RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Rhode Island SPCA) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization.
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About the Rhode Island SPCA: Founded in 1870, the Rhode Island SPCA is the oldest humane animal welfare organization in the state of Rhode Island and the third oldest in the United States. As a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, it does not receive any local or federal funding nor is it affiliated with any national humane organization. It relies on donations from individuals, businesses,
and foundations to provide critical programs and services for the animals and people in the community. Donations should be addressed to the Rhode Island SPCA. The RISPCA is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
08/23/2024
Rexie here! I HAVE to tell you guys about the awesome field trip I had recently. Two of our volunteers took me out for the day and I got to experience all kinds of new things. First they played with me for a while, then the two humans took me for a really long walk…they said to tire me out a little before we went on our excursion. I rode in the car and boy I really loved the wind in my face! We went a few places where I met some new people but I was pretty nervous. The humans kept telling me I'm a good boy so that boosted my confidence a lot. I got some goodies at the pet store and then, they took me to Five Guys! What?!?!?! I've never heard of this place before but OMG it's so good! I got a burger (no bun of course) and it was so YUMMY! This was the best day I had in a really long time. It's crazy that dogs who don't live in a shelter get to do this stuff everyday. I'm so grateful those two sweet humans took me out for some quality time and I can't wait to do it again! Ps. I told all my doggie friends about Five Guys and now they are expecting a burger soon too 🍔
08/23/2024
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY!
As a volunteer I fall in love with all of the dogs, but there was something different about Cash (formerly Bluey). From the moment I laid eyes on this shy, nervous boy I couldn't stop thinking about him, I knew he would thrive in a home like ours and with a strong confident dog sibling like our Koji (also an RISPCA alum). I went home and told my husband about Cash and he said "I'm ok with you volunteering, but I don't want to have this conversation every week...we can't adopt them all" So as any animal lover would do, I went back to the RISPCA and discussed fostering him instead... its not adopting right??? Well Cash was an immediate foster fail, I was right about him thriving and needing a confident sibling like Koji, except Koji has helped Cash become a little bit too confident lol. Cash is now a mischievous little boy who will run circles around you and dig holes in his new huge backyard for as long as you'll let him. He will chew up your favorite spatula and then he will come and snuggle you like a perfect little sour patch dog. He loves his humans and his Koji so much... he even has some doggie cousins he likes to hang out with too! He was the puzzle piece we didn't realize we were missing.
08/22/2024
Join us for Falvey Insurance Groups "Fore the Pets" charity golf tournament on Monday, September 9th at Richmond Country Club! Contact Falvey Insurance for registration.
08/22/2024
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time! Join us at Paws in the Park on Sat., Sept. 14, at Goddard Memorial State Park for a fun-filled dog walk, vendor marketplace, and more! Register now at www.givebutter.com/pitp24
08/22/2024
This pretty lady is Roselia!🌹 Roselia came to us in April while she was pregnant. She raised her kittens in a foster home and they have all gone to their forever homes, but she's still here! Not gonna lie, the tortitude can be strong with this one. She is so sweet but does enjoy her alone time and will let you know when she needs it. She's a very talkative girl and chatters away all day. Roselia needs a home where she can be the only pet because she absolutely HATES other cats. She would do well with children aged 10+. Submit an application for her at https://www.rispca.org/
08/21/2024
CALLING ALL ADOPTERS! Do you have an adoption story you would like shared on our "Sunday Smiles" or "Feel Good Friday" segments? Submit your happy tails stories and photos to Chloe at [email protected] to be featured! ❤
08/20/2024
RATATAT HAS BEEN ADOPTED!! The amount of support on his post yesterday was absolutely mind blowing and we can’t thank you guys enough! This crazy boy now gets to hunt all the rodents his heart desires ❤️ Everyone still looking for a barn cat, there’s more where that came from! Stay tuned for the next vicious killer 😈
