WARWICK, RI — The Potter League Spay and Neuter Clinic will use a $30,000 Rhode Island Foundation pet medical cost grant to help pay for surgeries and transportation for low-income owners.
The 235 Elm St. clinic is among nearly two dozen animal welfare programs across the state sharing $530,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support a range of uses including reduced-cost veterinary care for pets in low-income households, preparing animals for adoption and rescues.
In the past year, the Warwick clinic performed 5,689 spay or neuter surgeries, which the organization reports is substantially higher than in 2022. That care has not been solely focused within city borders.
“In our commitment to the well-being of pets across Rhode Island, we extend our care to animals from various corners of the state. Our philosophy remains grounded in the belief that every animal should have access to veterinary care and a safe haven. Our clinic continues to serve as a beacon of accessible veterinary care for beloved pets,” said Brad Shear, Potter’s CEO.
Shear said demand for care is growing for various reasons, including heightened public awareness of Potter Legue’s services, a rise in referrals from private veterinary practices, and an increasing financial strain on pet owners.
“By assisting those with the greatest need, we alleviate the burden on pet owners, sparing them from difficult decisions about prioritizing veterinary expenses over other necessities or facing the heartbreaking choice of relinquishing their pets due to financial constraints,” Shear said.
Donors established 14 special funds that enabled the Rhode Island Foundation to create its Program for Animal Welfare (PAW) program. 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.
PawsWatch in Johnston, the East Greenwich Animal Protection League, Friends of Animals In Need in North Kingstown, the Audubon Society of RI, Mystic Aquarium and are among the other organizations that received grants.
David N. Cicilline, Rhode Island Foundation president and CEO, said caring for pets improves Rhode Islanders’ health and well being.
“The pleasure that pets bring to our lives spills over into our own health and well-being. Keeping pets healthy and preparing animals for adoption is just one way the Foundation helps Rhode Islanders lead healthier lives,” said Cicilline, “We could not offer this help without the generous support of the donors who establish funds with us for this purpose. Their generosity – together with the dedication of our grantees – is increasing the quality of animal care in Rhode Island.”
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic 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.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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