The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promote, protect and advance the well-being of Rhode Island’s companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals each year. For more than 90 years we have been committed to service the needs of the people and animals in the Rhode Island community and across New England as a 4-star Charity Navigator rated nonprofit ranking in the top 1% nationally.
As the heart of a compassionate community, we enrich lives and promote the humane treatment of animals.
We are here for all animals.
The Potter League Animal Care and Adoption Center located in Middletown, RI is an “open admission” shelter which is able to help as many pets as possible.
We provide support to communities and families through our broad range of programs and services, including the Potter League Spay Neuter Clinic, located in Warwick RI, which performs over 7,500 subsidized surgeries on dogs and cats in RI and neighboring communities in CT & MA. We provide low-cost veterinary care to over 3,500 income-qualifying Rhode Islanders at the Pets In Need Veterinary Clinic located in Riverside, RI.
Our commitment to all animals means we are willing to pursue all reasonable efforts in order to provide for their well-being. We are the community’s animal care and resource center.
We are guided by these values and beliefs:
In order to be a true “shelter” we must keep the doors open for any animal in our service area that needs our help. Our mission is simple — to care for all. There is no magic or quick solution to the problems of unwanted animals. The Potter League is committed to always look for new ways to increase adoptions, keep animals in their homes and decrease euthanasia. Our multi-faceted community outreach is aimed at education and prevention and our programs reflect this:
Our doors are opened to all unwanted animals in Rhode Island and beyond – the ill, the aged, the dangerous, the badly behaved and the unappealing as well as the highly adoptable animals. We have great concern over what might happen to those deemed less desirable if we close our doors to these animals. Would they suffer as strays on the street after being abandoned? All unwanted animals deserve compassionate handling and a fair chance for a good life… and they will receive it here at the Potter League for Animals.
The Potter League supports equity, justice and inclusion within the animal welfare industry and the communities that we serve. We strive to empower a diverse team of volunteers, staff, Board Members, and community partners in an environment that supports our differences while promoting the humane treatment of animals and providing equitable access to pet ownership and services.
With rising inflation, lack of affordable housing, rising evictions, and increased rental fees, people are having to move and having an extremely difficult time finding housing they can afford or
The Potter League for Animals is a critical lifeline for pets who deserve a second chance. There is no limit to how long an animal stays in our care.