08/20/2024
Reintroducing SPIRIT! He is the cutest wiggly pup who does need some work on his basic obedience skills. Spirit is quite small right now, but we believe he is going to be around 50-70 lbs when full grown. He has a lot of energy and is very intelligent and food motivated! So far he has his auto-sit down but could use a forever family to give him a loving home and guide him along the way. Spirit is now 7 months old, and he's been with us since he was 4 months old. Please don't let him grow up in the shelter! It's best if he lives with teens+ and no cats, but he's great with dogs! Submit an application at https://www.rispca.org/
Clear the Shelters
08/19/2024
RATATAT HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!! This is Ratatat. You may look at him and think, "Awww such a cute orange boy! I bet he's so sweet and silly!" WRONG. Ratatat may be cute, but he is not sweet. This cat has a thirst for blood. Humans, animals... it does not matter. He likes to trick people by rubbing on their legs making it seem like he wants to be pet, but it's all a facade. It'll last for maybe a minute before he realizes that he is NOT nice and then, he's in attack mode 👹 He has absolutely destroyed any toy we've given him (unlike we've ever seen before) and chows down his food like a mad man. He lives in one of the small rooms inside of the cat room, and tears all his stuff up because of his pent up frustration from not being able to go outside. Ratatat needs a barn home where he can live out his killing fantasies. He is not suitable for an indoor only home nor would he be happy at all living in one. He is not feral- he has the potential to be a friendly barn cat, just as long as he can hunt and has an outlet to act on his instincts. We are searching for a barn we can place Ratatat in as soon as possible and he is begging to get out. If Ratatat sounds like the perfect working cat for you, please reach out to Olivia at [email protected]!
*By barn, we don't mean JUST barns. Working cats may be placed into warehouses, breweries/wineries, marinas, auto body shops, etc. Really just anywhere that needs help controlling the rodent population that also has a safe home base where they can eat and lay their heads at night.*
08/19/2024
ADOPTED! Hi, I'm Piper! 🌶 I am a male boxer mix that recently travelled from Texas allllll the way to Rhode Island. They talk a lot about southern hospitality, but boy how nice are the people up north! I'm quite the dapper gentleman if I do say so myself, but I do get a little nervous at first. Just be patient with me and I'll warm up in no time. I'm not too high energy, but I still love walks and outside time! I would do best as the only pet in a home with teens+. Submit an application for me at https://www.rispca.org/
Clear the Shelters
08/18/2024
Felt cute, might delete later 💅
08/18/2024
SUNDAY SMILES... LULU EDITION ❤
Lulu, now named August, was adopted last week and they fell in love immediately! Her new dad has asked for everyone to follow her journey at on Instagram 🥰
08/17/2024
"My cats are brother and sister, they wouldn’t mate!"
"I only let my cat outside for a few minutes a day!"
"My cat keeps escaping and coming back pregnant!"
"I thought my cat was male!"
"My cat is too young to be pregnant!"
This is an x-ray of a pregnant cat. This is what will happen if you do not get your cat spayed/neutered. They will ALWAYS find a way to reproduce no matter what!
Some fun facts on feline reproduction from the staff at our Animal Health Center:
- Female cats come in to heat multiple times per year (up to every 2-3 weeks!)
- Female cats can get pregnant as early as 4 months of age and they do not care if their mate is their brother, first cousin, or even their father!
- Average length of pregnancy is 63 days and cats can get pregnant again within a few weeks of giving birth.
- Average litter size is 3-6 kittens for a first time mom.
- One unfixed female cat can have more than 100 kittens in her lifetime, who then go on to have kittens of their own, and so on.
- Intact cats are also at a high risk of developing reproductive cancers (uterine, ovarian, etc.) not to mention the constant threat of pyometra (a life threatening infection of the uterus). All of these conditions can be preventable by spaying your cats ‼️
Don't know where to get your cat fixed? Our Animal Health Center is accepting new clients! We spay/neuter dogs, cats, and rabbits. For more information, please visit https://www.rispca.org/ahc and contribute to reducing cat overpopulation!
08/17/2024
Slinky really enjoys visiting local libraries around our great state! He just wrapped up his summer programs at East Providence libraries and hopes to see you at a program near you soon!
