FAQs

Annually, the Potter League receives between 1,800 and 2,200 dogs, cats, and small mammals at our Animal Care & Adoption Center. Over the past five years, a noticeable trend is the decreasing number of locally surrendered dogs, attributed to various programs and changing public attitudes toward spaying and neutering. To meet the community’s demand for puppies and dogs, we’ve initiated the Fetching Friends transport program, bringing in dogs from areas with high animal populations and prevalent euthanasia practices. This program not only reduces euthanasia rates but also leads to delighted adopters.

Additionally, our veterinary clinics attend to an average of around 7,000 animals each year.

The Potter League discourages the use of the phrase “no kill” as the term is very misleading and confusing.

A “no kill” shelter is one where no adoptable animal is euthanized and animals are not euthanized for time and space. No Kill shelters do euthanize for health and behavior reasons or actively turn away unadoptable animals. The way each organization defines or each individual views the terminology is not easy to follow.

What we can tell you is that the Potter League for Animals is in a very fortunate position that we never have to euthanize an animal for lack of space and no adoptable animal is ever given a time limit. Based on this and our very high placement rate, many would call us a no kill shelter.

We prefer to be known as an open admission shelter, to help all animals, and to never be misleading. The Potter League also believes we have a responsibility to ensure that we do not place dangerous animals in the community and that no animal suffers from a medical condition that goes beyond our ability to provide treatment. We are lucky to be able to treat many conditions because of our fundraising efforts that would doom the life of an animal in many other shelters. We are also lucky to have an experienced behavior and training staff who work on behavior modification for adoption animals.

Euthanasia is performed when it is the only alternative to end an animal’s suffering: irreversible disease, injury or other infirmities or those that pose a safety threat, euthanasia is the most humane alternative. Indefinite confinement or warehousing animals, isolation or indiscriminate placement are not acceptable alternatives.

As a community, we all share responsibility for Newport County’s and Rhode Island’s euthanasia rates. The stray cat we feed but do not fix. The pet shop where we buy a puppy. The accidental litter at home. So many of the choices we make and that our friends and family make affect the community’s euthanasia rate. As an open admission shelter, we believe there must be a place that will not turn animals away.

We hope that you will find your role in actively helping us to reduce euthanasia. We are committed to finding every adoptable pet a family.

While we don’t euthanize adoptable animals, we object to the “no-kill” label because it divides shelters and people that need to work together to focus on what matters, which is saving as many pets’ lives as possible. 

Every adoptable pet at the Potter League finds a loving home, regardless of the time it takes. We don’t set predetermined time limits for holding animals; instead, our focus is on securing the best possible homes for them. Highly adoptable breeds or adorable kittens and puppies may find homes almost immediately upon arrival, while others, particularly older animals, might take a bit longer to match with the right family.

In instances where an animal’s health or behavior necessitates it, humane euthanasia may be considered. Our approach to euthanasia aligns with the same compassionate standards your vet would use when faced with the challenging decision to peacefully put a beloved family pet to rest.

The Potter League is a private nonprofit organization with 501(c) (3) status. The League is funded by donations from individuals and charitable foundations; by our animal housing contracts; by income from an endowment and by funds from special events. Bequests help to ensure the ongoing financial stability of the League and, as with all gifts, are greatly appreciated. As a non‑profit, charitable organization, all donations to the Potter League are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our financial records are independently audited each year.

We do not. Rhode Island state law requires that only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may take in wildlife. If you have found what you think is an injured or orphaned wild animal, please contact the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island at (401) 294-6363 before taking action so they can assess the situation with you in real time. Not all circumstances require intervention or may require special instructions.

For relinquished animals – the Potter League accepts owned animals from Rhode Island and beyond, but gives preference to any resident of Newport County (Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Tiverton and Little Compton). The Potter League accepts stray animals from those communities with which we have animal control housing contracts – Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth.

The Potter League Animal Care & Adoption Center assists dogs, cats and other pets such as guinea pigs or bunnies. We do not shelter wildlife. We are happy to make referrals to appropriate agencies and organizations.

The Potter League Spay & Neuter Clinic only sees dogs & cats. 

