Rhode Island Community Pet Project Takes Over Clinic

Categories: Business NewsHealthcareNewsVeterinary

The new Rhode Island Community Pet Project clinic aims to continue essential services for local pets.

News Summary

A new nonprofit, the Rhode Island Community Pet Project, is set to assume operations of the Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic, which is closing on April 25 due to financial losses. The transition aims to continue providing essential veterinary services to low-income pet owners in East Providence. As the clinic shuts its doors, many local residents, who have relied on affordable veterinary care, face concerns over the ongoing national crisis in veterinary care costs.

East Providence – A new nonprofit organization, the Rhode Island Community Pet Project, is set to take over the Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic, which is slated to close on April 25 due to financial difficulties faced by the Potter League for Animals. The Pets in Need clinic, situated on Amaral Street in the Riverside neighborhood, will continue its mission of providing veterinary services to low-income pet owners and is designed to cater to the needs of the community’s pets.

Potter League’s CEO has indicated that the clinic is shutting down after four years of operating at a substantial loss, estimated between $350,000 to $400,000 each year. Increased costs for veterinary care and operational expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic have rendered it financially unsustainable for the organization to manage the clinic. As they exit, Potter League is working to connect clients with alternative resources for pet care.

Approximately 4,000 individuals benefit from the Pets in Need program annually, making the closure an impactful loss for the community. The clinic’s extensive service offerings, including affordable spaying and neutering, have been a critical resource for many pet owners in East Providence. The cuts come as the national veterinary care crisis continues, with costs rising faster than inflation, creating barriers for pet owners seeking affordable treatment options for their animals.

Transfer of Leadership

Following the shutdown of the Pets in Need clinic, the Rhode Island Community Pet Project will step in to ensure that the essential services remain available. The clinic previously operated under the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals before transitioning to the Potter League’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support the ongoing efforts to provide affordable veterinary care in the region, the Potter League for Animals has recently received a $100,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation. This funding aims to subsidize veterinary care and medical supplies, allowing the Potter League to lower costs for surgical procedures and provide essential services at their animal care and adoption center in Middletown. The league plans to perform around 6,500 spay and neuter procedures this year at prices ranging from $180 to $350, significantly lower than private clinics.

Resources for Pet Owners

As the Pets in Need clinic prepares to close, pet owners are encouraged to take advantage of services before the deadline, especially for preventative care and long-term prescription refills. In addition to the upcoming changes, limited services will remain available at the Potter League’s spay and neuter clinic in Warwick. The Rhode Island Veterinary Access to Care Coalition also offers discounted and subsidized veterinary care options, accessible via their online platform.

The Rhode Island Foundation has allocated a total of $550,000 to various animal welfare programs, with the Potter League receiving the largest single grant as part of their initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of pets and their owners in the state. Local animal rescuers have underscored the critical importance of accessible veterinary services, particularly when it comes to rescuing and helping animals in need.

Conclusion

The upcoming transition of the Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic to the Rhode Island Community Pet Project highlights the ongoing challenges faced in providing affordable veterinary care. While Potter League for Animals adjusts its offerings in the wake of financial struggles, efforts continue to ensure community pet services remain available and accessible for low-income pet owners throughout East Providence and surrounding areas.