Our Mission

Rhode Island Pet Network is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to raising visibility, awareness, and resources for homeless and in-need animals in Rhode Island. As the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island has a unique opportunity to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration in advancing animal welfare. Our mission is to play a vital role in this effort by connecting resources through networking, community events, media outreach, and advocacy.

Founded in 2010 as a Facebook community to support shelter pets and homeless animals, we secured our 501(c)(3) status in 2021 to address the growing need for assistance. Our focus is to help low-income and fixed-income pet owners—especially seniors and individuals with disabilities—access lifesaving or life-preserving medical care for their pets. By doing so, we aim to prevent struggling Rhode Islanders from having to choose between essential care for their beloved pets and their own basic needs, such as food and housing. We also strive to keep pets in loving homes rather than being surrendered to the overburdened shelter system.

Since we began actively fundraising in November 2022, we have seen a rising number of requests for help with veterinary care costs—from emergency surgeries and cancer treatments to procedures like dental extractions to address infections. Rhode Island Pet Network is committed to bridging this gap by providing the support needed to keep pets healthy, safe, and with the families who love them.

As medical emergencies arise, individual pet guardians and local animal welfare organizations need immediate assistance. We aim to have funds available to contribute at times of urgent need.

Since our inception, we have contributed support to the following organizations, as well as many individual owners in need:

• Abandoned Dogs of Rhode Island

• Almost Home Rescue

• Animal Rescue of New England

• Bristol Animal Shelter

• Congress for the Birds

• Exeter Animal Shelter

• Four Dogs Senior Animal Rescue

• Free Stray and Feral Cat Shelters and Feeding Stations, RI/MA

• Friends of Homeless Animals, INC of RI

• Horses 4 Hope

• Mattersville

• No Kitty Left Behind

• Operation Pawsibility Project

• Pawtucket Animal Shelter

• Pawswatch at the Community Cat Center

• Rhode Island Feline Rescue

• Save One Soul Animal Rescue League

• Scruffy Paws Animal Rescue

• Second Chance Cats of Kent County

• Shelter to Sofa RI

• Vintage Pet Rescue and Vintage Pet Rescue Community Outreach Team

• West Place Animal Sanctuary

• West Warwick Animal Shelter