The Pets In Need Veterinary Clinic welcomes all companion animals.

Our mission is limited to working with animals that are brought to us for placement in new homes. We simply don’t have the resources to come out to rescue animals in distress. If you are concerned about a stray or other animal, please call your local animal control office. You may also report suspected abuse or neglect to the Rhode Island SPCA at 401-438-8150 ext 2.

Ensuring the well-being of our animals involves significant expenses for sheltering, feeding, and overall care. Some may require veterinary attention before adoption, making the ongoing cost of adopting a companion animal substantial. We project an annual expense of $1,000 – $2,000 per pet, covering proper vet care, a nutritious diet, and general well-being.

Our adoption fee incorporates an examination, microchip, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick preventatives, and necessary medications. However, it’s essential to note that these fees roughly contribute to only 25% of the total expenses, encompassing medical care and the overall care of the animal while awaiting its new home.

We take in over 1,500 animals annually. Between our veterinary clinics and shelter, we handle more than 7,000 animals each year.  Our daily numbers vary due to the season, but we can house around 100 animals at one time.

If you need to find a new home for your pet, personally rehoming may be the best option. This keeps them out of the shelter, and because you know your pet best, you can be involved in finding the most suitable home and family. If you’ve exhausted your options, visit the our programs section to learn how we can help you navigate the surrender process.

Health challenges are inherent in any facility with multiple animals, be it shelters, pet stores, or breeders. Your puppy or kitten, even during routine visits to the veterinarian, obedience school, or the park, can be exposed to various diseases. We urge all pet owners to exercise utmost caution regarding their pet’s health, ensuring up-to-date immunizations and maintaining comprehensive medical records. The stress of shelter life can indeed compromise an animal’s immunity.

Animals arrive at the Potter League Animal Care Center from diverse sources, and their prior health care is often uncertain. To address this, we prioritize assessing an animal’s health during the initial evaluation and continuously monitor their well-being throughout their stay. Our team of experienced veterinarians and technicians diligently screen animals, providing necessary medical care and vaccinations.

In our commitment to overall health, we offer high-quality Hill’s pet food to our animals. This choice not only tends to keep them healthier but also minimizes stress on their systems, reinforcing our dedication to their well-being.

The Potter League for Animals is an independent not-for-profit organization. We are not a branch of any other animal welfare organization and we don’t receive any funding from government sources.

A portion of our funding is provided by the fees charged in the shelter and clinic, and some comes from special events and grants from corporations and foundations.

The majority of our expenses are covered by the contributions of individuals who share our passion for the animals. Visit the Donate section of this website to learn how you can make contributions to our cause.

Of course we welcome your assistance in other ways as well. Visit the Volunteer page for information on volunteering at the shelter and other things you can do to help the animals.

Most of the animals arriving at our shelter have diverse breed backgrounds, posing challenges in precisely identifying their mix. Assigning breed labels to dogs often relies on educated guesses, and studies show that these labels are inaccurate 75% of the time. Our approach involves removing breed labels to focus on a dog’s personality and observable traits, promoting transparency and aiding adopters in making informed decisions. Essentially, we prioritize understanding the individual over categorizing the breed. We share comprehensive information with adopters, aiming for the best possible match.

No, we do not perform DNA testing due to its cost and time-intensive nature. Additionally, even if we determine a pet’s genetic makeup, breed traits may not always be accurately reflected in mixed breeds. Instead, we prioritize understanding the individuality of each pet, including their personality, unique behaviors, and all the wonderful characteristics that make them distinct.

Unfortunately, we don’t maintain a waiting list for adoptable animals. Instead, our focus is on providing personalized assistance directly at the shelter to ensure optimal matches. Managing a waiting list could divert valuable staff resources and potentially hinder the adoption process for both the animals and prospective adopters. If an animal is reserved but not adopted, it could lead to missed opportunities for other suitable matches with visitors who are present at the shelter. We encourage you to visit us in person to explore and connect with the wonderful pets available for adoption.

To explore our available pets, you can utilize the ‘Browse Pets‘ page on our website, enabling you to conduct a search and discover more about the wonderful animals awaiting loving homes.