Surrendering a Pet
The Potter League is here for you and your pet.
We understand that making the decision to give up a pet can be incredibly difficult. Often, families come to us feeling like they have no other choice—but in some cases, there may be resources or support that can help keep pets in the homes where they’re loved.
Before moving forward with surrender, we encourage you to explore possible alternatives. From assistance with food and supplies to behavior support, veterinary care, and guidance on pet-friendly housing, our team may be able to help.
If rehoming is the best path forward, we’re here to help guide you through safe and thoughtful ways to find a new home for your pet.
Support & Resources
Cost of Medical Care
We may be able to help. Learn more about financial assistance for pets.
Cost of Food & Supplies
We may be able to assist with pet food and other supplies, based on current availability.
Too Many Pets
We offer low-cost spay and neuter services through the Potter League Spay & Neuter Clinic.
Pet Friendly Housing
Explore tips and guidance for finding housing that allows pets.
Behavior Issues
From introductions to ongoing behavior concerns, explore our resource library, training classes, and free behavior helpline.
Rehoming On Your Own
If you need to find a new home for your pet, starting within your own network can often lead to the best outcome. Consider reaching out to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers—someone who already knows you may be willing to provide a loving home.
You can also use tools like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet, which allows you to create a profile for your pet, connect with potential adopters, and review applications from people interested in adding them to their family.
Rehoming through Potter League for Animals
We know this isn’t an easy decision.
If you’ve explored all other options and feel that rehoming your pet through the Potter League is the best next step, our team is here to support you and help guide the process with care and compassion.
Because we want to ensure every animal receives the time, space, and resources they need, all surrenders are by appointment only.
We accept owned animals from Rhode Island and stray animals from Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. Newport County residents needing to relinquish animals are given priority. There is no fee to bring a stray animal to the Potter League.
Start the Surrender Process
The first step is completing a personality profile for your pet. This helps our team understand their needs, behavior, and history so we can determine the best next steps.
Once submitted, our team will review your pet’s information and follow up with you directly. This may include scheduling an appointment or discussing other options that could be a better fit.
What to Expect
Appointments are required and scheduled after your pet’s profile has been reviewed. This allows us to plan appropriately and provide the best possible care.
At your appointment:
- Please bring any available veterinary records
- Pets should arrive safely in a carrier or on a collar and leash
- Plan for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Location:
Potter League Animal Care & Adoption Center
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
Who We Accept
We accept owned animals from Rhode Island, as well as stray animals from Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. Priority is given to residents of Newport County.
Surrender Fees
As a nonprofit organization, the cost of caring for each animal often exceeds the surrender fee. These fees help offset a portion of that care.
Dog or Puppy: $50
Cat or Kitten: $35
Litters of 3+ Kittens: $50
Rabbits: $25
Other Small Animals: $10
While surrender fees help offset a portion of care, the true cost of caring for each animal often reaches hundreds—or even thousands of dollars—depending on their individual needs.
No animal will be turned away due to financial hardship. If you have concerns about the surrender fee, please speak with a member of our team—we’re here to help.
There is no fee to bring in a stray animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an appointment?
Scheduling allows us to prepare space, staffing, and resources ahead of time so each animal receives the care and attention they deserve.
What happens after I submit the form?
A member of our team will review your pet’s profile and follow up to discuss next steps, which may include scheduling an appointment or exploring alternative options.
Will all pets be accepted?
We’ll ask questions about your pet’s behavior and medical history so we can understand their needs and determine how we can best support them. We accept owned animals from Rhode Island and cannot accept owned pets from outside the state. For safety reasons, we also cannot accept animals who have been trained for attack or have a known history of serious aggression. If we’re not the right fit, our team will do our best to help guide you toward other options.
What happens during my appointment?
During your appointment, our team will review your pet’s history with you and gather any additional information needed to support their care.
Will my pet find a new home through the Potter League?
Pets in our care receive compassionate, individualized attention from our dedicated staff and volunteers. Every animal’s journey is different—we take the time to understand each pet’s needs and work to match them with an adopter, which can take time. We do not place time limits on an animal’s stay. Some pets may find a home quickly, while others may take longer depending on their individual needs.