other recipients include the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in East Providence, which received $34,000 to support illness and minor emergency care, vaccination clinics and municipal animal control officer training; the Providence Animal Rescue League, which received $15,000 to support vaccine and microchipping clinics, and veterinary care for surrendered animals; and the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island in North Kingstown, which received $28,000 to purchase a portable x-ray machine for its clinic.

PAW funds organizations that promote and provide humane treatment of animals or work more generally on the welfare of animals. Grants are for projects or programs that have a positive impact locally or statewide on animal care, education about the humane treatment of animals, and animal welfare in general.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.