About Us

Meet Rhode Island Pet Network

We are a grassroots, all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to raising visibility, awareness and resources for homeless and in-need animals in and around Rhode Island. Through our networking and fundraising initiatives, we aim to support local animal shelters and rescues; as well as provide financial aid for life-saving and life-preserving medical care to pets whose owners are struggling to care for them due to financial or medical hardships.

As a small organization, we rely on private donations, grants, corporate donors, and community partnerships to sustain our mission of making sure Rhode Island’s pets in need get the care and opportunities they so desperately deserve.

  • What services does Rhode Island Pet Network provide?

    For shelters, rescues and non-profit animal welfare organizations, we offer pro bono PR and media relations support; social media networking; planning of joint events and fundraisers; assistance with volunteer and foster recruitment campaigns; financial aid for emergency medical care and assistance with other resources for hard-to-place animals; and other collaborations.

    For the public, we assist in connecting owners with the resources they need to keep their pets safe and healthy, as well as to prevent unsafe rehoming or abandonment of unwanted pets. We also assist low-income Rhode Islanders, the elderly and disabled, and those facing extenuating hardships provide lifesaving and life-preserving medical care to their pets in emergency situations.

    See our list of some of the organizations and individuals who have benefitted from the support of our generous donors here.

  • What does Rhode Island Pet Network use donations for?

    As a small, all-volunteer organization, we rely entirely on community support, grants and private donations to maintain our emergency veterinary care fund in order to respond quickly to requests for financial aid for lifesaving medical support. Your tax-deductible donations directly help us save lives.

  • What type of medical care do you support?

    We assess every situation and the extent of our ability to help on a case-by-case basis based on available funds. We have provided financial support for procedures including, but not strictly limited to: 

    - Emergency care and surgeries following accidents (amputations, blood transfusions and other measures needed for stabilization of vitals)

    - Surgeries for intestinal blockages

    - Removal and treatment of cancerous tumors and lesions

    - Treatment for pancreatitis and other acute and severe medical conditions 

    - Treatment of kidney and gallstones 

    - Assessment and treatment of severe infections

    - Diagnostics for unknown conditions that present life-threatening symptoms 

  • My pet needs emergency care, how do I apply?
    Please fill out and email back our financial aid application here to see if you qualify for financial aid. Be sure to check your spam filter if you don’t receive a response, as we aim to reply to all applications within 24 hours (usually less).

  • How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?

    We understand that many Rhode Islanders are struggling to make ends meet in today's economic climate, and we do our best to work with anyone who truly needs help, although our funds are limited. To help us assess your need, please indicate on your application if you are on Medicaid, Unemployment, Rite Care/NHP, SSI/SSDI, Subsidized Housing, State Assistance/Food Stamps; or if you are impacted by extenuating circumstances, such as domestic violence, a death in the family, eviction/homelessness, recent job loss, or other hardships.

  • What other resources are available in Rhode Island?

    The high cost of major veterinary procedures may require the support of multiple organizations working together, and we firmly believe in the importance of collaboration. For a list of other financial aid organizations, as well as low-income veterinary clinics and other resources, visit RIVACC’s Programs & Services and Vintage Pet Rescue’s Pet Care Assistance Resources | Vintage Pet Rescue.

  • Can you take my pet that I need to rehome?

No, we are not a shelter or rescue. We can give you guidance in terms of rescue organizations you can try (see list here) and recommendations on the best way to go about trying to find a safe and responsible place for your pet, but we cannot directly take or rehome your pet for you. Please do not use Craig’s List or other “free pet” sites; we are happy to help you find a safer option.

How Can I Help?

At Rhode Island Pet Network, we strongly believe in the importance of community. Collaborations with individuals, businesses and other non-profit organizations — from across Rhode Island and beyond — are vital to our mission and imperative overall to improving animal welfare and moving towards a no-kill nation.

We greatly appreciate monetary donations, which allow us to maintain our emergency veterinary care fund. Since we are all volunteers, all money raised goes directly to helping pets in need and is tax deductible. Please also consider us if you or your company are looking to offer a donation match, host a fundraiser, or would like to get involved in volunteering.

We are also always looking for volunteers to assist us with grant writing, fundraising, event planning, graphic design, administrative support, shelter pet photography, and community outreach, as well as volunteers to assist at our events and annual holiday drive.

If you’re passionate about animal welfare, reach out and we can discuss a role that suits your skills and interests!