08/16/2024
And that's a wrap on Critter Camp! This summer has absolutely flown by and we can't believe it's already over. Over the past 7 weeks, we did countless crafts, met all types of animals, had many special visits, learned about animal careers, what goes into caring for an animal, did experiments, played games, and SO MUCH MORE! Every day ended with a smile on everyone's face, so excited to tell their guardian(s) what they learned that day. Some families have even adopted animals they met during camp! Big special thank you to counselors Jeremy & Nicole, and volunteers Kerry & Olive who have worked so hard this summer! We can't wait till next year!! 🥰
Stay tuned for our winter camp announcement! In the meantime, we have some library programs coming up:
8/21 at 10am: Barrington Library
8/29 at 10:30am: Pawtucket Library
9/14 10am: Seekonk Library
9/23 at 6pm: Greenville Public Library
9/24 at 10:30am: North Smithfield Library
10/2 at 4pm: Lincoln Library
Please reach out to the library of your choosing for registration.
08/16/2024
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY! Hannah is another dog from the Pawtucket case, and her story was featured in our newsletter this past week. If you don't want to miss out, sign up for our mailing list at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/Cqr4ibX 💌
Swiffer (now Hannah) is a beautiful girl who recently came into our lives by chance! We adopted her through the RISPCA after being saved from a recent hoarding situation. All of the horrific experiences in her past, have not stopped her from being a little love! She is full of so much happiness and energy! Hannah enjoys playing with her toys, walking with her family and cuddling with everyone who is lucky enough to be in her company! We are so grateful to be her Mom and Dad!
08/15/2024
Today is 💤 Here is Golden Oreo reminding you to slow down, unwind and take care of yourself!
08/15/2024
Sylvester says thank you meowy much for these Hill’s Pet Nutrition gift bags to send home with me and all my friends! ❤
Clear the Shelters
08/14/2024
We are officially one month out from our 22nd Annual Paws in the Park event! Please join us on September 14th at Goddard Park from 10am to 1pm. There will be a vendor marketplace, scenic dog walk, canine costume contest, raffle baskets, kids' activities, and food trucks from Lemon Lane, Juice Ju**ie, Finn's French Crepes, Iggy's, and La Guaguita Del Sabor! Registration now open at https://givebutter.com/pitp24
We can't wait to see everyone and their adorable pups! ❤
08/13/2024
Make way for the next FeLV+ big boy up for adoption! This is Tractor 🚜, and he's quite the hot mess who stole all of our hearts. He came from Texas last month, and by hot mess, we mean that he has quite a few special needs. For starters, Tractor positive for FeLV, meaning he can only live with other FeLV cats (or cats vaccinated against the virus) and dogs. He also has arthritis - so we hope that he can stay on some pain meds and a joint supplement to manage this as he loves to run around! Along with his arthritis, he has chronic upper respiratory issues, so you can hear him breathing from about a mile away (i.e. the name Tractor), but his breathing does not effect his quality of life. Despite his plethora of health-related issues, Tractor remains a bright soul who loves to play and snuggle. He would do great with kids as he's the sweetest little ham! If Tractor sounds like the guy for you, please submit an application at https://www.rispca.org/
08/13/2024
Slinky, Beans, Beatrice and Fiona are excited to go back to school soon! We are now accepting registration for our Critters in the Classroom programming, which involves a visit with an animal ambassador, activity, and lesson of your choosing. For more information scan the QR code below or go to www.rispca.org/humane-education
08/12/2024
BIG NEWS EVERYONE… POPSICLE HAS BEEN ADOPTED! His new family is absolutely smitten with him and as you can see, the feeling is mutual! It was a bittersweet day, it’s hard when an animal you’ve come to know so well goes off on their next adventure. We wish a lifetime of love and happiness to our special boy 💗💗
08/12/2024
Welcome to Tillie's Circus 🎪 The campers had a very special visit last week from therapy dog Tillie and her owner! The kids got to "teach" Tillie circus tricks and put on a performance at the end to showcase everything she learned. She's such a smart girl and everyone LOVED her! Big thank you to Tillie & Amy! 🥰
08/11/2024
I was meant to be a fishy in this life 🐟 If I could stay in the water all day long I would.
