Surrender a Pet

Here at the Rhode Island SPCA, we understand that parting ways with your pet can be especially difficult and we’re committed to working with you to ensure the best possible solution for you and your pet.

All animals being surrendered for adoption must be in relatively good health and not have bitten a person or another animal within the last fourteen days. They should be free of major medical and behavioral problems. If your dog, for example, resource guards (snaps at people or animals if approached when eating, etc.), this may be something we can work on with our dog trainers, however, you must be forthcoming with such information.

We are not a city or state shelter that accepts strays. We accept owned pets for which people can no longer care for. We encourage someone who finds a stray animal to contact their local animal control officer since that is where an animal is more likely to be reunited with its owner.

Surrenders must be made by the owner of the pet, or that owner must have provided written permission for the pet to be surrendered to the Rhode Island SPCA.

Every effort is made to find a good home for animals that are relinquished to us. Our staff and volunteers interact daily with all of the animals to help them transition to the shelter environment. We have no time limit on how long animals are held at the shelter.

 

 Intake Fees

       Cats: $35
       Dogs: $60
       Litters of 3 or more: $50

       Rabbits: $25 w/ or w/out cage
       Exotic and Small Animals: $15 w/cage (w/o cage varies)

* All payments must be made at the time of relinquishment.
** The Rhode Island SPCA reserves the right to modify these donations at our discretion.

 

Our Intake Process

1. Call ahead to confirm that there is space available for your pet. Please note that we do not euthanize animals for space.

2. Once we have made an appointment for you, plan to come in during surrender hours (10am-noon, and 1pm-4pm) that day.

3. If you are surrendering your dog, please fill out the Dog Profile and we will review and call you to schedule a time to come in.

4. If you are surrendering your cat or small animal, please contact our shelter at info@rispca.com or (401) 438.8150.

5. When you arrive, please leave your pet outside (in your car or with a friend) and notify staff that you have arrived. Please do NOT leave an animal in a hot car. If you are relinquishing a dog, you will be asked to wait outside for the Trainer to evaluate the dog. Cats and small animals may come into the lobby area in a pet carrier.

6. Complete the relinquishment paperwork during business hours. This step generally takes about 30 minutes.

 

You will need:

• A valid driver’s license or state ID.
• Payment in cash or check made payable to RISPCA.
• Any medical history, medications, and proof of vaccinations. If you would like to have your pet’s medical records sent to us, your vet can fax them to us at (401) 438-8154.

Additionally, you can use the below link to promote your pet through Adopt-A-Pet and choose RISPCA as your organization.