I wanted to send you a little update on Simon. Overall he is doing well! He took to his 2 week confinement way better than I thought he would and once he was freed he hung around the barn for a couple days, not straying far. The last week or so however I sometimes go a day or two without seeing him, but he always returns for breakfast and dinner :) yesterday he left me his first mouse, right at the barn door. He is pretty skittish around my dog (who would reallllllllly like to check out the new guy) so I’m hoping with time he gets more comfortable and we get to spend some more time with him when he isn’t lurking and hiding around the yard. Thanks so much for pairing us together!
08/10/2024
Today kicks off the 10th annual campaign which runs through September 10th! Clear the Shelters is a month-long movement by NBC10 to promote adopting from shelters all over the country. They will be fundraising for thousands of shelters, including us, and imploring people to ADOPT, DONATE, and FOSTER! One of their lead sponsors, Hill's Pet Nutrition, has provided us with adoption kits to help new pet parents get started on the right foot! Stay tuned for our adoption events and promos coming up soon. Can we get August dog of the month, Ralph, out of the shelter?! Please visit the links below 👇👇👇
🐶 ADOPTABLE ANIMALS: https://www.rispca.org/
❤ DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN: https://clearthesheltersfund.org/
💙 DONATE DIRECTLY TO US: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?envid=p-FFpFyPFKVkegwm1ylfn4WQ&formId=77cf7715-6619-458a-82fe-e2fb03409241&svcid=renxt&zone=usa
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
08/10/2024
Who’s ready for the last week of camp? I know I am!!
08/09/2024
This just in... 4 gold medals for Team Humane Ed! 🥇🥇🥇🥇
08/09/2024
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY! Pursteam (now Ziti) is from the Pawtucket hoarding case. He's livin' the good life now!!
He’s taking beginner obedience classes at Angell/MSPCA! And loves the outdoors, long walks, and belly rubs. We love Ziti, thank you for saving him. He is truly getting more confident and happy every day. His new doggie sister is also a rescue from a hoarding situation and they love each other. Thank you especially to the wonderful shelter staff who helped him before we met him!
08/08/2024
HAPPY !! How are you guys celebrating your feline friends today? Superstar volunteers Sabrina and Ron are spending some quality time with adoptable Mooshie 🫶🏼💗
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Videos
I was meant to be a fishy in this life 🐟 If I could stay in the water all day long I would. #superspudsundays
APPLY FOR ME! https://www.rispca.org
It's Slinky, it's Slinky, it's fun, it's a wonderful toy...wait what? I'm not a toy!! And this thing isn't very fun either! #thereisonlyoneslinky #slinkytheferret #sillyslinky
Wally!
WALLY WEDNESDAYS 🖤
So, I’m a little (more like alot) disappointed. No one came to get me during the Black Friday promotion, even with half off my adoption fee! What does a guy have to do around here to find a family? I'm a great guy with tons of love to give. As you can see, I am a master treat catcher. Please share me with all your friends, I promise to be the best boy if you'll have me. 😞
Apply at https://www.rispca.org/adoptable-dogs
Lucy was an absolute ANGEL at Pride Fest! Even though it was very overwhelming with all the people, she was a total champ and made friends with everyone! She's seriously so perfect, it's a shame she hasn't been scooped up already 😞🤞
Apply for her at https://www.rispca.org/adoptable-dogs
Best kitten socialization award goes to…THIS VIDEO! 🏆 This is one of our most seasoned bottle baby fosters’ dog, and he is such an important tool for socialization. Look how gentle he is, and how comfortable the kittens are with him even though he is 1000x their size. The positive association created here will set them up for life knowing that dogs are friends, not scary giants. While this isn’t feesable for every dog and/or foster home, we are incredibly grateful for him and all of the “foster siblings” we do have 💗
Slinky kisses 💋 😘 You're welcome!
We made popsicles for our smallies out of apple sticks and single ingredient baby food, and they LOVED IT!!! 10/10 would recommend, and they definitely want us to make this a weekly summer treat 🥕🍎
Follow us on Tik Tok! https://www.tiktok.com/@rhodeislandspca?_t=8ml10kDqRRv&_r=1
The silliest, happiest little dogs ever ❤️ We have 3 more of the Pawtucket dogs available for adoption, check them out at https://www.rispca.org/adoptable-dogs
We put together this video to explain a little about our walking path and express our gratitude to Rhode Island Energy for making this safe space for our dogs! 🐶❤️
Here’s a timelapse of these little ravenous panthers having breakfast for your Friday afternoon!
Liam and Levi are bonded brothers who are ~1 year old and obviously LOVE food. They go crazy at the sight of it and to keep them occupied for a little bit, they eat their meals on a licky mat. They need a cat-savvy home that will give them lots of enrichment so they do not get bored and decide to eat your food instead 🫣 They’re kind of like a working dog, they need a purpose and things to do or else they’ll go stir crazy. If you have an active lifestyle and need two partners to go on adventures and have fun with, these boys are for you!!
Learn more about them at https://www.rispca.org/adoptable-cats
Don't sleep now! #401Gives was extended to 9PM tonight! Will you help us reach our goal of 150 donors and $12,500??
https://tinyurl.com/401givesRISPCA
The good news is that Wally can even entertain himself 😂 Here he is playing tug with the tug toy attached to the fence. Wally is a 2 yr old Great Dane Mix and is such a lovable soul 💜 He's super sweet, loves everyone he meets, and his eyes will just melt your heart when you see him in person. Come meet our happy gentle giant, you'll be glad you did!! Here's his bio and application: https://www.rispca.org/adoptable-dogs#sl_embed&page=shelterluv_wrap_1646251360755%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2FRIS-A-7475
March doing his happy stretches!! If you're in the market for a young, fun, happy, sweet, big pup of a dog, then March is your guy!!! Get more info on him at https://www.rispca.org/adoptable-dogs
The Rhode Island SPCA is the third oldest humane society in the United States. In 1870, Henry Bergh, founder of the American SPCA in New York and George T. Angell, founder of the Massachusetts SPCA, were asked to address a committee in Rhode Island to aid in forming a humane society which ultimately became the present day RISPCA. The committee appeared before the State Legislature and directors of the RISPCA were elected. Governor Elisha Dyer invited the body to meet in his office. W. Lloyd Bowers was appointed the first general agent of the newly formed organization.
In 1872, a Ladies’ Auxiliary to the SPCA was formed and 100 women joined. Any lady who had one dollar to spare annually was eligible to become a member. The Society was criticized by many citizens who felt that there were too many poor people to care for first. The Society’s response? “The poor we have always with us. ‘Tis useless to wait until there are no poor.”
On March 12, 1873, the women of the Ladies’ Auxiliary started a new project by going to schools and talking with children about the care and training of pets. This was the beginning of the Rhode Island Humane Education Society, which is still in existence today. Its mission is carried on by the Humane Education Department at the RISPCA.
In 1920, a woman named Sarah E. Gardiner of Newport, whom the Society helped from time to time in removing stray cats, passed away. Her estate, valued at approximately $33,000, was bequeathed to the Society. This made it possible to erect our first headquarters, located at 372 Fountain Street in Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1982, the Society was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to construct a new shelter at our present location at 186 Amaral Street, Riverside, Rhode Island. This was made possible by the generosity of concerned people who believe deeply in our cause to “speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
On July 1, 2002, E.J. Fi*****io, D.V.M. became the first veterinarian to head the society in its 140 year history.
Dr. Fi*****io served as the 10th President and General Agent of the Rhode Island SPCA for 18 years, retiring in March of 2019.
A tireless and dedicated crusader for animal welfare, Dr. Fi*****io was known and respected for his tireless advocacy on behalf of creatures great and small. He was one of the first veterinarians in the State of Rhode Island with a dedicated equine practice and he owned and operated New England Horse Care Center for 35 years prior to assuming leadership of the Rhode Island SPCA.
While at the Rhode Island SPCA, he successfully advocated for significant enhancements to Rhode Island’s animal welfare laws, expanded the Society’s volunteer base and instituted major improvements to the Society’s shelter and facilities, all while continuing to be directly connected with the diverse constituencies served by the Society.
Dr. Fi*****io was the founder of the Marvin Fund, named after the disabled black Labrador Retriever he adopted who became a celebrity in his own right. The Marvin Fund provides direct financial assistance for necessary veterinary care to low income pet owners and has assisted thousands of family pets since its inception in 2010.
Dr. Fi*****io was named the Veterinarian of the year by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Society in 2019.
